GSMA unveils global fund for green mobile innovation

GSMA has launched a global grant fund for small and growing businesses using mobile and digital technology in projects linked to clean energy access, circularity in mobile devices, digital inclusion and climate action in low- and middle-income countries.

The GSMA Innovation Fund for Green Transition offers grants of between £100,000 and £200,000 over 15 to 18 months. It focuses on for-profit enterprises with up to 250 employees operating across Africa, Central and South America, and South and Southeast Asia.

Applicants must show commercial revenue and active users, and commit at least 25% in matching funding. The fund is backed by GSMA and supported by its members.

Clean energy focus

The fund targets barriers that low-income communities face in accessing reliable, affordable energy. It will support solutions that expand access to clean energy through mobile and digital tools.

Examples include renewable energy solutions and smart metering. The programme also covers models that combine energy provision with digital access, where mobile technology is central to the service.

This approach links clean energy access with affordability and inclusion, reflecting how reliable power underpins connected services, including charging devices and maintaining consistent connectivity.

Circular devices

A second strand targets circular economy approaches for mobile devices. The fund will consider projects that extend device lifespan through repair, refurbishment and reuse, and improve responsible e-waste management.

Potential solutions include take-back and trade-in schemes, leasing models, refurbished device marketplaces and traceability tools, as well as e-waste collection, recycling programmes and related operations.

The initiative also links circularity with handset affordability. Lower upfront costs and longer lifecycles can reduce barriers to ownership for low-income users, particularly in markets where device prices and financing constraints limit internet access.

Support package

Alongside grant funding, selected enterprises will receive technical assistance plus monitoring, evaluation and learning support. The package also includes introductions to investors and potential partnerships with mobile network operators.

Funded companies will also receive visibility through GSMA channels, including publications and industry engagement.

The fund also aims to build evidence, with lessons from supported projects expected to inform policy discussions and the mobile industry's broader climate and ESG priorities. This includes work on enabling environments for clean energy and circular economy services, and on approaches that can scale across emerging markets.

Eligibility and regions

The programme targets enterprises in low- and middle-income countries across Africa, Central and South America, and South and Southeast Asia. Mobile or digital technology must be a core part of the solution, not an add-on channel.

GSMA described the initiative as part of its work on inclusive and sustainable connectivity, aligned with the mobile industry's net zero ambition and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Philippe Bellordre, Acting Head of Mobile for Development at GSMA, said the fund links clean energy and circular device models with connectivity and affordability.

"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."

Applications are open now and close on 6 April. GSMA said the application window runs from February to May 2026, with submissions due by the April deadline.

Funded enterprises will be expected to deliver work and reporting over the 15 to 18-month support period, meet the matching funding requirement, and take part in monitoring and evaluation activities.