Giga Accelerator Programme 2025: $50,000 Grants for Connectivity Technology Innovation

Grant Overview

Non-Dilutive Funding for Open-Source Connectivity Solutions in Underserved Communities Worldwide

Let me tell you something straight up – finding good grants for technology that actually make a difference is tough. But the Giga Accelerator Programme 2025? This one’s the real deal. We’re talking about a solid $50,000 non-dilutive grant for organizations working on connectivity solutions for places that most tech companies ignore completely. This isn’t just another grant application – it’s backed by UNICEF and ITU, two organizations that mean business when it comes to getting people online. And honestly? The timing couldn’t be better with 2.7 billion people still cut off from the internet in 2025. If you’ve got tech that can connect the unconnected, this programme gives you funding, mentorship, and connections that could actually change the game.

What makes this different from other grants for technology offers? Simple. They’re not just handing out cash and hoping for the best. Similar to the Caltech Rocket Fund’s approach, this program comes with serious backing, real mentorship, and connections that actually matter in the telecommunications world.

Donor: UNICEF, ITU (International Telecommunication Union), Giga Global

Focus: Technology grants, connectivity solutions, open-source innovation, digital inclusion, underserved communities, non-dilutive funding

Region: Global, Barcelona, Spain (for in-person events)

Eligibility:
– Be a registered legal entity in any ITU Member State
– Have no major ongoing litigation related to prohibited practices as defined by ITU
– Demonstrate financial solvency
– Have a product at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 or higher
– Offer an open-source solution or commit to open-sourcing by the end of the programme

Benefits:
– Financial Award: $50,000 non-dilutive grant
– Mentorship: Tailored guidance in fundraising, go-to-market strategies, and regulatory navigation
– Networking: Access to telecom operators, connectivity initiatives, and international stakeholders
– Demo Day Exposure: Showcase solutions to global investors and industry leaders
– Support for Scaling: Assistance in aligning solutions to market needs for future deployments

Deadline: September 21, 2025

You know what’s crazy? The digital divide isn’t getting smaller – it’s actually getting more complex. In wealthy countries, 93% of people are online, but in low-income countries? Only 27%. And rural areas? Forget about it – just 50% can get online compared to 81% in cities. These aren’t just numbers to me – they represent millions of kids who can’t do homework, entrepreneurs who can’t grow businesses, and communities that get left further behind every day. That’s why I’m so excited about the Giga Accelerator Programme. It’s not throwing money at the problem – it’s finding real tech solutions that work where nothing else has before.

Look, I’ve seen plenty of grants for technology startups come and go. Most of them are pretty generic – they’ll fund anything that sounds techy enough. But this one? It’s laser-focused on solving real problems for real people. We’re talking about communities where the closest cell tower might be 50 miles away, or where the power grid is about as reliable as the weather forecast.

What They’re Actually Looking For

Look, I’ve seen a lot of grant programmes in my time, and many of them are just checking boxes. But Giga? They’re hunting for something specific. They want tech that works in places where traditional infrastructure fails or costs too much. Think about it – most internet companies build for cities with reliable power and existing infrastructure. Giga wants the opposite – solutions that can deploy quickly, run on minimal power, and be maintained by people who aren’t tech experts. And here’s the kicker – everything has to be open source. That means once you build it, others can adapt it for their own communities. That’s how you create real change, not just profit. The grants for non-profit organizations and for-profits both have a place here, as long as they’re committed to the open-source ethos.

Q: Do I need partnerships with telecom operators before applying?
A: Not required, but it definitely helps your application.

Q: What if my solution only works in specific geographic conditions?
A: That’s fine – most connectivity challenges are geography-specific.

Q: Can established companies apply or is this just for startups?
A: Any registered entity can apply, but the focus is on scalable innovation.

The programme zeroes in on five areas that tell you exactly what they care about. First, connectivity for infrastructure-constrained environments – basically tech that works where roads, power, and traditional networks don’t exist. Second, business models that actually make sense for poor communities – because cool tech doesn’t matter if nobody can afford it. Third, internet solutions that work at the community scale, especially in rural areas where big telecom companies won’t go. Fourth, tech that’s built specifically for challenging environments – stuff that’s tough, adaptable, and doesn’t need a PhD to deploy. And fifth, anything that makes it easier and cheaper to get connectivity running in remote places. They’re not just looking for good ideas – they want solutions that are ready to scale.

