The global mobile industry is putting capital behind its climate promises and its a big boost for climate innovation. The GSMA has officially launched a new Innovation Fund aimed at accelerating the green transition across low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), offering grants between £100,000 and £200,000 to startups building climate-smart solutions powered by mobile and digital technologies.
The initiative, titled the GSMA Innovation Fund for Green Transition for Mobile, is backed by the GSMA and supported by its members. It builds on the organization’s long-standing commitment to inclusive connectivity and the telecom industry’s broader ambition to reach net zero emissions.
But beyond climate rhetoric, this fund signals something more strategic: a recognition that mobile technology is becoming central to how emerging markets tackle energy access, device affordability, and sustainable infrastructure.
Across Africa, South and Southeast Asia, and parts of Central and South America, mobile networks remain the backbone of digital access. Yet many of these regions still struggle with unreliable electricity, limited handset affordability, and rising electronic waste.
The GSMA’s new fund targets commercially viable startups tackling these structural barriers. The goal is twofold: accelerate clean energy adoption while making digital access more affordable and sustainable.
The fund will support solutions in renewable energy, smart metering, device refurbishment, take-back schemes, e-waste management, and circular economy models that extend the life of mobile devices.
In practical terms, that could mean startups building solar-powered charging systems for rural telecom towers, platforms for refurbished smartphone marketplaces, AI-powered device traceability systems, or recycling networks that safely recover valuable materials from discarded electronics.
“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,” said Philippe Bellordre, Acting Head of Mobile for Development at GSMA.
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While renewable energy often dominates climate discussions, the GSMA is placing equal emphasis on circularity specifically extending the lifespan of mobile devices.
Handset affordability remains a major barrier to digital inclusion in emerging markets. Refurbished devices, leasing models, and trade-in programs could significantly lower the cost of ownership for underserved communities.
By supporting startups working on repair ecosystems, traceability systems, and responsible e-waste recycling, the fund aims to reduce environmental harm while expanding access to affordable smartphones.
Keeping devices in circulation longer reduces carbon emissions tied to manufacturing and lowers electronic waste, one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally. For operators and regulators alike, this also aligns with broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) targets increasingly tied to investor scrutiny.
The Innovation Fund is not just about writing cheques. It is structured to generate evidence and policy insights that can influence how the telecom industry approaches sustainability at scale.
GSMA says lessons from funded projects will feed into industry climate strategies, regulatory conversations, and investment frameworks. In effect, the fund doubles as a testing ground for scalable green business models across emerging markets.
Selected startups will receive more than just capital. The program includes:
- Grants between £100,000 and £200,000 over 15 – 18 months
- Technical assistance and advisory support
- Introductions to investors
- Partnership-building opportunities with mobile network operators
- Monitoring and evaluation support
- Industry visibility through GSMA platforms
For early-stage companies operating in infrastructure-heavy sectors like energy or recycling, this blend of capital and network access could prove critical.
The fund targets for-profit small and growing enterprises with up to 250 employees operating in:
- Africa
- Central and South America
- South and Southeast Asia
Eligible startups must use mobile or digital technology as a core part of their solution, demonstrate existing commercial revenue and active users, and provide at least 25% in matching funding. The application window runs from February to May 2026, with a submission deadline of 6 April 2026 at 23:59 UK time.
The telecom sector has increasingly positioned itself as an enabler of climate solutions rather than merely a carbon emitter. Networks power fintech, agriculture tech, logistics platforms, and digital identity systems that shape economic participation in emerging markets.
Now, the industry is investing in ensuring that this digital backbone itself becomes cleaner, more affordable, and more sustainable. The GSMA’s Innovation Fund signals a strategic pivot: climate transition is no longer separate from digital inclusion. In emerging markets, they are intertwined.
For startups building at the intersection of mobile technology and sustainability, this fund offers validation and potentially a pathway to scale. For the telecom industry, it represents a test of whether net-zero ambitions can translate into tangible ecosystem support. And for millions in underserved communities, it could mean cheaper devices, cleaner energy access, and more inclusive connectivity. Applications are now open.
