Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) a body under the Department of Telecommunications, officially launched the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) Scheme on October 01st, 2022. Aim The Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) Scheme, notified by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), aims to promote indigenous research, development (R&D), design, and commercialization of telecom technologies. The objective is to enhance rural connectivity and digital inclusion through innovative solutions. The scheme provides milestone-based financial assistance to eligible entities, ensuring ease of compliance and adequate funding. The scheme aims to advance telecom technologies and solutions, aligning with the Prime Minister's "Jai Anusandhan" initiative and fostering a self-reliant telecom ecosystem. Eligibility The following Indian entities are only eligible for support from this fund. Domestic Company(ies) with focus on telecom R&D, Use case development Start-ups / MSMEs Academic institutions R&D institutions, Section 8 companies / Societies, Central & State government entities / PSUs /Autonomous Bodies/SPVs / Limited liability partnerships- with focus on telecom research and development Collaborative consortium of above entities For Pilots: The above entities may partner, inter alia, with PSUs, TSPs, Central/State Government entities, government autonomous bodies, SPVs etc. Technology domains 5G development under ‘India 5G Stack’ 6G & Beyond technology development IoT & M2M development Other Telecom Technologies under various research program Entrepreneurship Cell (for early-stage Start-ups) Research Scholarship program Under the scheme, USOF is also targeting to develop standards to meet countrywide requirements and create the ecosystem for research, design, prototyping, use cases, pilots, and proof of concept testing, among others. How to apply The format of application, guidelines and online submission can be accessed at https://ttdf.usof.gov.in/