If you are an entrepreneur or innovator focused on digital connectivity, the Giga Accelerator Programme is a chance you should seize. Powered by UNICEF and ITU, the programme supports startups building solutions to close the digital divide in education. Selected participants receive up to USD 50,000 in equity-free funding, expert mentorship, and access to a strong global support network to scale their innovations.
This guide covers everything you need to know, including an overview of the programme, eligibility requirements, benefits, selection criteria, and the application process.
About the Giga Accelerator Programme
The Giga Accelerator Programme is part of Giga, a joint initiative by UNICEF and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The goal is simple: to connect every school in the world to the internet by 2030.
The accelerator focuses on supporting early-stage startups, innovators, and entrepreneurs developing solutions that can improve internet access and affordability, particularly for schools and underserved communities. Participants receive tailored mentorship, funding, and the chance to scale their ideas on a global level.
The Accelerator Program has three main goals:
- Support product development and sustainability through financial backing and mentorship.
- Enhance the potential for commercial viability and ensure interoperability of solutions.
- Foster relationships with high-potential partners in the telecom sector.
Eligibility and Requirements
To apply for the Giga Accelerator Programme, you must meet the following criteria:
- Legal Registration: The applicant must be legal entity, duly registered in one of the ITU Member States.
- Compliance: The applicant shall be required to confirm in writing that the entity nor its owners are not subject to any major ongoing litigation related to prohibited practices as defined by ITU.
- Financial Stability: Proof of financial solvency is required to demonstrate the entity is a going concern.
- Stage of Development: The product that is the subject of the application must be at a minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4 or higher, meaning it should be at least in the proof of concept or prototype phase.
- Open-Source Commitment: The product that is the subject of the application must be an existing open-source project or the applicant must commit to one of the open-source contribution models before the end of their participation in the Accelerator Programme. Please review the Commitment to Open Source form.
Focus Areas
- Connecting Communities in Infrastructure-Constrained Environments: Solutions for communities where traditional connectivity infrastructure may be insufficient, unavailable or unviable, requiring alternative network configurations or designs that function effectively even in such areas.
- Affordable and Sustainable Business Models & Financing Mechanisms: Approaches that address the need for creative business models, pricing approaches or financing mechanisms that ensure digital connectivity remains financially viable, accessible, and affordable to underserved communities.
- Viable Internet Provision forUnderserved Areas: Solutions that enable sustainable, commercially viable internet provision at community scale, especially in locations with population density typical of peri-urban and rural areas.
- Optimizing Internet Provision for the Underserved Areas Context: Solutions that use the latest technologies to foster reliable performance adaptability and ease of deployment in underserved and unserved areas.
- Reducing Operational Barriers for Connectivity Providers: Solutions that ease the operational complexity, cost, and technical skill/manpower requirements involved in delivering connectivity in remote or unserved areas.
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Benefits of the Programme
Selected startups and innovators will gain more than funding. The Giga Accelerator Programme offers a comprehensive support package that includes:
- Equity-free funding of up to USD 50,000.
- Global mentorship from experts in technology, policy, and business.
- Access to UNICEF and ITU networks to scale solutions worldwide.
- Visibility and exposure through international events and media.
- Partnership opportunities with governments, NGOs, and private sector stakeholders.
This combination of resources makes the programme more than a grant, as it builds long-term capacity for growth.
Selection Criteria and Process
Applications will be reviewed based on the following:
- Technical Solutions
- Product Scalability
- Team Expertise
- Innovation
- Social Impact
Why Apply
- Equity-Free Financing
- Education
- Network
- Matchmaking & Visibility
- Opportunity for Pilots in Emerging Markets
Required Materials
- Application form
- Proof of legal registration & compliance documentation
- TRL self-assessment
- Open-source commitment declaration
- Organization’s Pitch Deck (highly recommended)
Applications Deadline: 21st,September 2025
