SheConnects Digital Accelerator: India

The SheConnects Digital Accelerator: India was founded by the Reliance Foundation to advance women’s digital inclusion. The Accelerator grants in India are supported by Reliance Foundation with the aim to scale proven, high-impact solutions that enable women and girls to participate fully in the digital world, improving their lives and livelihoods. By catalysing innovative partnerships and use cases in India, the Accelerator will strengthen evidence on what works, foster south-to-south learning, and help shape a more inclusive digital ecosystem. The Accelerator’s initiatives in India are also supported by Gates Foundation and are managed by the GSMA Foundation.

Areas of Focus

Proposed solutions can focus on the following themes or areas, but is not limited to:

  • Digital Financial Inclusion
  • Health, agriculture and education
  • Livelihoods
  • Behaviour Change & Communication
  • Cyber Safety and Security
  • Innovative incorporation of technology and tools

Who Can Apply

Applicants must:

  • Be a not-for-profit registered and operating in India.
  • Propose a project that focuses on digital adoption and use for women in India.
  • Be able to deliver the proposed project in target locations across India and/or evidence local partnerships to deliver the solution on the ground.
  • Have a demonstrated commitment to supporting gender equality and the inclusion of underserved groups.

Please refer to the Request for Applications for the complete eligibility criteria.

Women and girls using digital technology


 

Type of Support

The support package includes:

  • Grant funding of up to INR 4.2 crores.
  • Knowledge, expertise or best practices on addressing the gender digital divide.
  • Bootcamps.
  • Learning exchange opportunities.
  • MEL technical assistance.
  • Opportunity to increase visibility to potential partners through profiling in publications, events and social media.

Grant Funding

  • Funding requested may range from INR 85 lakhs to INR 4.2 crores.
  • Proposed project duration must fall within 15 to 18 months.

Application Timeline

Stage 1 – Pitch

Complete a short online 'Pitch' for the project and describe how you meet the funding criteria.

Deadline: 4 September 2026, 11:59 PM IST

Stage 2 – Proposal

Stage 3 – Fund Panel

Stage 4 – Contracting

Stage 5 – Project Launch

How to Apply

Please submit your application before 4 September 2026, 11:59 PM India Standard Time (IST).

We will only accept submissions in English.

Start Your Application

Questions?

For any further questions related to the Accelerator, please reach out to the GSMA team at:

SheConnectsDigitalAccelerator@gsma.com

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