Catalyst Grants

Catalyst is a competitive grants program led by CTIA Wireless Foundation, which supports social entrepreneurs leveraging wireless technology to solve significant challenges across American communities. The Foundation, with a focus on mobile-first innovation, particularly prioritizes solutions powered by 5G and cutting-edge wireless technologies. These technologies span from text messaging platforms to applications using virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and sensor networks. Since its inception in 2019, Catalyst has awarded over $1 million to more than 30 entrepreneurs, impacting approximately 30 million lives. The funder’s mission is to accelerate impact through wireless innovation that improves how people live, learn, connect, and heal. The Catalyst program offers unrestricted financial support and non-financial benefits to a minimum of six applicants each cycle. The top awards are $100,000 for first place, $50,000 for second, and $25,000 for third, with up to three honorable mentions receiving $10,000 each. All recipients receive strategic visibility benefits such as media training, storytelling support, and promotional exposure through videos, speaking opportunities, and features in communication channels of CTIA Wireless Foundation and its partners. Finalists and winners also gain access to the Catalyst alumni network, providing a platform for continued learning, growth, and industry connection. Eligible applicants must be registered and operating in the United States or its territories and meet one of the following organizational structures: nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities with a commitment to social good, or B-Corporations. Individual applicants and current or past CTIA members, as well as past Catalyst winners, are ineligible. The program encourages submissions from underrepresented groups, including people of color, women, and veterans. Applicants should be social enterprises in the early development stages with demonstrated proof of concept and preferably experience with incubators, accelerators, or similar mentorship programs. The application process for Catalyst 2026 follows a two-phase format. Phase 1 submissions are due by February 24, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET and require a summary of the wireless solution, founder’s motivation, demographic and geographic scope of service, and an organizational profile. By March 17, 2026, selected applicants will be invited to Phase 2, which is due by April 7, 2026. This phase includes deeper details about strategic goals, impact, innovation, organizational vision, and financial overview. Finalists also participate in Q&A sessions with the Foundation team in late March to elaborate on their work and answer questions. Catalyst evaluates applications based on the extent to which wireless technology is central to the proposed solution, the innovation and potential social impact of the idea, and the applicant’s readiness to scale their work. Though there are no matching fund requirements, recipients must have the infrastructure and capability to responsibly manage the award. All awarded funds are unrestricted, allowing organizations flexibility in how they use the financial support. Winners and honorable mentions will be notified in early May 2026. The program does not operate on a rolling basis, but it is offered annually, suggesting that future iterations are likely. Interested applicants can access more information and apply through the Catalyst portal, and inquiries can be directed to the Foundation via catalyst@wirelessfoundation.org.

Wireless must be central to solution; highlight scalability and impact; tell your founding story with clarity