GSMA fund backs mobile climate & circularity startups

GSMA has launched an Innovation Fund offering grants of between GBP £100,000 and GBP £200,000 to small and growing enterprises using mobile and digital technology in low- and middle-income countries to tackle climate and sustainability challenges.

The programme targets businesses across Africa, Central and South America, and South and Southeast Asia. It focuses on projects linked to clean energy access, circularity in mobile devices, digital inclusion and broader climate action.

The fund sits within GSMA's Mobile for Development work and is backed by GSMA members. GSMA linked the initiative to the mobile sector's net zero ambitions and its broader push for inclusive and sustainable connectivity.

Clean energy access

A key theme is the use of mobile and digital tools in energy-access models, including renewable energy solutions and smart metering.

Applicants are expected to show commercially viable innovations with measurable environmental impact. The fund also emphasises affordability and socio-economic empowerment, alongside outcomes on emissions and waste.

Philippe Bellordre, Acting Head of Mobile for Development at GSMA, described the programme as direct support for businesses working at the intersection of connectivity and sustainability.

"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."

Device circularity

The second core area focuses on extending the working life of handsets and other mobile devices. It covers repair, refurbishment and reuse models, positioned as ways to reduce electronic waste and expand access to lower-cost devices.

Eligible projects include take-back and trade-in schemes, leasing models, refurbished-device marketplaces and device-traceability tools. The scope also includes the responsible collection and recycling of e-waste.

Circularity is a growing focus across the telecoms and handset supply chain as regulators and operators face pressure to cut waste and emissions. In many lower-income markets, second-hand and refurbished devices already play a central role in smartphone access, alongside informal repair networks. Formal schemes can move activity into documented channels, potentially improving consumer protections and downstream recycling practices.

Eligibility rules

The fund is open to for-profit enterprises with up to 250 employees. Applicants must operate in the listed low- and middle-income country regions and use mobile or digital technology as a core part of their product or service.

Applicants must also demonstrate commercial revenue and active users, and provide at least 25% matching funding.

Support goes beyond grant capital. Selected companies will receive technical assistance and monitoring, evaluation and learning support. GSMA also plans introductions to investors and potential partnerships with mobile network operators, as well as visibility through its platforms and industry engagement.

Evidence and policy

The programme also aims to generate practical insights for the industry's climate and environmental, social and governance priorities. GSMA intends to use lessons from funded projects to inform policy discussions and build evidence on operating models for clean energy and circular-economy services in emerging markets.

That reflects a recurring challenge for climate-linked digital services in low- and middle-income countries. Many solutions show promise at the pilot stage but struggle to scale due to financing constraints, fragmented distribution, limited device affordability and inconsistent regulatory frameworks for energy, waste and consumer protection.

GSMA has not disclosed the total size of the funding pool or the number of awards planned for this round. Grants will be delivered over a 15 to 18-month period.

Applications are open now, with submissions due by 6 April 2026 at 23:59 UK time.