Giga Accelerator Programme 2025 (USD 50,000 in Funding)
The Giga Accelerator Programme is part of the global Giga initiative, anchored at the Giga Technology Centre in Barcelona and delivered primarily in a virtual format. The programme is designed to support innovators developing solutions that advance economically sustainable and inclusive school connectivity.
Through this programme, participants will refine their products, scale their solutions, and build strategic relationships across the digital connectivity ecosystem. Selected startups and organizations will also gain access to equity-free funding of up to USD 50,000, alongside mentorship and global visibility.
Programme Goals
The Giga Accelerator focuses on three core objectives:
- Product Development & Sustainability – Provide financial support and expert mentorship to strengthen product design and business sustainability.
- Commercial Viability – Enhance interoperability and the potential for large-scale adoption of solutions.
- Partnerships – Foster high-value collaborations with key players in the telecommunications and connectivity ecosystem.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Legal Registration: Must be a registered legal entity in one of the ITU Member States.
- Compliance: Applicants must confirm they are not subject to any major ongoing litigation related to prohibited practices as defined by the ITU.
- Financial Stability: Applicants must provide proof of solvency to demonstrate that their organization is a going concern.
- Stage of Development: The product must be at least at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 – i.e., at proof-of-concept or prototype stage.
- Open-Source Commitment: The product must either already be open source or the applicant must commit to one of the open-source contribution models before completing the programme.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Strength of technical solutions
- Potential for scalability
- Expertise and capacity of the team
- Level of innovation
- Expected social impact
Focus Areas
The Accelerator is particularly interested in solutions addressing:
- Connectivity in Infrastructure-Constrained Environments – Alternative network configurations for areas where traditional infrastructure is not viable.
- Affordable & Sustainable Business Models – Innovative financing, pricing, or revenue models that make connectivity affordable and accessible.
- Community-Scale Internet Provision – Commercially viable solutions for peri-urban and rural communities.
- Optimizing Connectivity in Underserved Areas – Use of advanced technologies to ensure adaptability, reliability, and ease of deployment.
- Reducing Operational Barriers – Tools or models that lower the complexity, cost, or technical manpower required to deliver connectivity in remote areas.
Benefits of Participation
Selected participants will receive:
- Equity-Free Financing of up to USD 50,000
- Access to mentorship and capacity-building sessions
- Opportunities for networking and matchmaking with industry leaders
- Enhanced visibility within the global innovation ecosystem
- Potential pilots in emerging markets
Required Application Materials
- Completed application form
- Proof of legal registration and compliance documentation
- TRL self-assessment
- Open-source commitment declaration
- Organization’s pitch deck (highly recommended)
Application Deadline
21st September 2025
