GSMA Unveils £200,000 Grant Programme For Green Mobile Innovation

The GSMA has announced the global launch of a new Innovation Fund aimed at supporting 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 will offer grants ranging from £100,000 to £200,000 to enterprises developing commercially viable solutions that expand access to clean energy and promote sustainable practices in the mobile ecosystem. The initiative is funded by GSMA and supported by its member organisations as part of the mobile industry’s broader commitment to sustainable connectivity and net-zero emissions.

The fund targets enterprises operating in Africa, Central and South America, and South and Southeast Asia, with a focus on solutions that improve digital inclusion, affordability and socio-economic empowerment while delivering measurable environmental benefits.

According to GSMA, the fund will prioritise innovations that use mobile-enabled technologies to expand access to renewable energy and improve energy efficiency. These include solutions such as smart metering systems, renewable energy deployments, device refurbishment models and responsible electronic waste management.

The initiative aligns with the goals of the United Nations Sustainable Development framework, which recognises the role of digital technologies in enabling inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Focus on device circularity and affordability

A key component of the Innovation Fund is promoting circular economy approaches in the mobile sector. The programme aims to extend the lifespan of mobile devices through repair, refurbishment and reuse, helping to reduce electronic waste while improving handset affordability.

Supported solutions may include trade-in and take-back programmes, leasing models, refurbished device marketplaces, traceability platforms and responsible e-waste collection and recycling systems.

By extending the useful life of mobile devices, the initiative seeks to reduce environmental impact while lowering the cost of connectivity for underserved communities.

Supporting industry climate action

Beyond providing financial support to individual enterprises, the Innovation Fund is also designed to generate practical insights that can support broader climate and environmental, social and governance (ESG) efforts across the mobile industry.

GSMA said the programme will help build evidence on effective clean energy and circular economy models, inform policy discussions and support the scaling of sustainable digital solutions in emerging markets.

Eligibility and support

The fund is open to for-profit small and growing enterprises with up to 250 employees operating in eligible LMIC markets. Applicants must demonstrate active users and commercial revenue and must use mobile or digital technology as a core component of their solution.

Participating companies will be required to provide at least 25 percent matching funding.

Selected enterprises will receive financial support over a 15–18 month period, alongside technical assistance, monitoring and evaluation support, and opportunities to connect with investors and mobile network operators. Participants will also gain visibility through GSMA industry platforms and publications.

Applications open

Applications for the Innovation Fund opened in February 2026 and will remain open until April 6, 2026.

GSMA said the programme is intended to demonstrate how mobile and digital technologies can help accelerate the green transition while expanding access to connectivity and economic opportunity in developing markets.