Deadline: September 30, 2025
The GSMA Foundry Excellence Awards 2026 are now open for entries! These prestigious awards celebrate outstanding innovation, collaboration, and impact within the global telecoms and digital ecosystem. Companies operating in or adjacent to the telecoms industry worldwide are encouraged to apply and showcase their groundbreaking projects that are shaping the future of connectivity.
About the GSMA Foundry Excellence Awards 2026
The GSMA Foundry Excellence Awards recognise and reward companies that have successfully delivered high-impact innovation projects through the GSMA Foundry. Winning an award not only brings industry recognition but also creates new opportunities for networking, visibility, and growth.
Winners will be announced and presented with trophies at MWC Barcelona 2026, the world’s largest mobile industry event.
Application Timeline
- Entries Opened: Friday, 1 August 2025
- Deadline for Submission: Tuesday, 30 September 2025, at 00:00 BST
- Shortlist Announcement: Friday, 6 February 2026
- Winners Revealed: During MWC Barcelona 2026
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to all companies operating in or adjacent to the telecoms industry, anywhere in the world.
- Projects must be GSMA Foundry initiatives completed between January and December 2025.
- Projects still in progress are eligible provided they are completed by 31 December 2025.
Award Categories
Entries can be submitted under any of the following five thematic streams:
- Intelligent Networks & AI-Driven Infrastructure – exploring automation and intelligence in telecom networks.
- Next-Generation Connectivity & Access – innovations expanding connectivity, including satellite and private networks.
- Trust, Security & User Protection – projects enhancing consumer, enterprise, and network protection.
- Enterprise Innovation & New Revenue Models – mobile-powered solutions creating new business models.
- Cross-Cutting Excellence – transformative solutions that span across multiple categories.
Benefits of Participation
By entering the GSMA Foundry Excellence Awards 2026, participants stand to gain:
- Industry recognition and credibility within the global telecoms and digital sectors.
- Networking opportunities with industry leaders and key influencers.
- Increased brand visibility and market differentiation.
- A prestigious trophy presentation at MWC Barcelona 2026.
Judging Criteria
Entries will be evaluated against five pillars:
- Innovation & Creativity – originality and uniqueness of the project.
- Achievement & Recognition – market traction, adoption, and technological maturity.
- Potential / Commercial Use – scalability, sustainability, and growth potential.
- Impact – ability to solve real-world challenges.
- Timelines – relevance and completion within 2025.
Submission Requirements
Applicants are required to submit:
- A short synopsis of the project (maximum 100 words).
- A full description (maximum 500 words).
- Supporting evidence such as case studies, metrics, and data to demonstrate impact.
⚠️ Please note: Once your entry is submitted, it cannot be edited. Ensure all details are final before submission.
Quick Reference Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Entry Period | 1 Aug – 30 Sep 2025 (BST) |
| Eligibility | GSMA Foundry projects completed in 2025 |
| Categories | Five innovation-focused streams |
| Submission Format | 100-word synopsis + 500-word description |
| Judging Criteria | Innovation, scalability, impact, timelines, etc. |
| Shortlist Announced | 6 Feb 2026 |
| Winners Announced | At MWC Barcelona 2026 |
How to Apply
To take part in this prestigious global competition, follow the links below:
👉 Click here to apply
👉 Read more about the programme
📌 Need professional support? Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review to maximise your chances of success.
