Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund Grant Program – Solutions for AI-Native RAN
🏛 National Telecommunications and Information Admini
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 15, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for businesses developing secure compute environments that enable artificial intelligence capabilities in Radio Access Networks (RAN). Applicants must be U.S.-organized companies with their principal place of business in the United States. The grant supports development, commercial sales, and deployment of AI-native RAN solutions that generate operator revenue, reduce costs, or enable new services.
Eligible applicants include technology companies, equipment manufacturers, and service providers capable of developing and commercially deploying RAN solutions. Projects should demonstrate a credible business case for one or more AI-leveraging services. Solutions must emphasize security, interoperability, and potential for export market viability.
The program operates nationally and welcomes applications from companies at various stages of technology development. Applicants must show technical capability and market understanding to accelerate commercial deployment of open, secure RAN equipment.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
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Program description
This NOFO is the fourth issued under NTIA’s Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund (PWSCIF or Innovation Fund). Titled “Solutions for AI-Native RAN,” the goal of this NOFO is to support the development of a secure compute environment to enable or leverage native artificial intelligence (“AI”) capabilities in the Radio Access Network (RAN) that generate revenue for operators, cost savings, and innovative third-party services, and demonstrate a business case for one or more services that leverage these capabilities, accelerating commercial deployments and the export of open, interoperable, and secure equipment.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative/Technical Proposal
- Business Case and Commercialization Plan
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Organizational Capability Statement
- Letters of Support from potential operator partners
Program contact
- 👤 Misty L Roosa Grantor
- 📧 Shanell.williams@nist.gov
- 📞 301-975-3007
Funding track record
No recent recipient data available for CFDA 11.038 in our database.
This can happen for newer programs, programs that use non-standard award types (loans, direct payments, fellowships), or those funded through sub-agencies under different codes.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 11.038). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $134,961,165 | |
| 2025 | $409,852,406 | |
| 2026 est. | $20,000,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
U.S.-organized companies with a principal place of business in the United States. You must demonstrate capability to develop and commercially deploy AI-native RAN solutions.
What types of projects are funded?
Development of secure compute environments that enable AI in RAN. Projects must show a business case and path to commercial deployment.
Is there a deadline?
Yes, the deadline is September 9, 2026. This is a fixed deadline, not rolling.
What makes an application competitive?
Strong emphasis on security, interoperability, and open standards. Clear business case showing revenue generation or cost savings for operators.
What is the typical funding range?
Award amounts are not specified in this NOFO. Budget your proposal based on project scope and justify all costs.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start with a clear technical architecture explaining how your AI capabilities integrate with RAN infrastructure securely.
- Focus heavily on the business case and market opportunity. Reviewers want proof of operator interest and revenue potential.
- Emphasize security and interoperability throughout. These are core NTIA priorities for RAN equipment.
- Demonstrate team expertise in both AI/ML and telecom infrastructure. Cross-disciplinary experience strengthens competitiveness.
- Include realistic commercialization timelines and explain how the grant accelerates your path to market deployment.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applicants underestimate the importance of demonstrating clear operator demand and business viability. Weak security or interoperability justification. Vague technical descriptions without concrete AI use cases in RAN.
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