The GSMA has launched the 2021 edition of Innovation Fund for Digital Urban Services. It targets a particular category of startups in Africa, South Asia and South East Asia. Targeted startups must use ones that adapt digital technology to providing urban services with socio-economic, commercial and environmental impact.
The digital solutions must also extend to the areas of plastic and waste management, water, energy and sanitation. If the potential of their projects proves convincing, they could receive the following benefits:
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- Grant funding between £100,000 and £250,000 to support projects over 15 to 18 months;
- Bootcamp (a programme of expert-led sessions and targeted networking) and regular online clinics on topics such as product or service improvement, human-centered design and usability testing;
- Learning exchange opportunities with other grantees and networking opportunities with other GSMA partners;
- Monitoring and evaluation support to evidence socio-economic impact and promote product improvement;
- Facilitation of relationships with mobile operators and public sector organisations where relevant;
- Opportunity to increase business visibility and raising business profile to potential investors and partners through profiling in GSMA publications, social media and events.
The GSMA launched such offers in 2018, 2019 and 2020. By 2050, two-thirds of the world’s population will be urban. And most of the urban population will be concentrated in Africa and Asia. This poses several challenges, especially with regard to the provision of basic services. GSMA Innovation Fund for Digital Urban Services wants to meet them alongside the players concerned.
How To Apply
For guidelines on eligibility and how to apply, click here.
Applications are possible until July 2.
GSMA Innovation Fund Africa GSMA Innovation Fund Africa
Charles Rapulu Udoh
Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer who has advised startups across Africa on issues such as startup funding (Venture Capital, Debt financing, private equity, angel investing etc), taxation, strategies, etc. He also has special focus on the protection of business or brands’ intellectual property rights ( such as trademark, patent or design) across Africa and other foreign jurisdictions.
He is well versed on issues of ESG (sustainability), media and entertainment law, corporate finance and governance.
He is also an award-winning writer