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New funding round targets digital solutions for clean energy access, circularity and digital inclusion across low- and middle-income countries.
The GSMA has announced a new Innovation Fund offering grants of between £100,000 and £200,000 to small and growing enterprises using mobile and digital technologies to accelerate the green transition in low- and middle-income countries.
The GSMA Innovation Fund for Green Transition for Mobile, a GSMA-funded initiative supported by its members, builds on the organisation’s commitment to advance inclusive and sustainable connectivity, and the mobile industry’s ambition to achieve net zero emissions.
Applications opened today, with a submission deadline of 6 April 2026.
Clean energy and circular economy in focus
The fund will support commercially viable innovations that expand access to clean energy and promote circularity in mobile devices. That includes renewable energy solutions, smart metering, refurbishment models and responsible e-waste management.
It targets enterprises operating across Africa, Central and South America and South and Southeast Asia, with a focus on solutions that strengthen digital inclusion, affordability and socio-economic empowerment while delivering environmental impact.
The initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, recognising the role mobile technology plays in enabling inclusive, sustainable development.
Philippe Bellordre, Acting Head of Mobile for Development at the GSMA, outlined the fund’s purpose.
“Through this Innovation Fund, we are investing directly in enterprises that are using mobile and digital technology to advance digital inclusion and enable a clean energy transition – while also scaling practical, circular solutions that extend the life of mobile devices and make connectivity more affordable for underserved communities,” Bellordre explained.
Extending device lifespans to cut costs and e-waste
A core focus for the fund is extending the lifespan of mobile devices through circular economy approaches, including repair, refurbishment and reuse. The aim is to reduce e-waste while increasing access to affordable handsets for underserved populations.
The fund will support solutions such as take-back and trade-in schemes, leasing models, refurbished device marketplaces, traceability tools and responsible e-waste collection and recycling.
By keeping devices in circulation for longer, these initiatives are designed to lower environmental impact while reducing the cost of ownership and expanding connectivity for low-income communities.
Building an evidence base for industry climate action
Beyond supporting individual enterprises, the fund is designed to generate practical insights and lessons that contribute to the mobile industry’s wider climate and ESG priorities.
That includes evidence supporting enabling environments for clean energy and circular economy solutions, informing policy discussions and helping scale sustainable business models across emerging markets.
Who can apply
The fund is open to for-profit small and growing enterprises with up to 250 employees that operate in low- and middle-income countries across Africa, Central and South America or South and Southeast Asia.
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Applicants must use mobile or digital technology as a core part of their solution, demonstrate commercial revenue and active users and be able to contribute at least 25 per cent in matching funding.
What successful applicants receive
Selected enterprises will receive grants of between £100,000 and £200,000 over 15 to 18 months, along with technical assistance.
The GSMA will also provide support to connect recipients with investors and build partnerships with mobile network operators, as well as monitoring, evaluation and learning support.
Successful applicants will gain visibility through GSMA platforms, publications and industry engagement.
The application window runs from February to May 2026, with the final deadline set for 6 April 2026.
Last Updated on February 24, 2026 by Nick Ross