The Real Story Behind Giga

Giga didn’t just appear out of nowhere. Back in 2019, UNICEF and ITU looked at the numbers and realized something had to change. They launched this initiative with a goal that sounds almost impossible: connect every school to the internet. Every single one. And they’re actually making progress. Rwanda took a pilot with 63 schools and scaled it to 1,500 schools while cutting data costs by half. Kenya connected 546 schools and got public and private partners working together for national rollout. Fiji implemented real-time monitoring across 60% of its connected schools. These aren’t just pilot projects that die after the funding ends – they’re creating models that work. The global grants landscape needs more success stories like these, and Giga’s trying to create them.

The Giga Technology Centre in Barcelona isn’t just some fancy office – it’s where the magic happens. This place became fully operational in 2025 after a year of preparation, and it’s already buzzing with activity. The Spanish government, Catalonia regional government, and Barcelona city all pitched in to make it happen. They’re not just sitting around either – the centre is working with local universities, research centers, and tech companies on new products and co-creation projects. It’s basically a sandbox for connectivity innovation, bringing together global expertise with local talent. When programme participants come to Barcelona for the in-person events, they’re stepping into the heart of the connectivity revolution.

Breaking Down That $50,000

Let’s talk money because that’s what everyone wants to know about. The $50,000 grant is non-dilutive, which means you don’t give up any piece of your company to get it. That’s huge in the startup world where everyone wants a piece of your action. But here’s what makes it even better – they don’t just hand you a check and walk away. The money comes in two parts, tied to milestones you agree on with them. So you get some funding upfront to get moving, then more when you hit specific targets. This isn’t free money – it’s an investment in your progress. The technology grants landscape is competitive, but this one’s structured to actually help you succeed.

Q: What exactly counts as Technology Readiness Level 4?
A: Lab validation of key components in a relevant environment. Not just theory anymore.

Q: Can I apply if my startup is based in the US but targeting African markets?
A: Yes, as long as you’re registered in an ITU member state.

Q: How strict is the open-source commitment?
A: Very. They want to see your open-source plan during application.

What can you actually use the money for? Pretty much whatever you need to make your solution work. Need to adapt your tech for a new market? Covered. Want to run independent tests to prove it works? That’s in there. Need regulatory approvals to operate in different countries? They’ve got you. Essential tools or equipment? No problem. Operational costs directly tied to your project? Yes. This flexibility shows they understand that innovation doesn’t follow a strict budget – sometimes you need to pivot, sometimes unexpected costs come up, and sometimes opportunities appear that you couldn’t have planned for. The grant adapts to your journey, not the other way around.

The Mentorship You Actually Need

Money’s great, but let’s be honest – many startups fail even with funding because they don’t know what they’re doing. That’s where the mentorship part of this programme really shines. You’re not getting some generic business advice from people who’ve never built anything. You’re matched with mentors who actually understand the connectivity space and the unique challenges of deploying tech in underserved areas. These are people who’ve been in the trenches and can help you avoid the mistakes they made. The accelerator programmes I’ve seen often promise mentorship but deliver cookie-cutter advice. This one feels different.

The mentorship covers the stuff that keeps tech founders up at night. How do you raise money without giving away your company? How do you get your product to market when that market might be thousands of miles away? How do you navigate regulations that change from country to country? And most importantly – how do you build tech that actually works in the real world, not just in a lab? The programme brings in subject matter experts for each of these areas, giving you access to knowledge that would take years to build on your own. And it’s not just one-off sessions – this is ongoing support throughout the five-month programme.

Connections That Matter

In the connectivity world, who you know can be as important as what you know. The Giga Accelerator Programme gets you into rooms that would normally be locked tight. We’re talking mobile network operators, connectivity initiatives, industry leaders, and even the policymakers who make the rules. These aren’t just names on a list – they’re potential partners, customers, and investors who can help you scale your solution in ways you never imagined. The technology innovation grants often miss this crucial networking piece, but Giga’s built it right into the programme.

