The Microsoft Airband is an opportunity for small businesses expanding affordable internet access.
About the Award:
Internet connectivity is an increasingly critical part of accessing a better education, jobs and health care, and in participating in the 21st century economy. Yet, with more than half of the world’s population lacking internet connectivity, often in rural and other under-served communities, there is still a long road ahead of us.
That’s why we’re pleased to announce that today Microsoft has opened its third annual call for applications to the Microsoft Airband Grant Fund. The grant fund seeks to spark innovation to overcome barriers to affordable internet access, through supporting high-potential, early-stage startups creating innovative new technologies, services and business models. This year Microsoft is taking a keen interest in solutions enabling key verticals such as agriculture, education, healthcare and small business.
The grant fund is an integral part of Microsoft’s Airband initiative, which aims to extend broadband access across the United States and, ultimately, connectivity around the globe. To that end, we are collaborating with internet access and off-grid energy access providers, as well as other private and public-sector entities, on practical, high-impact and scalable approaches to help close the digital divide. The grant fund complements, and feeds into these efforts, as we know that innovation happens at every level – from the largest corporations to an early stage startup with an idea.
Eligibility:
- Grant fund applicants must be early stage internet and energy startups.
- Applicants must be commercial organizations with at least two full-time employees, have a prototype of a working solution and have preferably paying customers.
- These solutions ideally combine new cloud services and applications, low-cost forms of internet connectivity, and new payment mechanisms designed for consumers and smaller businesses in underserved markets.
Value of Award:
Grantees receive cash investments, access to technology, business development support, mentoring and great networking opportunities.
How to Apply:
Applications may be submitted through midnight Jan. 31, 2018 U.S. Pacific Standard Time.