How to Apply for TCOE India Prototype, PoC & Pilot Funding — ₹50L Grant

Selection happens in four stages.

Preliminary screening. TCOE India, in its role as the implementing agency, reviews every application first. This check covers eligibility, whether the submitted documents are complete, the technical relevance of the proposal, and how well it fits the programme's objectives.

Technical evaluation by the Review Committee. Proposals that clear the first screen go to a dedicated Review Committee co-chaired by the Bharat 6G Alliance (B6GA) and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI). Members include representatives from DoT, TEC, LSA units, TSDSI, TSPs and industry experts. The committee judges technical merit, innovation, feasibility, compliance with the TRL 5-8 requirement, readiness for deployment and integration, strategic relevance to national priorities, scalability, commercial potential and financial viability.

DoT recommendation and approval. Only proposals with a positive recommendation from the Review Committee move forward to the Department of Telecommunications. An Empowered Committee at DoT examines them and passes its own recommendations to the Competent Authority. Final approval of financial assistance is granted case by case, subject to funds being available, through the Integrated Finance Division (IFD).

Agreement execution. Once DoT approves, the successful grantee signs a formal agreement with TCOE India setting out the terms of the financial support and how the project will be implemented.