GSMA Launches Global Innovation Fund to Back Green Digital Solutions in Emerging Markets

The GSMA  has announced the global launch of a new Innovation Fund offering grants of £100,000 to £200,000 to support small and growing enterprises using 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  (the Innovation Fund), a GSMA-funded initiative supported by its members, builds on the GSMA’s commitment to advance inclusive and sustainable connectivity, and the mobile industry’s ambition to achieve net zero emissions.

The Innovation Fund will support commercially viable innovations that expand access to clean energy and promote circularity in mobile devices – including renewable energy solutions, smart metering, refurbishment models and responsible e-waste management – to advance digital inclusion and industry climate action. The initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, recognising the critical role of mobile technology in enabling inclusive, sustainable development.

Targeting enterprises operating across Africa, Central and South America, and South and Southeast Asia, the Innovation Fund will focus on solutions that strengthen digital inclusion, affordability and socio-economic empowerment, while delivering environmental impact.

 “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.”

–Philippe Bellordre, Acting Head of Mobile for Development, GSMA 

Driving circularity and improving handset affordability

Another core focus for the Innovation Fund is extending the lifespan of mobile devices through circular economy approaches, including repair, refurbishment and reuse, reducing e-waste while increasing access to affordable handsets for underserved populations.

The Innovation 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 lower environmental impact while reducing the cost of ownership and expanding connectivity for low-income communities.

Building evidence for industry climate action

Beyond supporting individual enterprises, the Innovation Fund is designed to generate practical insights and lessons that contribute to the mobile industry’s wider climate and ESG priorities. This includes evidence that supports enabling environments for clean energy and circular economy solutions, informs policy discussions, and helps scale sustainable business models across emerging markets.

Who the Innovation Fund is for:

The Innovation Fund is open to for-profit small and growing enterprises with up to 250 employees that are:

• Operating in LMICs across Africa, Central and South America, or South and Southeast Asia

• Using mobile or digital technology as a core part of their solution

• Demonstrating commercial revenue and active users

• Able to contribute at least 25% matching funding

What the Innovation Fund provides:

Selected enterprises will receive:

• Grants of £100,000 to £200,000 over 15-18 months

• Technical assistance

• Support to connect with investors and build partnerships with mobile network operators

• Monitoring, evaluation and learning support

• Visibility through GSMA platforms, publications and industry engagement

Looking ahead:

Applications to the GSMA Innovation Fund for Green Transition for Mobile are now open . The application window will run from February to May 2026, with a submission deadline of 6 April 2026 at 23:59 (UK time).

Eligible enterprises are encouraged to apply and help demonstrate how mobile and digital technologies can accelerate the green transition while advancing digital inclusion and economic opportunity in low- and middle-income countries.