GSMA Launches £200K Green Tech Grants for Emerging Markets

The GSMA has launched an Innovation Fund offering grants between £100,000 and £200,000 to support small enterprises using mobile and digital technology for environmental solutions in low- and middle-income countries. The fund targets projects that expand clean energy access, promote circularity, and advance digital inclusion across Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Selected enterprises must provide 25% matching funding and will receive financial support over 15-18 months, plus technical assistance and investor connections. Applications are open until April 6, 2026, for for-profit SMEs with up to 250 employees that use digital tech as a core part of their commercially viable solution.

Key Points: GSMA Green Tech Grants: Up to £200K for Emerging Markets

  • Grants of £100K-£200K for green tech
  • Focus on clean energy and circularity
  • For SMEs in emerging markets
  • Application deadline April 2026
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GSMA launches grants up to 200,000 pounds for green mobile tech in emerging markets

GSMA offers £100K-£200K grants for green mobile tech in low/middle-income countries. Apply by April 2026 for clean energy & digital inclusion projects.

"investing directly in enterprises... to advance digital inclusion and enable a clean energy transition - Philippe Bellordre, GSMA"

New Delhi, Feb 24

Global System for Mobile Communications Association on Tuesday announced an Innovation Fund offering grants of 100,000 to 200,000 pounds to accelerate the green transition in low‑ and middle‑income countries by supporting small and growing enterprises using mobile and digital technologies.

The fund will back digital solutions that expand clean energy access, circularity, digital inclusion and climate action in low- and middle-income countries across Africa, Central and South America, and South and Southeast Asia, the GSMA said in a statement.

Enterprises will be selected if they are able to contribute at least 25 per cent matching funding and they will receive grants over 15-18 months and technical assistance.

Further they will receive support to connect with investors and build partnerships with mobile network operators, as well as monitoring and evaluation help, and visibility through GSMA platforms, the statement said.

Eligibility for application is limited to for‑profit small and growing enterprises with up to 250 employees that use mobile or digital technology as a core part of their solution. They should demonstrate commercial revenue and active users, the statement added.

Applications will remain open from February to May 2026, with a submission deadline of April 6, 2026.

"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," said Philippe Bellordre, Acting Head of Mobile for Development, GSMA.

The Innovation Fund will support commercially viable innovations that expand access to clean energy and promote circularity in mobile devices.

Innovations include 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, the association said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The 25% matching funding requirement might be a hurdle for very early-stage startups in India. But the technical assistance and connection to mobile operators is invaluable. A great initiative overall.
A
Aman W
Finally, some focus on circular economy and e-waste! We generate so much electronic waste in our cities. Supporting businesses that can refurbish phones or manage waste responsibly is the need of the hour.
S
Sarah B
As someone working in the development sector, connecting these solutions with mobile network operators is a game-changer. It can drive real adoption in rural and underserved areas. Smart move by GSMA.
V
Vikram M
Good to see the focus on South Asia. Clean energy access through mobile tech can transform villages still relying on diesel generators. Hope the application process is straightforward for our local entrepreneurs.
K
Karthik V
While the grant amount is decent, I wish there was a separate track or support for non-profits and social enterprises too. Sometimes the most impactful work isn't driven purely by commercial revenue.

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