I’ve seen too many good tech solutions die because they couldn’t find the right partners. That’s not likely to happen here. The programme fosters relationships through structured events and informal connections. Many participants find that these relationships lead to pilot projects with telecom operators, partnerships with government agencies, or follow-on funding from impact investors. The global nature of the network means you’ll connect with people who understand local conditions in the specific regions you’re targeting. Want to deploy in rural Kenya? There’s probably someone in the network who’s worked there. Need to understand regulations in Southeast Asia? Someone’s dealt with that before. This local knowledge is invaluable and nearly impossible to get on your own.

Demo Day and What Comes After

The programme ends with a Demo Day in Barcelona, but don’t call it a graduation – it’s more like a launchpad. This is where you present your solution to a carefully selected group of industry stakeholders who are actually in a position to help you. We’re not talking about a room full of people politely clapping and moving on. These are potential partners, customers, and investors who came specifically to find solutions like yours. The startup grants world is full of demo days, but this one’s different because of who’s in the room.

But here’s what really sets Giga apart – they don’t just disappear after Demo Day. Giga selects the most promising teams to present at major international events like the Mobile World Congress and the Giga Connectivity Forum. Think about that exposure for a minute. These are events where the biggest players in the connectivity industry gather, and you’re on stage showing them what you’ve built. Past participants have secured pilot projects with telecom operators, partnerships with government agencies, and follow-on funding from impact investors through these connections. The Demo Day isn’t the finish line – it’s the starting gun for your next phase of growth.

Timeline and What to Expect

The programme runs for five months, mostly online so anyone from anywhere can participate. But you will need to pack your bags twice – once in December 2025 and again in March 2026 for in-person events in Barcelona. Don’t worry about travel costs though – the programme covers those expenses. They want to make sure money isn’t what keeps talented teams from participating. The innovation grants often overlook these practical details, but Giga’s thought them through.

Here’s the key timeline you need to mark on your calendar:
Application Deadline: September 21, 2025
Cohort Announcement: Early October 2025
Programme Start Date: October 2025
First Barcelona Gathering: December 2025
Demo Day in Barcelona: March 2026

Q: What happens if I miss a milestone deadline?
A: Probably program termination, so don’t miss them.

Q: Can I continue working on non-program projects during the five months?
A: Yes, but the program requires active engagement throughout.

Q: What kind of follow-on funding do program graduates typically secure?
A: Varies widely, but the network access significantly improves funding prospects.

Five months might not sound like much, but it’s actually perfect for this type of programme. Long enough to make real progress on your solution but short enough that you’re not taken away from your business for too long. The virtual format means you can keep working on your company while participating, which is crucial for early-stage startups that can’t afford to pause operations.

Mistakes That Will Sink Your Application

I’ve been reviewing grant applications for years, and I see the same mistakes over and over. Don’t make these. First, so many applicants talk endlessly about their amazing technology without ever explaining how it actually helps people in underserved communities. Cool tech is great, but if it doesn’t solve a real problem for real people, it’s not what Giga’s looking for. The technology grants for startups often make this mistake – focusing on the tech rather than the impact.

Second, don’t treat the open-source requirement like an afterthought. I’ve seen applications that mention it almost as a footnote, like “oh yeah, we’ll make it open source eventually.” That’s not going to cut it. Giga takes this seriously because they know that’s how solutions spread and adapt across different contexts. Your application needs to show you understand why open source matters and have a real plan for how you’ll implement it.

Third, so many tech founders hate talking about business models. They want to focus on the technology and assume the business part will somehow work itself out. That’s a recipe for failure. Giga’s looking for solutions that are not just technologically innovative but also commercially sustainable. How will this solution keep running after the grant money runs out? Who will pay for it? How will it scale? These questions need real answers, not hand-waving.

Finally, make sure you actually have something to show. The programme requires TRL 4 or higher, which means you need to have moved beyond the idea stage to actual proof of concept. I’ve seen amazing applications that were rejected because they were basically just ideas on paper. Giga wants to fund solutions that are ready to be tested and refined, not starting from scratch.

