Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund Grant Program Solutions for AI-Native RAN

The Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund Grant Program – Solutions for AI-Native RAN is administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration within the U.S. Department of Commerce. This funding opportunity is part of a broader federal initiative authorized under the National Defense Authorization Act and supported through the CHIPS and Science Act to strengthen the competitiveness, security, and resilience of the United States wireless telecommunications supply chain. The program specifically targets the advancement of open, interoperable radio access networks and aims to position U.S. companies as leaders in next-generation wireless technologies, including AI-driven 5G and future 6G systems. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support the development and demonstration of AI-native network architectures within radio access networks. Applicants are expected to design and deploy a secure compute environment capable of integrating artificial intelligence directly into telecommunications infrastructure. The program emphasizes demonstrating commercially viable use cases that generate revenue, reduce operational costs, or enable innovative third-party services. Projects must include a field demonstration that validates both technical functionality and business case assumptions, thereby accelerating real-world adoption and deployment of AI-enabled network solutions. Funding under this opportunity is substantial, with total program funding up to 53000000 dollars and individual awards typically up to 25000000 dollars. Applicants may request higher amounts with justification, but requests exceeding 50000000 dollars are not permitted. A mandatory cost share of at least 50 percent of total project costs is required, which may include both cash and in-kind contributions. This requirement reflects the program’s emphasis on leveraging private sector investment and ensuring that federal funding complements rather than replaces commercial capital. Eligibility is limited to entities organized under U.S. law with a principal place of business in the United States. Applicants must demonstrate the capability to develop, deploy, and commercially scale AI-native RAN solutions. While the lead applicant must be U.S.-based, subrecipients and partners may include foreign entities under certain conditions, provided they do not fall under restricted or prohibited categories such as entities associated with countries of concern or those listed on federal exclusion lists. All project activities must occur within the United States unless a waiver is granted for specific demonstration activities. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and includes a comprehensive set of materials such as standard federal forms, a detailed project narrative, work plan, budget justification, and supporting documentation including partner commitments and personnel resumes. The project narrative must address key components including the AI-native network fabric, field demonstration plan, business case, and security plan. Applications undergo a multi-stage review process including initial screening, merit review based on technical and commercial criteria, and programmatic evaluation aligned with federal priorities. Applications must be submitted by September 9, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Awards are expected to be issued on a rolling basis following review. The anticipated period of performance for funded projects is up to 18 months, during which recipients must achieve specified technical maturity milestones including development of a working prototype and completion of a field demonstration. Recipients are also subject to ongoing reporting requirements and compliance with federal administrative and audit standards. This funding opportunity does not explicitly state a recurring cycle but is part of an ongoing Innovation Fund program with multiple prior funding rounds. The program aligns closely with national priorities such as the U.S. AI Action Plan and emphasizes security-by-design principles, integration of cybersecurity frameworks, and promotion of open standards. Through this initiative, the federal government seeks to catalyze innovation, enhance supply chain diversity, and strengthen the global competitiveness of U.S. telecommunications technologies.

Focus on demonstrating a strong commercial business case alongside technical feasibility and ensure security by design principles are fully integrated into the proposal