Mozilla announced Grant Program for Solving Coronavirus-related Problems

March 31, Mozilla announced “COVID-19 Solutions Fund”, which is a program that provides financial support to open-source technologies which are responding to COVID-19 pandemic.  Awarded project will be provided with financial assistance of $50,000 each. 

COVID-19 Solutions Fund was founded as a part of Mozilla Open Source Support Program (MOZZ), an open-source grant program which Mozilla has been involved with since 2015.

The applicants which they are looking for are any hardware or software that can be the solution against COVID-19, or any software that solves for secondary effects of COVID-19.  A given example for hardware solution is an open-source ventilator, and for software is a platform for that connects hospitals with 3D-printer owners, and for software that solves for secondary effects of COVIE-19 is a browser plugin that combats COVID-19 related misinformation.

They will accept applicants from anywhere in the world and from any types of entities, including NGOs, for profit hospitals, or a team of developers.  It is required that projects have to be released publicly under either an open source software license according to OSDI or a free software license according to FSF.  They are looking for projects that are relatively matured and not the early-stage ideas.  They expect the awardees to use all funds within three months upon receiving the award.

According to Mozilla, open source technologies have already been contributing to the healthcare system; for example, the University of Florida Center for Safety, Simulation, and Advanced Learning Technologies has released an open-source ventilator.

To apply for COVID-19 Solutions Fund, visit the application page on MOSS.

Mozilla Open Source Support
https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/moss/

Application page
https://mozilla.fluxx.io/apply/MOSS