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

Support development of a secure compute environment that enables or leverages native artificial intelligence capabilities within Radio Access Networks (RAN) to generate operator revenue, achieve cost savings, and enable innovative third-party services. Applicants must demonstrate a compelling business case for one or more AI-native RAN services and accelerate commercial deployment of open, interoperable, and secure telecom equipment.

Companies developing next-generation wireless RAN solutions with AI/ML capabilities, open RAN vendors, secure compute infrastructure providers, and telecom equipment manufacturers demonstrating viable business models and partnerships with operators. Applicants should have technical depth in both wireless systems and AI deployment in edge environments.

1. 1Technical feasibility and innovation of AI-native RAN secure compute environment
2. 2Strength of business case and revenue/cost-savings projections for target operators
3. 3Interoperability, openness, and vendor-neutral design of solution
4. 4Security and supply chain resilience measures
5. 5Commercial viability and path to market deployment
6. 6Potential for export and global competitive advantage

Unknown — standard NOFO submission process expected through federal grants portal. Contact NTIA for specific formatting, page limits, and proposal structure requirements.