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Startup-specific scheme · Department of Telecommunications (DoT)

Digital Communication Innovation Square (DCIS)

Between callsChecked 3 October 2026

Implemented by TCOE India under DoT's Champion Services Sector Scheme. 126 innovators funded across the 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24 rounds; no open round listed on dcis.dot.gov.in in early Oct 2026. DoT routes apps/import-substitution/network-efficiency ideas to DCIS and deep telecom R&D to TTDF.

Amount
Up to ₹50 lakh (startups) / ₹10 crore (tech products)
Type of support
Grant
Best for
Prototype / PoC, Seed / Early-Stage
Who can apply
DPIIT-recognised startups, MSMEs, Aspiring founders, Researchers
Go to the official portalSource: DPIIT playbook p. 58

Digital Communication Innovation Square (DCIS) supports startups and innovators in developing new digital communication technologies so India can strengthen its telecom sector and drive self-reliance.

Who can apply?
  • DPIIT recognised startups
  • Any Indian company incorporated under the Companies Act 1956/2013, primarily a Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) as defined in the MSME Act, 2006 having over 51% stakes by the Indian Citizen / NRI / OCI and Headquarter in India.
  • Individual Innovators will also be encouraged to apply (research & academic institutions can use this category to apply). However, release of fund shall be subjected to compliance of eligibility condition for either Startup or MSME before agreement signing.
What do you get?
  • Milestone based support:
  • Startups up to ₹50 lakh
  • MSMEs up to ₹2 crore
  • Technology products requiring higher funding up to ₹10 crore
How to apply

Apply on: https://dcis.dot.gov.in/

Objectives

To promote the ecosystem for research, design, development, proof of concept testing, Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) creation, pilot project and manufacturing i.e. complete value chain to make India a global hub for production of telecommunication equipment and a centre for digital communication services.

Key links

Deadlines, amounts and windows change. Check the official portal before you apply.

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