Applications Open for GSMA Ecosystem Accelerator Innovation Fund 2016, Deadline: 18 September 2016

Applications are open for GSMA Ecosystem Accelerator Innovation Fund 2016 funded by UK Department for International Development (DFID), and supported by the GSMA and its members with an aim to support innovative start-ups in emerging markets.

Objectives

Establish partnerships between operators and start-ups in order to increase the reach of innovative mobile services.
Test business models with the greatest potential for growth.
Provide lessons and examples for stakeholders within the ecosystem, on the ways in which mobile is driving positive socio-economic change.

Focus Areas

Sharing economy: Any mobile-based platform, product or service which enables low-income citizens in emerging markets to generate income from ‘underutilised assets’ through sharing those assets with their peers.
Services for SMEs: Any mobile-based solution, product or service designed for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) – formal or informal – in emerging markets which unlock improved productivity and growth.

Funding Information

Successful start-ups will receive:

Funding: grants between GBP 100,000 and GBP 250,000.
Mobile-focused mentoring and bespoke technical assistance.
Opportunities to build partnerships with mobile operators in relevant markets.

Eligibility Criteria

The Fund is open to start-ups from, and operating in, Africa and selected countries in Asia (mentioned below).

How to Apply

Interested applicants must apply online via given website.

Eligible Countries:

Africa: Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo Dem Rep., Congo Rep., Cote d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia,Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali,Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Swaziland, São Tomé and Principe, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia,Zimbabwe.