GSMA Innovation Fund Green Transition 2026
Check your eligibility
Sign up and we'll tell you whether your startup qualifies for this grant.
Quick Answer
Grants of £100,000–£200,000 (about ₹1.2–2.4 crore) for revenue-earning enterprises using mobile tech for clean energy access and device circularity in emerging markets. 2026 round closed.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- GSMA Foundation
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- International
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 7 April 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by GSMA Foundation. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this grant
The 2026 round of the GSMA Innovation Fund for Green Transition for Mobile is closed. The submission deadline was 6 April 2026 at 23:59 UK time. The GSMA's announcement describes only this application window (February to May 2026) and says nothing about a next round, so watch the GSMA Mobile for Development pages for any new call.
The GSMA, the London-based global association of the mobile industry, announced the fund on 23 February 2026. It is funded by the GSMA and supported by its members, and it helps small and growing enterprises use mobile and digital technology to speed up the green transition in low- and middle-income countries. This page explains the 2026 round so you can prepare for a future one.
What the fund offers
Grants range from £100,000 to £200,000 (about ₹1.2 crore to ₹2.4 crore) and are paid over 15 to 18 months. Alongside the money, selected enterprises receive technical assistance, help connecting with investors and building partnerships with mobile network operators, monitoring, evaluation and learning support, and visibility through GSMA platforms, publications and industry engagement. The announcement does not say how the grant is paid out within the 15 to 18 months or in which currency, so ask before you apply.
Focus areas
The fund backs commercially viable solutions that also widen digital inclusion, affordability and economic opportunity for underserved communities. The announcement lists four focus areas:
- Clean energy access: renewable energy solutions and smart metering.
- Circularity for mobile devices: repair, refurbishment and reuse, take-back and trade-in schemes, leasing models, refurbished device marketplaces, traceability tools, and responsible e-waste collection and recycling.
- Affordability and inclusion: making handsets and connectivity more affordable and supporting digital inclusion.
- Industry climate action: insights and evidence to inform policy and scalable sustainable business models.
Who can apply
The enterprise must be for-profit, with up to 250 employees, and operate in a low- or middle-income country in Africa, Central and South America, or South and Southeast Asia. Mobile or digital technology must be a core part of the solution. You must show commercial revenue and active users, and you must be able to contribute at least 25% matching funding.
For an Indian founder, South Asia is on the list of regions and India is a lower-middle-income economy, but the announcement does not name individual countries, so confirm India's eligibility on the GSMA application page. The fund suits a revenue-earning startup in clean energy, device refurbishment, e-waste or connectivity affordability. It does not suit pre-revenue teams, large companies or non-profits.
How to apply
Applications were made through the GSMA Mobile for Development page linked from the announcement. The release does not describe the application steps in detail. A practical tip: before any new call opens, assemble evidence of revenue and active users, a plan for how you would fund the 25% match, and a short description of how mobile or digital technology sits at the core of your product.
How applications are judged and what happens next
The announcement says eligibility criteria apply and that selected enterprises receive the support described. It does not describe the review process, scoring criteria beyond eligibility, or when selections are announced.
About the GSMA
The GSMA unites the mobile ecosystem to drive innovation and societal change, with a vision of unlocking the full power of connectivity. It works across three pillars: Connectivity for Good, Industry Services and Solutions, and Outreach, and it runs the MWC and M360 event series.
Things to check before you apply
- Confirm India is among the eligible countries on the application page.
- Plan the 25% matching funding; a grant of this size needs your own contribution alongside it.
- Make sure revenue and user numbers are documented and current.
- Grants are in pounds, so allow for exchange rate changes against the rupee, and check tax and FEMA treatment with an adviser.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
Benefits & Funding
- Fund type
- Grant
What You Get
Selected enterprises receive a grant of £100,000 to £200,000 (about ₹1.2 crore to ₹2.4 crore) over 15–18 months. They also get support to connect with investors and build partnerships with mobile network operators, monitoring, evaluation and learning support, and visibility through GSMA platforms, publications and industry events. Applicants must bring at least 25% matching funding.
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
The announcement says eligibility criteria apply and selected enterprises receive the support. It does not describe the review process, scoring or selection timeline.
Application Process
- 1
Application
Submit an application during the open window.
You - 2
- 3
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 3
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GSMA Innovation Fund Green Transition open now?
No. The 2026 deadline was 6 April 2026 at 23:59 UK time. The announcement does not mention a next round, so check the GSMA Mobile for Development pages.
Who can apply?
For-profit small and growing enterprises with up to 250 employees, operating in a low- or middle-income country in Africa, Central and South America, or South and Southeast Asia, with mobile or digital technology at the core.
Can Indian startups apply?
South Asia is one of the named regions and India is a lower-middle-income economy, but the announcement names no individual countries. Confirm India's eligibility on the GSMA application page.
How much is the grant?
Between £100,000 and £200,000 (about ₹1.2 crore to ₹2.4 crore), paid over 15 to 18 months.
Do I need revenue?
Yes. Applicants must show commercial revenue and active users.
Is matching funding required?
Yes. You must be able to contribute at least 25% matching funding.
What does the fund support?
Mobile-enabled solutions for clean energy access and device circularity, along with affordability, inclusion and industry climate action. Support also includes technical help, investor connections and visibility.
Is it a grant or equity?
The announcement calls it a grant and does not mention equity.
What documents are needed?
The announcement does not list documents. At a minimum, expect to evidence revenue, active users, employee count and your matching funds.
When are results announced?
The announcement does not give a results date.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
