Deadline: 5-Mar-24
CTIA Wireless Foundation is seeking ambitious early-stage social entrepreneurs who have developed mobile-first solutions to enhance the lives and address challenges in American communities.
Wireless networks are a platform for innovation, supporting emerging technologies that are transforming the society. Mobile-first solutions powered by 5G and leading edge wireless offer a significant opportunity to make meaningful advances and tap into a powerful infrastructure for social good.
Prize Details
- 1st Place $100,000
- 2nd Place $50,000
- 3rd Place $25,000
- 3 Honorable Mentions will receive $10,000 each.
What else do Catalyst Awardees Receive?
- Top three winners:
- A professionally produced 2-minute video profiling your social enterprise. They believe visual storytelling has the power to capture attention and advance your mobile-first solution.
- Opportunities to participate in speaking engagements and share your work with audiences that include wireless industry leaders, elected officials, and policymakers.
- Winners and honorable mentions:
- An organizational profile posted on CTIA Wireless Foundation’s website.
- Features in CTIA Member communications, including newsletters and social media channels, as well as through CTIA Wireless Foundation channels.
- Financial support to participate in Catalyst in-person events.
- Pitch coaching with a communications expert.
CTIA Wireless Foundation requires that Catalyst Winners and Honorable Mentions attend in-person events, and that Catalyst Winners participate in video production and submit brief interim and final grant reports.
Who Should Apply to Catalyst?
- Social entrepreneurs using wireless technology to solve a pressing issue in American communities. The applicant’s solution must be mobile-first.
- They have a preference for mobile-first solutions that are powered by 5G and leading edge wireless technology.
- Social enterprises in early-stage development; solution is beyond ideation stage and has a proof of concept.
- Founders who have lived experience with the issue their mobile-first solution addresses.
- Innovators who are addressing some of the country’s biggest challenges that often impact marginalized populations the most.
- Entities that have the potential and infrastructure in place to make a real impact.
- Applicants who demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in their business practices.
- Applicants who have experience working through business incubators, accelerators, or mentorship programs.
- They strongly encourage applications from organizations whose leadership is comprised of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color), women, and/or veterans.
Wireless networks – and the innovations enabled by wireless connectivity — create significant opportunities to make meaningful advances and solve pressing issues.
Who is Eligible to Apply to Catalyst?
- Applicants must be registered and operate in the United States and/or the United States Territories.
- Applicants must assume one of the following legal statuses:
- Nonprofit organization;
- For-profit organization with a demonstrated commitment to social good; or,
- B-Corporation.
- Applicants cannot be past or current CTIA members at any point in the application and awards process.
- Applicants cannot be past Catalyst Winners. Past Catalyst Honorable Mention recipients may apply.
- Individuals are not eligible to apply.
For more information, visit CTIA Wireless Foundation.