To bridge the global digital divide and build the future of work, HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) and the HP Foundation are launching the 2025 Digital Equity Accelerator and its call for submissions.

This year, the Accelerator has evolved to focus on equipping historically disconnected youth and adults with the critical skills needed to participate and thrive in an increasingly digital economy.

Selected nonprofit organizations will receive USD $100,000 in HP Foundation grants, HP technology (~USD $100,000 value), and six-months of programmatic support to scale digital equity solutions.

For the first time, HP is offering the Accelerator programme to four countries to further expand geographic reach.

For the 2025 programme, nonprofits in Greece, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Spain, including those using AI to advance impact, are invited to apply. HP will accept applications until 11:59 p.m. EST on February 12, 2025.

The Global Head of Social Impact, HP Inc., and Director, HP Foundation, Michele Malejki, said the firm believes in harnessing technology to drive positive and lasting change.

Malejki said the organisations are dedicated to closing the digital divide for youth and adults who have been historically disconnected from digital access so they can succeed in an increasingly competitive digital economy.

“As we enter our fourth year of the Digital Equity Accelerator, we are inspired by the qprogress made so far and are excited to see the innovative, AI-powered solutions that the 2025 cohort will bring forward to address digital equity challenges,” Malejki stated.

Speaking on equipping youth and adults for the digital economy, Malejki explained that a $1 trillion-plus digital divide is limiting billions from achieving equal access to educational and economic opportunities.

Malejki stated that through the Digital Equity Accelerator, HP aims to create a more equitable world through access to technology, digital literacy and AI, as well as quality skills content.

“The Accelerator helps organizations strengthen capacity and scale impact for digital equity solutions, particularly among people who are traditionally excluded. Since 2022, Accelerator alumni have driven progress for many, advancing digital equity for educators, women, and disconnected youth, among others,” Malejki added.

Malejki further stated that HP has strategically selected countries such as Greece, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Spain, to address specific digital equity gaps.
According to Malejki, these countries represent diverse challenges in digital equity, aligning with HP’s commitment to foster global digital inclusion.

Malejki said the Digital Equity Accelerator remains a cornerstone ofequipping youth and adults with critical skills, noting that countries can apply via https://digitalequityaccelerator.elwis.cloud/registration.

” Greece faces significant digital skill gaps, particularly among refugees, with only 52 per cent of the population equipped with basic digital skills.

“According to BPS data for 2023, 25.80 per cent of Indonesian youth are classified as NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), with female youth facing double the unemployment rate compared to their male counterparts. This underscores the urgent need to address the digital skills gap and empower young Indonesians to thrive in the digital era.

” Nigeria, despite having Africa’s largest Information and Communications Technology (ICT) market, only has 28% of its population using the internet, leaving many youth without employment or education opportunities.

“While Spain ranks high in digital skills, there are still disparities, particularly among children and older generations, leaving gaps in access and job readiness for underserved communities,” Malejki explained.