Cosmos Institute — AI and Human Autonomy Fellowship
Globalby Cosmos Institute
A Cosmos Institute fast-grant fellowship for builders preserving human autonomy in the age of AI — funding tools that keep us deciding how to live well rather than offloading that judgment to machines.
Apply Now$1k–$10k fast grants (larger amounts considered for exceptional proposals)
90 days (working prototype)
Global
Open to builders working on AI that preserves human autonomy — reducing excessive deference to AI systems and supporting our capacity for self-formation.
Summer 2026 round; rolling review, closes July 26, 2026
7/11/2026
July 26, 2026
About This Fellowship
Every major technology has expanded what we can do and become — from writing that externalized memory to the printing press that relieved us of copying. AI is the first technology that goes further by tempting us to offload decisions about what to do and how to live well. Cosmos Institute argues that this faculty — autonomy — is the most at risk and the most in need of preserving.
The AI and Human Autonomy fellowship funds builders with $1k–$10k fast grants (larger amounts considered for exceptional proposals) and a 90-day window to develop a working prototype, alongside a place in a vetted community of builders and thinkers — advisors, mentors, and past grantees — at the AI × philosophy frontier.
The program is keen to back work that reduces excessive deference to AI systems and builds systems that support our capacity for self-formation.
What You Get
A fast grant, 90 days to build, and access to a vetted network of advisors, mentors, and past grantees.
- $1k–$10k fast grant, with larger amounts considered for exceptional proposals
- 90-day period to develop a working prototype
- Connection to a vetted network at the AI × philosophy frontier — advisors, mentors, and past grantees
What They Fund
Projects that preserve human autonomy as AI tempts us to offload judgment about how to live.
- Tools that reduce excessive deference to AI systems
- Systems that support our capacity for self-formation
- Work that keeps human judgment central to consequential decisions
How to Apply
Rounds run on a rolling basis with published close dates.
- Apply directly via the Cosmos Institute Research & Fellowships page
- Current round closes July 26, 2026
- Selection favors builders ready to ship a working prototype in 90 days
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Frequently asked questions
How much funding does the AI & Human Autonomy provide?
Cosmos Institute — AI and Human Autonomy Fellowship provides $1k–$10k fast grants (larger amounts considered for exceptional proposals). The program runs for 90 days (working prototype).
When is the AI & Human Autonomy application deadline?
The current deadline is July 26, 2026. Application cycle: Summer 2026 round; rolling review, closes July 26, 2026. Applications are currently open.
Who is eligible for the AI & Human Autonomy?
Open to builders working on AI that preserves human autonomy — reducing excessive deference to AI systems and supporting our capacity for self-formation. Geographic scope: Global.
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