Understanding Technology Readiness Levels

Let’s talk about TRLs because they confuse a lot of people, and getting this right could make or break your application. Technology Readiness Levels are basically a way to measure how mature your technology is, from basic research (TRL 1) all the way to proven in the real world (TRL 9). For the Giga Accelerator Programme, you need to be at least at TRL 4, which means you’ve moved beyond basic research and actually have components working together in a lab environment. The tech startup grants often use similar frameworks, so understanding this is valuable beyond just this application.

Here’s the quick breakdown:
TRL 1: You’ve got some basic research and ideas, but nothing concrete yet.
TRL 2: You’re starting to think about how your idea might actually work in practice.
TRL 3: You’ve done some tests that show your concept could actually work.
TRL 4: You’ve got basic components working together in a lab – this is the minimum for Giga.
TRL 5: You’ve tested your technology in a situation that’s closer to where it would actually be used.
TRL 6: You’ve got a more complete prototype that’s been tested in a relevant environment.
TRL 7: You’ve got a working prototype that’s been tested in actual operational conditions.
TRL 8: You’ve got a complete system that’s been tested and proven to work.
TRL 9: Your system has been successfully used in real-world operations.

At TRL 4, you should have moved beyond “this might work” to “we’ve built the basic pieces and shown they can work together.” That doesn’t mean you have a finished product – far from it. But it does mean you’ve moved from theory to practice, which is exactly what Giga wants to see.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who can actually apply for this programme?
A: Pretty much any organization that’s legally registered in an ITU Member State, has a tech solution that’s at least at TRL 4, and is willing to open-source their technology. That includes for-profits, non-profits, and everything in between.

Q: Do I retain intellectual property rights for my innovations?
A: Yes, but with open-source licensing requirements.

Q: Can I license my technology to commercial partners after the program?
A: Yes, within the open-source framework established.

Q: What kind of ongoing relationship does Giga maintain with alumni?
A: Long-term partnership opportunities for deployment and scaling.

Q: What’s the main thing Giga cares about?
A: Connecting underserved communities, especially schools. They want tech that works where nothing else does, and they want it to be open source so others can build on it.

Q: How much money are we really talking about?
A: $50,000 non-dilutive, meaning you don’t give up any equity in your company. It comes in two parts as you hit milestones you agree on with them.

Q: Is this just for non-profits or can for-profits apply too?
A: Both can apply. Giga cares more about your solution and your commitment to open source than your legal structure.

Q: What makes an application stand out?
A: Being crystal clear about how your tech solves real connectivity problems in underserved areas, showing you have a viable business model, and demonstrating you genuinely understand and embrace the open-source philosophy.

Q: Do I need to move to Spain for this?
A: Nope. The programme is mostly virtual, but you will need to travel to Barcelona twice during the five months. They cover the travel costs though.

Q: How much time does this actually take?
A: It’s a significant commitment over five months. You’ll have regular virtual sessions and need to make progress on your milestones, plus the two trips to Barcelona.

Q: What happens after the programme ends?
A: Giga doesn’t just disappear. They keep supporting participants through their network, might select you for additional showcase opportunities, and help facilitate pilot projects and partnerships.

Three Things Your Application MUST Have

1. Real-World Problem Solving: Don’t just talk about your tech – talk about the problem it solves. Use specific examples, data if you have it, and show you understand the context where your solution will be used. The best applications I’ve seen start with the problem, not the technology.

2. Proof You Can Actually Build This: Show me, don’t just tell me. Include test results, photos or videos of your prototype, data from pilot projects, anything that proves you’ve moved beyond the idea stage. At TRL 4, you should have something tangible to show.

3. A Real Open-Source Plan: This can’t be an afterthought. Explain exactly how and when you’ll open-source your technology, what license you’ll use, how you’ll manage contributions, and how this fits with your business model. Show me you understand why open source matters for this type of work.

Honestly, putting together a proposal this complex is a huge task. If you’re serious about this and want a second pair of expert eyes, that’s what we do at Grantaura. A little bit of help on the grant proposal can make all the difference. CLICK HERE to get the GRANT PROPOSAL WRITING help.

