New Delhi, July 1 (KNN) The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has approved a Rs 50 crore grant to 43 startups  and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to develop indigenous 5G equipment and technologies.

The DoT sanctioned the grant under the Digital Communication Innovation Square initiative, under the Champion Services Sector Scheme.

Under the scheme the government had invited applications in the month of April to promote an ecosystem for research, design, development, IPR creation and manufacturing.

The ministry of communications in a tweet on Thursday said, “the grant given to the 43 startups and MSMEs will be for development of telecom technologies like 5G core, RAN, NMS, IMS, chipsets, devices, ICT solutions and applications enhancing deep tech, to create competencies in domestic entities and preparing India for roll out of 5G services.”

The list of approved organisations include BKC Aggregators, Coral Telecom, Wisig Networks, SASTRA University, Versatile Antenna Systems, amongst others.

The scheme will provide startups with a funding of Rs 50 lakhs, while MSMEs will get a grant of Rs 2 crore and a consortium will get a grant of Rs 10 crore. Financial support will only be provided to those projects who have reached at least the proof of concept level.

DoT will also provide mentorships or incubation support to the selected startups and MSMEs. Technical advisory support will also be given during the project.  (KNN Bureau)