Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) Hosts Kick-off Session for Samarth, Cohort-II
The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), an autonomous research and development institution under the Department of Telecommunications, Government of India, has launched the ‘Samarth’ Program. This innovative incubation initiative aims to support startups in the telecom and ICT sectors. The program, which commenced in March 2025, provides comprehensive assistance to startups focusing on advanced technologies such as 5G/6G, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. With the first cohort already underway, the program is set to foster a new wave of innovation in India’s digital landscape.
Overview of the Samarth Program
The ‘Samarth’ Incubation Program is designed to offer extensive support to startups and innovators engaged in various telecom applications and emerging technologies. The initiative is a collaboration between C-DOT, Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), and TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs). The program is structured into two cohorts, each lasting six months and accommodating up to 18 startups. In its first phase, 18 startups were selected to participate in Cohort-I, where they received initial funding and worked on five innovative problem statements provided by C-DOT. The performance of these startups was evaluated during a demo day in September 2025, leading to additional funding for the top five performers.
Launch of Cohort-II
Applications for Cohort-II of the Samarth Program opened in July 2025, featuring a new set of five specialized problem statements focusing on areas such as artificial intelligence, Li-Fi, security, and drone technology. The response was overwhelming, with numerous applications submitted. A distinguished Selection Committee, comprising experts from academia, industry, and C-DOT, assessed the applicants based on criteria including the quality of their pitches, innovation, and alignment with the program’s objectives. Ultimately, 18 startups were chosen for Cohort-II and received their first tranche of funding during the ASPIRE startup stage at the IMC 25 event in New Delhi.
Support and Resources for Startups
The selected startups from Cohort-II are not only provided with financial support but also offered fully furnished office spaces and access to C-DOT’s lab facilities located in Delhi and Bengaluru. A kick-off event was organized to mark the beginning of this cohort, where the startups were introduced to the resources available to them. In addition to financial backing, the program includes training sessions covering essential topics such as marketing, intellectual property rights, finance, and legal regulations. This comprehensive approach aims to equip startups with the necessary tools to thrive in the competitive telecom and ICT landscape.
Commitment to Innovation and Future Vision
During the launch event, Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO of C-DOT, emphasized the importance of the startups in driving India’s digital transformation. He reiterated C-DOT’s commitment to nurturing future leaders in the telecom and ICT sectors. Dr. Upadhyay also highlighted the organization’s long-term vision of establishing Academic Centres of Excellence in leading institutions to embed innovation within the educational framework. The Samarth Program reflects C-DOT’s dedication to fostering a culture of collaborative innovation, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat,” or self-reliant India. The event was attended by notable dignitaries and representatives from various sectors, showcasing the collaborative spirit of this initiative.
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