Program for Extending Financial Support for Prototyping, Proof-of-Concept (POC) Development, Validation of Products & Solutions and Pilot Projects

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.

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.