ITU–UNICEF Giga Accelerator Seeks Open-Source Innovations to Bridge School Connectivity Gaps
SDG 4: Quality Education
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Institution: Ministry of External Affairs
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and UNICEF have launched the Giga Accelerator, a new program designed to identify, fund, and scale scalable open-source digital infrastructure solutions for connecting schools to the Internet worldwide. Initiated on 18 August 2025, the program focuses on expanding internet access particularly in rural and remote areas, aiming to close the digital divide in education.
Supported by the Government of Spain, the Regional Government of Catalonia, and the City of Barcelona, and delivered in collaboration with innovation platform Plug and Play, the Accelerator will support a global cohort of 12 growth-stage organizations with tested solutions. Each participant receives up to USD 50,000 in grant funding, along with mentorship, technical guidance, and access to a global partner network.
The program features expert-led workshops, one-on-one mentorships, and culminates in in-person events at the Giga Technology Centre in Barcelona, with leading solutions showcased at the Mobile World Congress 2026. Applications are open until 21 September 2025, encouraging organizations worldwide to contribute bold, scalable innovations, particularly women-owned and Spain-based organizations.
Relevant question for policy stakeholders:
How can open-source digital infrastructure innovations be accelerated and scaled globally to ensure equitable and sustainable Internet connectivity for schools, fostering inclusive education and digital empowerment?
Follow the full news here:
https://www.itu.int/hub/2025/08/giga-accelerator-seeks-open-source-solutions-to-connect-schools