Program for Extending Financial Support for Prototyping, Proof-of-Concept (POC) Development, Validation of Products & Solutions and Pilot Projects
By Telecom Centres of Excellence India (TCOE India)
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Quick Answer
Financial support for DPIIT-recognized Startups and MSMEs for prototyping, PoC, validation, and pilot deployment of telecom and ICT solutions, offering up to ₹50 lakh as equity-free grant-in-aid.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹50 Lakhs
- Funding type
- Grant
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
About this grant
The Technology Development & Investment Promotion Scheme, spearheaded by the Telecom Centres of Excellence India (TCOE India) and launched by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, offers crucial financial backing to eligible Startups and MSMEs. This program is specifically designed to facilitate the prototyping, proof-of-concept (PoC) development, rigorous validation, and pilot deployment of cutting-edge telecom and ICT technologies within live public or private telecom networks.
Innovations in telecom by startups and MSMEs frequently encounter a significant hurdle: the need for real-world validation, seamless integration with operational telecom and industry systems, and a demonstrable readiness for deployment before achieving commercial viability. This gap often delays or completely stalls the journey from innovation to market.
This initiative directly addresses this challenge by providing comprehensive financial support for these critical early-stage activities. It focuses on bridging the gap between innovative ideas and commercialization, especially for solutions emerging from 5G Labs that require testing and deployment in active network environments.
The program is strategically aligned with national priorities, emphasizing the promotion of indigenous technologies in vital areas such as 5G, 6G, cybersecurity, and rural connectivity. By supporting innovators through the crucial pilot and validation phases, the scheme aims to accelerate their path toward successful commercialization and broad market adoption.
Eligibility
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Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
Telecom Centres of Excellence India (TCOE India) is a public-private partnership that brings together government, academia and industry to work on India's telecom sector. It positions itself as a think tank for telecom policy, regulation and governance, and works towards the…
Learn moreThe Department of Telecommunications (DoT) operates under the Ministry of Communications, Government of India, serving as the apex body responsible for formulation, implementation, and regulation of telecom policies in India. Located at Sanchar Bhawan, Ashoka Road, New Delhi,…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹50 Lakhs
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
The program provides up to ₹50,00,000 (Rupees Fifty Lakh only) per pilot project as equity-free grant-in-aid, covering up to 80% of approved eligible expenditure. Beneficiaries are required to contribute a minimum of 20% of the total project cost. Funds can be utilized for deployment and integration in live telecom networks, equipment/software procurement, testing, monitoring, validation, network usage, operational costs, and certification. Additional benefits include the opportunity to test solutions in live telecom networks, support for integration with industry systems, and assistance for solutions originating from 5G Labs, accelerating the journey from validation to commercialization.
- Disbursement
- Tranched
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Selection Process
The selection process for the program involves a multi-stage evaluation:
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Preliminary Screening: TCOE India, acting as the Implementing Agency, conducts an initial screening of all applications. This stage checks for eligibility criteria, completeness of submitted documents, technical relevance of the proposal, and its alignment with the overall program objectives.
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Technical Evaluation by Review Committee: Proposals that pass the preliminary screening are then forwarded to a dedicated Review Committee. This committee is co-chaired by the Bharat 6G Alliance (B6GA) and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), and includes representatives from DoT, TEC, LSA units, TSDSI, TSPs, industry experts, and other relevant stakeholders. The committee evaluates proposals based on their technical merit, innovation, feasibility, adherence to TRL 5-8 requirements, readiness for deployment and integration, strategic relevance to national priorities, scalability, commercial potential, and financial viability.
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DoT Recommendation and Approval: Only proposals that receive a positive recommendation from the Review Committee are advanced to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). An Empowered Committee within DoT examines these recommended proposals and subsequently forwards its own recommendations to the Competent Authority. Final approval for financial assistance is granted by the Competent Authority on a case-to-case basis, subject to the availability of funds and through the Integrated Finance Division (IFD).
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Agreement Execution: Upon receiving approval from DoT, a formal agreement is executed between the successful Grantee (applicant) and TCOE India, outlining the terms and conditions of the financial support and project implementation.
Application Process
- 1
Review Guidelines
Download and carefully review the Prototype, PoC & Pilot Funding Guide and other program documents for detailed requirements.
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How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
See the questions before you start
Download every question this programme's application form asks, so you can prepare your answers offline before opening the portal.
- 3
Line up your documents
Keep every document from the checklist ready in one folder. Missing docs are the #1 reason applications get bounced.
- 4
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 5
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Program templates & documents
Files the program publishes for applicants — download these and apply in the prescribed format.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding does the program provide?
Financial support is limited to up to ₹50,00,000 (Rupees Fifty Lakh only) per pilot project and is restricted to actual expenditure incurred. DoT provides up to 80% of approved eligible expenditure as grant-in-aid; the remaining minimum 20% is contributed by the beneficiary.
Is the program currently accepting applications?
Cycle-based intake — it reopens with each official call. Always confirm the current window with the program authority before preparing an application.
Does the program take equity?
No. The program is listed as equity-free. Funding is provided as grant-in-aid under a cost-sharing model.
Who can apply?
Startups recognized by DPIIT or MSMEs registered under Udyam which are Indian-owned and controlled entities, with a working prototype of the proposed solution at TRL 5–8.
Which stages of startups are relevant?
The program supports the pilot/validation stage (pre-commercial deployment) — fitting startups from idea/prototype through early revenue and growth, provided they have a working prototype at TRL 5–8.
Where can the pilot be deployed?
In live telecom networks of TSPs, private/captive networks of industry partners, or Government/institutional test environments, with prior consent of the concerned TSP/industry partner/test-bed authority.
Are industry/TSP partner consent letters required?
The applicant shall submit a clear pilot deployment and testing plan, preferably with a consent letter of an identified industry/TSP partner.
What happens if funds are misused or information is misrepresented?
Any misrepresentation or misuse of funds shall lead to recovery of the disbursed amount and penal action, and IP arising from the pilot remains with the applicant.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
