GSMA Innovation Fund: AI Grants For Socio-Economic & Climate Impact (LMICs)
3rd March 2025, Kathmandu
The GSMA Innovation Fund for Impactful AI, funded by UK International Development from the UK government, is now open for applications.
GSMA Innovation Fund AI Grants
This initiative aims to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies to drive sustainable development and address socio-economic and climate challenges in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
With AI playing a crucial role in climate action, financial inclusion, healthcare, agriculture, and digital transformation, the fund seeks to support innovative solutions that leverage AI, mobile big data, IoT, blockchain, drones, and computer vision to create a meaningful impact where it is needed most.
Why the GSMA Innovation Fund?
While AI is rapidly advancing worldwide, LMICs remain underfunded and underserved in AI-driven innovations. Only a fraction of global grants support locally developed AI solutions in these regions, leading to an urgent need for investment in contextually relevant, scalable AI technologies. The GSMA Innovation Fund for Impactful AI bridges this gap by providing financial support, venture building, and global exposure to promising AI startups and enterprises.
Key Benefits of the GSMA Innovation Fund
Selected enterprises will receive:
✔️ Grant funding: £100,000 – £250,000 for projects lasting 15 – 18 months✔️ Tailored venture support: Strengthening business models and AI solutions✔️ Partnership opportunities: With mobile operators, public sector organizations, and industry leaders✔️ Peer learning and knowledge exchange: Among AI-driven innovators✔️ Global visibility: Through GSMA’s events, publications, and online platforms, enabling connections with investors and stakeholders
Focus Areas for AI Innovations
The fund is sector-agnostic but prioritizes innovations in:
Contextual Data Utilization: AI-driven solutions leveraging big data, predictive analytics, and generative AI Last-Mile Innovations: AI applications in HealthTech, AgriTech, ClimateTech, FinTech, and EdTech to serve vulnerable populations Deep-Tech Ecosystem
Innovations: Development of large multimodal language models (LLMs), edge computing, machine learning, and automatic speech recognition to scale AI technologies
How to Apply
Important Deadlines: Registration & Eligibility Form Submission: March 12, 2025, by 23:59 GMT Full Application Submission: March 19, 2025, by 23:59 GMT
Applicants must ensure their solutions are impact-driven, scalable, and innovative, with clear contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
For full eligibility criteria and application details, visit the GSMA Innovation Fund page.
Final Thoughts
The GSMA Innovation Fund for Impactful AI presents a unique opportunity for startups, SMEs, and AI-driven enterprises in LMICs to scale their solutions, create socio-economic impact, and contribute to a sustainable digital future. By fostering AI innovation, partnerships, and digital inclusion, the fund aims to transform lives and drive climate resilience on a global scale.
Are you an AI innovator? Apply today and be part of the next wave of AI-driven transformation!
For more: GSMA Innovation Fund AI Grants
