---
title: "Bengaluru Hosts Innovation Program to Boost Rural Connectivity"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/bengaluru-innovation-program-rural-connectivity-digital-divide-89nvy
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: Science & Technology
published: 2026-08-13T14:30:41.395Z
modified: 2026-08-13T16:45:06.480Z
language: en-IN
---

# Bengaluru Hosts Innovation Program to Boost Rural Connectivity

A new mentorship program, FNEM Powering CTU, has launched in Bengaluru to support early-stage innovators. The initiative aims to develop sustainable solutions for rural connectivity challenges and bridge the digital divide.

## Key takeaways

- The IEEE launched the FNEM Powering CTU mentorship program at IIITB in Bengaluru.
- The program aims to empower innovators to create sustainable solutions for rural connectivity.
- Participants will undergo a 1000-day LAMP journey with mentorship and entrepreneurial support.
- The initiative seeks to bridge the digital divide by connecting underserved communities.

The Future Networks Empowerment through Mentorship (FNEM) – Powering CTU (Connecting the Unconnected) program has been launched in Bengaluru by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The initiative, hosted at the International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIITB), is designed to empower early-stage innovators, researchers, and startups.

## What Happened

The launch of the FNEM program also signifies the start of its first cohort in India. The program is structured around a 1,000-day journey called LAMP, which stands for Learning, Action, Mentorship & Practice. Participants will receive structured mentorship, technical guidance, and entrepreneurial support to develop practical and scalable solutions for rural and underserved communities.

## Key Facts

- The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) launched the Future Networks Empowerment through Mentorship (FNEM) – Powering CTU program.
- The program is hosted at the International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIITB).
- FNEM aims to mentor innovators developing sustainable solutions for rural connectivity challenges and bridging the digital divide.
- The program involves a 1,000-day journey called LAMP (Learning, Action, Mentorship & Practice).
- Participants will receive mentorship, technical guidance, and entrepreneurial support.
- Ruolin Zhou, co-chair of IEEE CTU, highlighted the program's goal to transform ideas into practical, scalable solutions for expanding connectivity.
- The LAMP curriculum includes modules on technological entrepreneurship, skill development, business skills, community engagement, and regulatory navigation.
- The program commenced on August 13, 2026.

## Why It Matters

The FNEM Powering CTU program seeks to address the critical issue of the digital divide by fostering innovation specifically targeted at rural connectivity. By providing a structured support system for innovators, the program intends to accelerate the development and implementation of technologies that can connect underserved communities.

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/bengaluru-innovation-program-rural-connectivity-digital-divide-89nvy
Reported from: Multiple Sources