The Giga Accelerator is a program under the Giga initiative, based at the Giga Technology Centre in Barcelona, and is primarily conducted in a virtual format. It aims to support products that promote economically sustainable and inclusive school connectivity, assisting innovators in refining and scaling their solutions while establishing strategic relationships within the digital connectivity ecosystem.

The Accelerator Program has three primary objectives:

1. To support product development and sustainability through financial assistance and mentorship.
2. To enhance the potential for commercial viability and ensure the interoperability of solutions.
3. To cultivate relationships with high-potential partners in the telecommunications sector.

Eligibility Criteria – Giga Accelerator Program

Legal Registration: The applicant must be a legal entity, properly registered in one of the ITU Member States.
Compliance: The applicant is required to confirm in writing that neither the entity nor its owners are subject to any significant ongoing litigation related to prohibited practices as defined by the ITU.
Financial Stability: Evidence of financial solvency is necessary to demonstrate that the entity is a viable concern.
Stage of Development: The product that is the focus of the application must have a minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4 or higher, indicating it should be at least in the proof of concept or prototype stage.
Open-Source Commitment: The product that is the subject of the application must either be an existing open-source project or the applicant must commit to one of the open-source contribution models before the conclusion of their participation in the Accelerator Programme. Please review the Commitment to Open Source form.

Focus Areas – Giga Accelerator Program

• Connecting Communities in Infrastructure-Constrained Environments: Solutions designed for communities where conventional connectivity infrastructure may be inadequate, unavailable, or impractical, necessitating alternative network configurations or designs that operate effectively even in such regions.
• Affordable and Sustainable Business Models & Financing Mechanisms: Strategies that tackle the necessity for innovative business models, pricing strategies, or financing mechanisms that guarantee digital connectivity remains financially sustainable, accessible, and affordable for underserved communities.
• Viable Internet Provision for Underserved Areas: Solutions that facilitate sustainable, commercially viable internet provision at the community level, particularly in areas with population densities characteristic of peri-urban and rural settings.
• Optimizing Internet Provision for the Underserved Areas Context: Solutions that leverage the latest technologies to enhance reliable performance adaptability and simplify deployment in underserved and unserved regions.
• Reducing Operational Barriers for Connectivity Providers: Solutions that mitigate the operational complexities, costs, and technical skill/manpower requirements associated with delivering connectivity in remote or unserved locations.

Program Benefits

• 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)

Application – Giga Accelerator Program

• To apply visit the application portal
• Deadline:  September 21, 2025