The GSMA has announced the global launch of a new Innovation Fund offering grants of between £100,000 and £200,000 to support small and growing enterprises deploying mobile and digital technologies to accelerate the green transition in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
The GSMA Innovation Fund for Green Transition for Mobile, funded by the organisation and backed by its members, builds on the association’s commitment to advancing inclusive and sustainable connectivity, alongside the mobile industry’s ambition to achieve net zero emissions.
The fund will back commercially viable innovations that expand access to clean energy and promote circularity in mobile devices. This includes renewable energy solutions, smart metering, refurbishment models and responsible e-waste management aimed at strengthening digital inclusion and supporting climate action within the sector. The initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, recognising the role of mobile technology in enabling sustainable development.
The programme targets enterprises operating across Africa, Central and South America, and South and South-East Asia. It will prioritise solutions that enhance digital inclusion, affordability and socio-economic empowerment, while delivering measurable environmental benefits.
Philippe Bellordre, Acting Head of Mobile for Development at GSMA, said: “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.”
A central pillar of the fund is promoting circular economy approaches to extend the lifespan of mobile devices through repair, refurbishment and reuse. By reducing e-waste and improving access to affordable handsets, such models aim to lower environmental impact while expanding connectivity among low-income populations.
Eligible solutions include take-back and trade-in schemes, leasing models, refurbished device marketplaces, traceability tools, and responsible e-waste collection and recycling systems. By keeping devices in use for longer, these initiatives are expected to reduce the cost of ownership and improve affordability.
Beyond financial support, the fund is intended to generate evidence and practical insights to inform the mobile industry’s broader climate and ESG priorities. This includes contributing to policy discussions, strengthening enabling environments for clean energy and circular economy solutions, and supporting the scaling of sustainable business models across emerging markets.
The fund is open to for-profit small and growing enterprises with up to 250 employees that operate in eligible LMICs, use mobile or digital technology as a core part of their solution, demonstrate commercial revenue and active users, and can provide at least 25% in matching funding.
Selected enterprises will receive grants of £100,000 to £200,000 over a period of 15 to 18 months, alongside technical assistance, support in connecting with investors and mobile network operators, monitoring and evaluation support, and visibility through GSMA platforms and industry engagement.
Applications are now open. The submission window runs from February to May 2026, with a deadline of 6 April 2026 at 23:59 (UK time).
