[#TIOF] TU Fellowship IETF 125

About

The IO Foundation, is seeking passionate and dedicated individuals to join our cohort of Fellows for the upcoming Internet Engineering Task Force meeting (IETF 125), to be held in Shenzhen (China) from 14th to 20th March 2026.

IETF meetings are a major, week-long gathering of Internet experts that happens three times a year, where volunteers from around the world collaborate in technical working groups to develop and advance open internet standards (RFCs) that keep the Internet running and improving. These meetings include intense technical sessions, a hackathon, training for new participants and opportunities for new members to learn, with a focus on rough consensus and running code to build the Internet's technical foundation.

The Fellowship will include:

• Four preparation sessions (see Timeline)

• A Training Bytes session: [#TIOF] Training Bytes 2026-03-13 SHENZHEN

• Attendance at the IETF 125 Hackathon and Meeting, which will be conducted from Saturday 14th to Friday 20th March 2026.

Why join this Fellowship?

TIOF Fellows represent The IO Foundation on an international stage while contributing to advancing the Data-Centric Digital Rights (DCDR) advocacy by actively engaging in Standards Developing Organizations (SDOs) with their communities and the technical standards they produce.

As a Fellow, you'll be a member of a growing network of technologists working towards ensuring that technology protects citizens by design.

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Participating in this Fellowship will grant you the opportunity to being trained and guided in your career development by prominent figures in the IETF and the broader Standards Development Organizations ecosystem.

Requirements

• Located in Shenzhen for the duration of the Fellowship, and follow the IETF in-time for those joining remotely

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in dynamic environments

• Passion for and commitment to The IO Foundation's mission and values

• Languages

• English fluent both oral and written

• Fluent level of local official languages is a plus.

• Strong networking skills and a proactive approach to building relationships within the tech community will be a plus.

• Strong understanding of data privacy and technology issues will be a plus.

• Proven experience in event participation, public speaking or advocacy will be a plus.

Responsibilities

By becoming a Fellow you commit to the following responsibilities:

• Actively participate in the following events and activities related to this Fellowship:

• Preparation Sessions (see Timeline)

• [#TIOF] Training Bytes 2026-03-13 SHENZHEN

• [IETF] IETF 125

• Daily check-ins with the cohort

• Submit your Fellowship Report before the deadline (see Timeline).

• Provide regular reports on participation during the Fellowship, including insights, outcomes and recommendations for future engagements.

• Collaborate with other TIOF Members to enhance the impact of our advocacy efforts.

• Act as a responsibly and in accordance to both TIOF's Code of Conduct and IETF LLC's Code of Conduct. Being a TIOF Fellow implies representing The IO Foundation and effectively communicating our mission, values and initiatives.

• Learn about how the Internet works at a practical, professional level directly from the global community that makes the Internet.

• Expand your career options.

• Transport to and from Shenzhen and accommodation

• Fellowship Workshops and onsite mentoring, including Preparation Sessions and Training Bytes (see Timeline) Price: USD 2000 Ticket waived

• Free access to the event: [IETF] IETF 125 Price: USD 160 Ticket waived for students

• Networking:

  • Meet and greet with all the speakers and VIPs attending #TIOF] Training Bytes 2026-03-13 SHENZHEN Price: USD 200 Ticket waived

  • Attend socials & networking sessions during [IETF] IETF 125 Price: USD 30 Ticket waived

• TIOF Welcome Pack (includes exclusive TIOF Fellow t-shirt)

• Blockchain based certificate of participation in TIOF Fellowship (check our Certificates.TheIOFoundation.org platform), will be given on:

  • Fully completion of conference session attendance

  • [#TIOF] Training Bytes and follow up evaluation/ feedback sessions

• Access to the The IO Foundation's TechUp Community where you'll be able to enhance your knowledge and career opportunities:

  • Access to exclusive training by TIOF

  • Priority for next Fellowship opportunities

  • Stay informed on current trends and developments in technology and data privacy to contribute to discussions and strategic planning.

  • Participate in monthly TechUp Community meetings.

Sponsors

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Partners

Universitas Multimedia Nusantara (UMN)

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