GSMA Launches £200K Green Tech Grants for Small Businesses in Emerging Markets

A new funding initiative is offering grants to small businesses working on green technology solutions. The GSMA Innovation Fund for Green Transition for Mobile will provide £100,000 to £200,000 to enterprises in low- and middle-income regions. The scheme aims to support digital and mobile innovations that help reduce environmental impact while improving access to technology.

The fund targets businesses in Africa, Central and South America, and South and Southeast Asia. It focuses on projects that use mobile and digital tools to speed up the shift to renewable energy, cut e-waste, and promote circular economy practices. Successful applicants will receive not just financial support but also technical advice, partnership opportunities, and visibility through GSMA's networks.

Eligible enterprises must have up to 250 employees and provide at least 25% of the project's cost themselves. The fund also aligns with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, aiming to boost digital inclusion and economic empowerment alongside environmental benefits. Applications will open in February 2026, with a final deadline of 6 April 2026 at 23:59 UK time.

The initiative seeks to gather real-world data on how mobile technology can address climate challenges. Past examples of similar projects include hybrid energy systems combining solar, wind, and storage, as well as floating solar installations and AI-driven decentralised energy networks. These solutions have been tested in countries like Spain, Germany, and Austria, showing how digital tools can enhance sustainability.

The fund will back small and growing businesses with both money and expertise. Selected projects will need to demonstrate measurable environmental and social outcomes. The results are expected to provide broader lessons for the mobile industry's efforts to reduce emissions and waste.