The GSMA has established a global fund for small, growing companies that use mobile and digital technologies to encourage green and sustainable practices in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
The GSMA Innovation Fund for Green Transition for Mobile, launched on Monday, targets small companies operating in Africa, Central and South America, and South and Southeast Asia.
The Innovation Fund is offering grants ranging from £100,000 (US$135,233) to £200,000 ($270,471) for commercially viable projects that expand access to clean energy and promote circularity in mobile devices. Eligible projects include those that offer renewable energy solutions, smart metering, refurbishment models, and responsible e-waste management.
The GSMA said that the fund will support solutions that strengthen digital inclusion, affordability and socioeconomic empowerment, while delivering environmental impact.
“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, the GSMA’s acting head of mobile for development, said in a statement.
Driving circularity
According to the GSMA, the Innovation Fund seeks to extend the lifespan of mobile devices through “circular economy” approaches, including repair, refurbishment and reuse. These approaches reduce e-waste and provide underserved populations with access to affordable handsets.
Specifically, it added that the fund will support projects that include take-back and trade-in schemes, leasing models, refurbished device marketplaces, traceability tools, and responsible e-waste collection and recycling.
Meanwhile, the fund is also designed to generate practical insights and lessons that contribute to the mobile industry’s wider climate and ESG priorities, the GSMA said. These insights will support the development of environments conducive to clean energy and circular economy solutions, inform policy discussions, and encourage the growth of sustainable business models in emerging markets.
Eligibility
The Innovation Fund is open to for-profit companies with up to 250 employees in the target markets. To qualify, these companies must demonstrate commercial revenue and active users. They must also use mobile or digital technology as a core component of their solution. Additionally, they must be able to contribute at least 25% in matching funds.
Selected companies will receive the grants over a period of 15 to 18 months. Along with the financial grant, the Innovation Fund will provide technical assistance and support to help selected companies connect with investors and build partnerships with mobile network operators. The fund will also provide monitoring, evaluation and learning support.
The application window is now open, with a submission deadline of April 6.