The industry organization GSMA is launching a new fund to finance the development of mobile technologies and services that can help in emergency situations.
The GSMA has launched a government-backed innovation fund with the aim of improving emergency preparedness in humanitarian crises, and a call for social organizations and relevant agencies to participate.
The GSMA is a trade organization representing the interests of mobile operators worldwide more than 750 mobile operators are GSMA members and a further 400 companies in the wider mobile ecosystem are associate members.
In a statement, the GSMA says that grants of up to £250,000 will be awarded by the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to fund projects that use mobile technology to help people affected by incidents such as natural disasters and other emergencies.
Money for emergency aid where the mobile is used
The money will be distributed to initiatives where mobile phones are used, new business models and to promote research and collaborations that are about being able to react quickly in emergency situations. The GSMA states that the plan will help vulnerable areas of around 300 million people worldwide.
"As the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance continues to rise, it is more important than ever to act early," said Max Cuvellier, Head of Mobile for Development at the GSMA.
Mobile measures can anticipate extreme events
He added that mobile-based measures can help anticipate "extreme events" and create the basis for quick and cost-effective help.
The GSMA wants applications from non-profits, start-ups, and companies that use mobile technology in countries exposed to humanitarian disasters. It can be, for example, natural disasters, and it is especially agencies involved in early warning systems and relevant technology that increase communication between organizations and affected communities that they hope will apply for funding for services.