Gigabit Community Fund
Next-generation networks with the power to transform learning.
What is Mozilla Gigabit?
The Mozilla Gigabit Community Fund provides grant funding in select U.S. communities to support pilot tests of gigabit technologies such as virtual reality, 4K video, artificial intelligence, and their related curricula. In so doing, our goal is to increase participation in technology innovation in support of a healthy Internet where all people are empowered, safe, and independent online.
The Gigabit Approach
Our approach to taking gigabit discoveries out of the lab and into the field is threefold:
Fund and Support
We support the development of gigabit applications and associated curricula through the Gigabit Community Fund. Grants support pilots that take gigabit technologies out of the lab and into learning spaces in select cities across the United States.
Innovate and Spread
We catalyze the creation, adoption, and spread of these innovations through Hive Learning Networks. Hives are a local network of teachers, informal educators, technologists, and community members working together to advance the promise of the web for learning.
Scale and Grow
We leverage Mozilla’s national networks to share these successes across Hive cities, other gigabit cities, and beyond. Our open innovation practices facilitate the adoption of gigabit technologies by diverse new communities of users.
Where are Mozilla Gigabit Cities
Get in touch with your local Gigabit Hive community
Featured Updates
Blog
A Public-Private Partnership for Gigabit Innovation and Internet Health
Mozilla, the National Science Foundation and U.S. Ignite announce $300,000 in grants for gigabit internet projects in Eugene, OR and Lafayette, LA
Continue readingSee all blog postsResources
Gigabit 101 Workshop
This workshop enables participants to understand what high-speed internet can do in a classroom or in general.
See the workshopSee all resourcesProjects
Raspberry Python Music Genie
Local students are learning how to build their own air synthesizer by using Python coding languages and a Raspberry Pi. The resulting technology, Stage Genies, will be showcased by the Chattanooga Ballet at an event in downtown Chattanooga.
Continue readingSee all projects
World Explorer Virtual Exchange
PenPal Schools connects over 100,000 students (ages 9+) in 170 countries to collaborate through high-quality online courses and learn about global challenges while practicing essential technology skills. PenPal Schools will extend their digital content with 360 4K video in a pilot, cultural exchange experience linking PenPals in Austin, TX USA with international locations.
The Gigabit Advantage
One of largest limiting factors when distributing VR experiences is the amount of data require to stream or download a high-quality experience. Leveraging Gigabit Networks, PPS would have the opportunity to distributed highly engaging educational VR content to communities around the globe that would otherwise be excluded. Early test show VR content to be the most engaging forms of media consumption invented to date. This pilot program has the ability to highlight not only the power of VR in education, but also the importance of open and free internet to all people.
Outcomes
PenPal Schools developed a VR Field Trip to Pakistan that, in it's debut semester, has already reached over 2,000 students worldwide. The module is well documented and freely available on the PenPal Schools website. The syllabus, a demo of the module, and a button for teachers or students to join for free can be easily accessd on their website. While the project was enjoyed in 13 countries, PenPals focused on enriching local classrooms in Austin. The PenPals Schools story is something of a capstone for the Hive Networks model. PenPals received their very first startup funds from Mozilla Hive NYC in 2012. Over the last 5 years, they've grown their platform, business, and curriculum to reach a global audience. Coming back to Hive for the Gigabit Community Fund grant was an opportunity for this group to innovate on their model again.
Learn more about World Explorer Virtual Exchange
Gigabit Events
We offer global and local opportunities that facilitate group and in-person collaboration. Join us!
IoT Escape Room Workshop
Chattanooga
As part of its work to champion Internet health and related issues like online privacy and security on connected devices, the Mozilla Foundation is hosting an Internet of Things (IoT) Escape Room workshop at in Chattanooga, Tennessee, from Thursday, March 8, to Friday, March, 9th, 2018.
Smart Cities Connect Conference & Expo and US Ignite Application Summit
Kansas City
Smart Cities Connect Conference & Expo convenes leading technology and solution providers with city leaders
Gigabit City Summit
Kansas City
The Gigabit City Summit offers a unique, multidisciplinary program for cities in the midst of digital transformation. Bridging the gap between broadband and smart cities, the Gigabit City Summit brings together a community focused on how infrastructure investment translates into real civic impact.