More Grants for Technology

1. UNICEF Venture Fund: Up to $400,000 for Frontier Technology: The UNICEF Venture Fund offers equity-free funding up to $400,000 for early-stage, open-source frontier technology solutions from emerging markets. This grant focuses on technologies that benefit children and youth, making it ideal for innovators developing educational or child-focused connectivity solutions. Like Giga, they’re committed to open-source technologies that can be adapted and scaled across different contexts.
2. Startup Grants for Technology Innovation: Discover specialized grant opportunities designed for tech startups at various stages of development. From seed funding to growth capital, these grants support entrepreneurs bringing innovative technology solutions to market. The startup ecosystem is competitive, but these grants can provide the non-dilutive funding needed to turn innovative ideas into viable businesses without giving up equity.
3. Global Technology Grants for Impact: Access a curated selection of international technology grants with expert guidance from Grantaura. These funding opportunities are tailored for organizations developing technology solutions with global impact potential. Whether you’re working on connectivity, clean energy, or digital inclusion, these grants support innovations that address pressing global challenges.
4. Lenovo Small Business AI Grant: $35K Funding & Support: Win $25,000 cash plus $10,000 in AI technology from Lenovo’s small business grant program. Includes mentorship and Microsoft 365 integration, making it perfect for AI-driven connectivity solutions. This grant is particularly valuable for startups leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance connectivity or optimize network performance in underserved areas.
5. Acorn Innovation Grant 2025: $36,000 for Tech Advancements: This grant provides up to $36,000 for pioneering research and technology development in Massachusetts. Ideal for early-stage technology companies working on innovative connectivity solutions. The grant focuses on helping companies bridge the gap between research and commercialization, which is often referred to as the “valley of death” for tech startups.
6. Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge: $3K–$15K for Impact: Apply for $3,000–$15,000 USD, free coaching, and a global support network for 18–30 year-old social impact founders. Perfect for young entrepreneurs developing technology solutions for social good. This challenge specifically targets the next generation of innovators who are using technology to address social and environmental challenges.
7. Pipeline Angels Pitch Summit: $25K-$50K Investment: Pipeline Angels trains 500+ impact investors to fund underrepresented founders. Apply for their October 2025 summit with potential for $25,000-$50,000 in investment for your technology venture. Unlike traditional grants, this is investment funding, but it comes with the added benefit of access to a network of impact-focused investors.
8. Home for Dreams: $25K Black Business Grants + Mentorship: Parachute’s Home for Dreams program provides $25,000 in Black business grants plus six months of mentorship. Excellent for Black entrepreneurs developing technology solutions for underserved communities. The program recognizes the unique challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs and provides both funding and guidance to help overcome them.
9. Marine Innovation Grants: $4K for Electric Boat Technology: This grant offers up to $4,000 annually for working waterfront businesses ready to make the switch to electric propulsion systems. While focused on marine technology, it’s relevant for connectivity solutions in coastal communities. The grant supports innovations that reduce environmental impact while improving operational efficiency in maritime settings.
10. Patagonia International Grants Program: $5K-$20K for Environmental Tech: Grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 for organizations operating internationally, excluding U.S.-based activities. Suitable for technology solutions with environmental benefits in underserved regions. Patagonia has a long history of supporting environmental activism and sustainable solutions, making this grant ideal for eco-friendly technology innovations.
11. Technology Research Grants for Innovation: Discover specialized grant opportunities designed for researchers developing new technologies. These grants support the crucial early-stage research that often leads to breakthrough connectivity solutions. Research grants are essential for advancing the fundamental science and engineering behind new technologies, even before they’re ready for commercialization.
12. Colombia Technology Grants and Funding Opportunities: Access a curated selection of grant opportunities in Colombia, a country with significant digital divide challenges. These grants support technology solutions tailored to Latin American markets. Colombia’s diverse geography presents unique connectivity challenges, making it an ideal testing ground for innovative solutions that could be adapted for other regions with similar conditions.
13. Olga Loizon Memorial Technology Entrepreneurship Grants: $10,000 grants for Michigan-based women technology entrepreneurs. While geographically limited, this program offers substantial funding specifically for women in technology sectors. The memorial foundation’s focus on supporting innovative women entrepreneurs aligns with diversity goals similar to those embedded in international programs like Giga’s initiative.
14. Technology Innovation Grant Database: Comprehensive collection of technology-focused funding opportunities across all sectors and development stages. This category contains hundreds of grants specifically targeting technological innovation, including many that complement Giga’s connectivity focus. Technology entrepreneurs can find everything from R&D funding to commercialization grants within this extensive database.

