The GSMA, a global non-profit organization representing the interests of mobile network operators, has launched the Innovation Fund for Impactful Artificial Intelligence to empower enterprises in Africa, South Asia, South-east Asia, and the Pacific. This initiative aims to support low and middle-income countries (LMICs) in leveraging AI and emerging technologies to drive innovation and sustainable development.
As the world undergoes a rapid digital transformation, the Fund seeks to ensure that LMICs are not left behind in the AI revolution. By offering grants of up to £250,000 and specialized venture-building support, the GSMA Innovation Fund aims to accelerate the development of AI-driven solutions that address pressing local challenges in areas such as healthcare, education, financial services, and climate change.
Max Cuvellier Giacomelli, GSMA’s Head of Mobile for Development, noted the Fund’s mission, stating, “AI and emerging technologies have immense potential to tackle global challenges, but much of their development has focused on advanced markets, leaving a gap in the solutions designed for and by communities in LMICs.”
The Fund, launched in partnership with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, is designed to harness the power of emerging and mobile technologies to promote inclusive and sustainable growth.
Applications opened on January 29, with grants ranging from £100,000 to £250,000 available over a 15- to 18-month period. These funds will enable enterprises to test, refine, and scale solutions that address critical local and global challenges.
In addition to financial support, beneficiaries will gain access to boot camps, learning exchanges, and global industry networks to enhance their technical and operational expertise. The GSMA also emphasizes that tailored support will help enterprises forge partnerships with mobile network operators, attract investors, and develop scalable business models.
A key focus of the Fund is addressing gender inequities by prioritizing female-founded or female-led enterprises. Giacomelli highlighted this commitment, stating, “By supporting locally led organisations, the initiative also aims to build regional capacity, foster leadership, and deliver impactful, community-driven outcomes.”
Through this initiative, the GSMA aims to bridge the gap in AI innovation, ensuring that lower-middle-income countries are not only participants but also leaders in the global AI revolution.
