Funding Wireless Innovation to Enhance American Communities – US

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.