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

• Startups developing telecom technologies
• MSMEs developing telecom or ICT solutions
• Startups seeking support for prototype development
• Companies developing Proof-of-Concept solutions
• Innovators requiring real-world product validation
• Technology companies looking to conduct pilot projects
• Solutions emerging from 5G Labs
• Startups developing technologies requiring integration with telecom networks
• Companies working on emerging technologies with telecom-network use cases

About this scheme

The Program for Extending Financial Support for Prototyping, Proof-of-Concept (PoC) Development, Validation of Products & Solutions and Pilot Projects is launched under the Technology Development & Investment Promotion Scheme to help startups and MSMEs move innovative telecom and ICT technologies from development to real-world validation and commercialization.

Telecom technologies developed by startups and MSMEs often require validation in real-world environments, integration with live telecom networks and industry systems, and demonstration of deployment readiness before they can be commercially adopted.

The program aims to bridge this gap by providing financial support for prototyping, Proof-of-Concept (PoC) development, product and solution validation, and pilot deployment. This includes solutions emerging from 5G Labs that require testing and deployment in live public or private telecom networks.

The program focuses on promoting indigenous technologies aligned with national priorities such as 5G, 6G, security and rural connectivity, while helping innovators move from the pilot and validation stage toward commercialization.

Who can apply

• Applicant should be an eligible Startup or MSME.
• The proposed technology should be suitable for prototyping, PoC development, validation or pilot deployment.
• Solutions should have a relevant telecom or ICT use case.
• Projects may involve testing or deployment in public or private telecom networks.
• The program supports solutions aligned with national technology priorities.
• Proposed technologies can include solutions emerging from 5G Labs.

Eligible entity types: Private Limited, LLP, Partnership, Proprietorship, Individual Innovator

Benefits & funding

• Financial support for prototype development
• Financial support for Proof-of-Concept development
• Support for product and solution validation
• Support for pilot projects
• Opportunity to test solutions in live telecom networks
• Support for integration with telecom networks and industry systems
• Support for solutions emerging from 5G Labs
• Helps bridge the gap between technology development and commercialization
• Supports indigenous technologies aligned with national priorities

How the application process works

The journey below is informational, compiled from the official program guidelines. Applications are submitted directly with Telecom Centres of Excellence India (TCOE India), in your own name.

1. 1

   Review the Prototype, PoC & Pilot Funding Guide.

2. 2

   Review the program FAQs and eligibility requirements.

3. 3

   Prepare the proposed prototype, PoC, validation or pilot project.

4. 4

   Complete the prescribed application form.

5. 5

   Submit the application through the official TCoE India application portal.

6. 6

   Provide the required project and supporting information.

7. 7

   Await evaluation and further communication from the program team.

Frequently asked questions