Finding the right technology grant can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, but Grantaura makes it simple. Our platform offers free access to hundreds of active grants for technology innovation, from early-stage research funding to growth capital for scaling solutions. Whether you’re developing AI-driven connectivity platforms, open-source networking tools, or sustainable business models for digital inclusion, our comprehensive database has opportunities tailored to your specific needs. With new grants added daily and expert guidance available, Grantaura is your one-stop resource for securing the funding you need to bring your technology vision to life. We’ve helped over 300 organizations secure more than $50 million in funding, and we’re ready to help you next.

Terms:
– Non-Dilutive Funding: Money you get without giving up any ownership in your company. This is gold in the startup world where everyone usually wants a piece of your action.
– Technology Readiness Level (TRL): A scale from 1 to 9 that shows how far along your technology is, from basic research (1) to proven in the real world (9). Giga wants you at least at TRL 4.
– Open Source: Technology where the source code is available for anyone to see, modify, and improve. This is crucial for solutions that need to be adapted for different communities around the world.
– Digital Divide: The gap between people who have internet access and those who don’t. We’re talking about 2.7 billion people here – mostly in poor and rural areas.
– Infrastructure-Constrained Environments: Places where building traditional internet infrastructure is too expensive, difficult, or impossible. Think remote villages, mountainous regions, or areas with unreliable electricity.
– Underserved Communities: Groups of people who don’t have adequate access to essential services like internet connectivity, usually because they’re poor, rural, or otherwise marginalized.
– Proof of Concept: Evidence that your idea actually works in practice. This usually means you’ve built and tested a basic version of your technology.
– Equity-Free: Another way of saying non-dilutive. You get the money without giving up any ownership of your company.
– Scalable Solution: Technology that can grow to serve more users or expand to new areas without falling apart or becoming too expensive to operate.
– Connectivity Solutions: Technologies and approaches designed to get people online, especially in places where traditional internet providers don’t or won’t go.
– TRL Self-Assessment: When you evaluate your own technology against the TRL scale to figure out where it stands. Giga requires you to do this as part of your application.
– Interoperability: The ability of different systems and devices to work together. This is super important for connectivity technologies that need to connect with existing networks.
– Community Networks: Internet networks built and run by local communities rather than big telecom companies. They’re often the only way to get online in really remote areas.
– Digital Public Goods: Open-source technologies that are freely available for anyone to use and adapt, especially for public benefit.
– Technology Accelerator: A time-limited program that helps startups grow faster through funding, mentorship, and connections. Giga’s programme runs for five months.
– Mentorship: Guidance and advice from experienced people who’ve been there and done that. Good mentorship can be worth more than the funding itself.
– Demo Day: An event where startups present their solutions to investors, partners, and other important people. It’s like a pitch day on steroids.
– Commercial Viability: The ability of a technology or business to actually make money and sustain itself in the real world, not just in theory.

Author: Imran Ahmad has spent years watching technology innovations struggle to find funding, especially when they’re focused on helping underserved communities. As the founder of Grantaura, he’s made it his mission to change that by connecting innovators with the resources they need to make a real impact. Having worked with over 300 organizations to secure more than $50 million in funding, Imran understands both the technical and human sides of the grant world. He knows that bridging the digital divide isn’t just about technology – it’s about understanding communities, building sustainable business models, and creating solutions that actually work in the real world. Through Grantaura, he’s democratizing access to funding for the entrepreneurs and organizations who are reimagining connectivity for the billions who still remain unconnected.