NTIA Seeks Feedback on New Direction for Innovation Fund that Focuses on AI RAN

NTIA launched the Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund in 2023, as authorized by Congress, to advance American leadership in wireless technology and strengthen innovation, competition, and supply chain resilience. 

AI is increasingly shaping the development and capabilities of next-generation communications infrastructure. Under the leadership of President Trump, the Administration has released an AI Action Plan that calls on the Federal government to promote the conditions in which private-sector, American-led AI can flourish. 

In support of that vision, NTIA is announcing a new direction for the Innovation Fund focused on promoting U.S.-based AI-native network architecture and supporting the goals of the AI Action Plan and the President’s Executive Order on Promoting the Export of the American AI Technology Stack. 

NTIA is developing a new Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) focused on the integration of AI into Radio Access Networks. To inform this new effort, NTIA will host a public listening session on March 23 to gather input from stakeholders and the broader public. Details about the event are available on NTIA.gov. 

With this new focus, NTIA will not make any awards under the Innovation Fund’s third NOFO. NTIA encourages all interested parties to participate in the listening session and contribute to the future of AI-enabled telecommunications innovation.