GSMA is calling on startup or Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Sub-Saharan Africa or Asia helping people get online for their first time using mobile internet to apply for their GSMA Innovation Fund for Mobile Internet Adoption and Digital Inclusion.
According to GSMA, the mobile industry connects over 3.5 billion citizens to the internet across the globe and continues to lead efforts on digital inclusion by connecting more people every day. Despite this, there is still a ‘usage gap’ of 3.3 billion people covered by mobile broadband networks who are not using mobile internet services. Thereby, looking at solving this problem.
Supported by the UK Department for International Development, BMZ — the fund is looking for startups or SMEs willing and able to work with mobile operators on projects which advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The objective of the fund is to support solutions addressing barriers to mobile internet adoption including; Accessibility, Affordability, Digital Skills, and Safety & Security. As well as solutions that are tackling gender inequality, and supporting local talent in communities.
Their aim is to increase mobile internet adoption and usage among those who have access to mobile internet services but are not using it.
Open to post-revenue startups or SMEs using mobile technology to solve local challenges through a 15 to 18 month project. After the time period, successfully solution will receive an equity-free grant between £100,000 (roughly. UGX470 million) and £250,000 (roughly. UGX1.17 billion) .
In addition to the grant, receive mentorship, monitoring & evaluation support, facilitation of relationships with mobile operators, bootcamps, and opportunities to increase your visibility.
The deadline for submitting projects is Friday 22nd, May 2020. Download the terms and conditions document which contains details on the eligibility criteria and application process. APPLY (FOLLOW LINK). Female founders, and applicants with good representation of women at all levels of the organisation are particularly encouraged to apply.
