The Department of Telecommunications’ Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), an organisation that promotes domestic production and innovation in the industry, launched the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) programme.
To create and grow the telecom ecosystem, the TTDF aims to provide funding for research and development (R&D) in uses of communication technology that are specifically suited for rural areas.
The programme also intends to encourage technology ownership and domestic production, foster a culture of technological co-innovation, lower imports, increase export opportunities, and generate intellectual property, according to a statement from the Ministry of Communications.
As part of the scheme, USOF aims to create an ecosystem for research, design, prototyping, use cases, pilots, and proof of concept testing, among other things, as well as standards to meet national criteria. In order to promote and introduce indigenous innovations specifically designed to fulfil domestic demands, the scheme involves grants to Indian firms.
According to the government, the plan is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for Jan Anusandhaan to be included in the new phase of Amrit Kaal.
