About₹500 cr approved till date under TTDF for 120 tech projects: MoS Telecom

In a significant boost for technological advancement, the government has sanctioned approximately ₹500 crore under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) for 120 innovative projects focused on 5G, 6G, chipsets, and quantum technology, as announced by Union Minister Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar on Wednesday. The announcement came following a review meeting of the TTDF, which serves as a cornerstone initiative aimed at fostering research and development in telecom technologies. Minister Sekhar shared the details on social media, emphasizing that the fund has approved ₹499.6 crore for a diverse array of projects since its launch on October 1, 2022. Implemented by Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), the TTDF is dedicated to pioneering research in cutting-edge fields, including quantum communication and secure chipsets. Since its inception, the TTDF has attracted over 1,340 proposals, resulting in the approval of 120 R&D projects, with ₹499.6 crore already sanctioned and ₹187 crore disbursed. According to sources from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the minister stressed the importance of achieving tangible outcomes from public investment in R&D. He proposed a series of reforms aimed at enhancing the TTDF's operational framework. Minister Sekhar highlighted the necessity for projects funded by TTDF to align closely with practical objectives, supported by effective monitoring systems. To facilitate quicker decision-making, he suggested that the evaluation committee structure be streamlined and timelines clearly defined. Furthermore, he advocated for increased participation from experienced private equity professionals and industry experts to enhance the assessment process and ensure the relevance of the funded projects. This review followed the TTDF Symposium 2025, which took place at IIT Madras Research Park from June 19-21, where 112 funded projects were critically evaluated across 12 technology sectors by over 40 expert mentors. To reinforce ongoing oversight, it is reported that Minister Sekhar has recommended monthly progress reviews of the TTDF to allow for timely feedback and necessary adjustments. In a bid to encourage participation from emerging enterprises, the minister also suggested that the scheme's guidelines be simplified to lower barriers for startups and MSMEs, alongside a restructuring of existing committees and feedback mechanisms to enhance execution and support for these initiatives.