Startup Schemes Playbook
Part A · Startup-specific scheme

Digital Communication Innovation Square (DCIS)

Department of Telecommunications (DoT)

Grant Prototype / PoCSeed / Early-Stage Telecom

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.

Type of support
Grant
Best suited for
Prototyping to Pilot
Headline amount
Up to ₹50 lakh (startups) / ₹10 crore (tech products)
How much
Up to ₹50 lakh per selected proposal for startups
Source
Playbook p. 58

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.

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/

Go to official portal