Archive · 5 Sep 2026
IEEE launches India mentorship programme for rural connectivity innovators
IEEE has started a new programme in India to help people improve internet access in rural areas.
It is called Future Networks Empowerment through Mentorship, or FNEM.
The programme brings together inventors, researchers, engineers and start-up teams.
Experienced mentors will help participants turn ideas into working demonstrations.
Some projects may eventually become larger solutions for underserved communities.
Participants will learn about technology, business, local communities and regulations.
They will also receive advice on funding, standards and selling their technologies.
The first group will take part in a 1,000-day journey called Learning, Action, Mentorship and Practice.
IEEE launched the Future Networks Empowerment through Mentorship programme in India.
The initiative supports innovators, start-ups, researchers and engineers addressing rural connectivity challenges.
The first Indian cohort will follow a 1,000-day Learning, Action, Mentorship and Practice journey.
Participants will receive technical, entrepreneurial and community-focused guidance toward proof-of-concepts and scalable solutions.
IIIT-Bangalore hosts the programme, with support from the Lemelson Foundation and IEEE Foundation.
- Who
- The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, with IIIT-Bangalore and other partner organisations, is leading the initiative for innovators, researchers, engineers and start-ups.
- What
- The Future Networks Empowerment through Mentorship programme was launched to support solutions for rural connectivity and the digital divide.
- When
- The launch marked the beginning of the programme’s first cohort in India; the programme will follow a 1,000-day journey.
- Where
- The programme was launched at the International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore in India.
- Why
- It aims to help develop and scale technologies that improve connectivity for rural and underserved communities.
- Programme
- Future Networks Empowerment through Mentorship – Powering Connecting the Unconnected
- Location
- International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore, India
- Programme length
- 1,000 days
- Learning model
- Learning, Action, Mentorship and Practice
- Focus
- Rural connectivity, technological entrepreneurship, community engagement and technology commercialisation
- First cohort support
- The Lemelson Foundation and IEEE Foundation
- Academic host
- International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore