CTIA Wireless Foundation's Catalyst 2025 Winners
On September 16, 2025, the CTIA Wireless Foundation revealed its Catalyst 2025 winners:
Rooted,
Uprooted Academy,
CareHome Health Solutions, and
CareMessage. This initiative focuses on supporting social entrepreneurs who harness 5G and advanced wireless technologies to tackle significant issues faced by communities across the United States.
A Look at the Winners
The highlight of the awards is the $100,000 grant awarded to
Rooted. This innovative start-up is dedicated to enhancing mortgage readiness by facilitating first-time homeownership. Headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, Rooted employs a mobile platform that connects users to expert coaching via SMS text messages. This approach aims to boost financial stability and wealth creation among aspiring homeowners.
Uprooted Academy
Taking home a $50,000 grant,
Uprooted Academy provides a mobile platform that leverages AI-driven SMS coaching to assist low-income students with college admissions guidance. Their commitment to education ensures that every student, regardless of background, has access to resources that can guide them to higher education.
CareHome Health Solutions and CareMessage
Both
CareHome Health Solutions and
CareMessage received $25,000 grants. CareHome Health Solutions specializes in remote automated medication dispensers to aid in medication management, while CareMessage employs an AI-enhanced SMS system to improve health outcomes for low-income communities. These initiatives showcase the vital role that technology can play in health care management.
Honorable Mentions
In addition to the main winners, three other finalists —
Alva Health,
My First Nest Egg, and
Novobeing — were recognized with honorable mention grants of $10,000 each. These recognitions reflect the diverse range of innovative projects being developed within the Catalyst program framework.
Growing Impact
The Catalyst initiative has now reached its sixth year, showcasing a remarkable increase in applications, with submissions rising over 80% from previous years. Since its inception, the program has allocated more than $1 million in unrestricted funding to over 25 early-stage organizations focused on social impact.
Ajit Pai, President of CTIA Wireless Foundation, emphasized the role of the wireless industry in driving innovation, stating, "The wireless industry fuels innovation across the United States. Through the Catalyst program, the Foundation is advancing positive impact powered by mobile-first technology. We are proud to celebrate the Catalyst 2025 Winners, a group of innovative social entrepreneurs using wireless solutions for healthcare, education, and financial readiness."
Dori Kreiger, Executive Director of CTIA Wireless Foundation, echoed this sentiment, highlighting that these winners are providing crucial mobile-based solutions to address pressing issues facing millions of Americans.
A Legacy of Innovation
For over 30 years, CTIA Wireless Foundation has led efforts in wireless-driven social innovation, tackling critical societal challenges ranging from public safety to mental health. The mission remains steadfast: to enable positive social impact through innovative wireless technology in American communities.
About the CTIA Wireless Foundation
The CTIA Wireless Foundation, a nonprofit organization, seeks to create a positive impact by leveraging cutting-edge wireless technology. Founded by CTIA member companies in 1991, it has consistently worked towards enhancing community well-being through impactful initiatives. For more information, visit
CTIA Wireless Foundation.