The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), an autonomous telecom R&D institution under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, launched ‘Samarth’ Program- A cutting edge Incubation Program for startups in Telecom & ICT Sector in March 2025.

“Samarth” Incubation Program offers holistic support to startups and innovators working in telecom applications, cybersecurity, 5G/6G technologies, artificial intelligence, IoT, and quantum technologies. Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) and TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs) have been selected as the implementation partner of the program. The program is structured in two cohorts for a duration of six months each, accommodating up to 18 startups per cohort thus supporting a maximum of 36 startups under the initiative. In first phase of the program, 18 startups were selected to be part of Cohort- I and received first tranche of grant. The selected startups worked relentlessly on the five innovative problem statements provided by C-DOT. All 18 startups showed remarkable outcomes and top five startups were provided next round of grant based on the performance during the demo day held in September 2025.

Applications for Samarth Cohort-II were also opened in July 2025 with a different set of five niche problem statements in areas of AI, Li-Fi, Security and drones. The applications received in huge number were then screened and shortlisted applicants were assessed by a distinguished Selection Committee comprising members from academia, industry, C-DOT, and STPI based on criteria such as the quality of their pitch, relevance of the idea, innovation, product potential, team strength, execution capability, and alignment with the problem statements.

Accordingly, 18 startups were selected under Cohort – II of the program, these selected startups under Cohort – II were handed over the first tranche of the grant at ASPIRE startup stage during IMC 25, at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi. These startups are also offered fully furnished office space and access to C-DOT’s lab facilities at Delhi and Bengaluru campus. A kick-off event was also organised for the Cohort – II of “Samarth” incubation program at the event.

The selected startups for Cohort-II include Huebits Tech Private Limited, Dawniens International Private Limited, Khageshvara Aviation Technology Private Limited, Revon unmanned systems Private Limited, InventGrid India Private Limited, Vayunotics Technologies Private Limited, Airborne Fidelity Private Limited, Astraq Cyber Defence Private Limited, Xpectro Solutions (OPC) Private Limited, Vighnarajendra Software LLP, Zepto Logic Technologies Private Limited, Senteinta Quality AI Advanced Technology Research Private Limited, Unicorniz Innovation Private Limited, Nam Infocom Private Limited, SOL9X Private Limited, Yantriksh Cybernetics Industries Private Limited, Nife Apps Labs Private Limited and Vocbot.Ai Technology Private Limited.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO, C-DOT, said:

“The passion, creativity, and determination of our startups are the driving forces behind the nation’s digital transformation. As we celebrate the success of Samarth Cohort-I and launch Cohort-II, we reaffirm our commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders in telecom and ICT.” He further emphasized C-DOT’s long-term vision “Our vision extends further. We are actively working to establish Academic Centres of Excellence in leading institutions, ensuring that the spirit of innovation is embedded at the very roots of our educational system.”

Samarth reflects the commitment of C-DOT in promotion of a culture of synergetic innovation for the co-creation and development of indigenous telecom products/solutions with start-ups and industry aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat”.

The launch event saw the presence of senior dignitaries including Dr. Pankaj Kumar Dalela, Executive Vice President, C-DOT, Dr. Dilip Krishnaswamy, Executive Vice President, C-DOT, Sh. Arvind Kumar, DG STPI, Sh. Pradeep Gupta, Chairman, Cyber Media Group, Ms. Upasana Sharma, Executive Director, TiE Delhi-NCR, C-DOT Scientists & technical mentors, representatives from industry along with all selected start-ups.

These onboarded startup are provided training related to marketing, IPR, Finance, Legal and regulatory issues also.

Some glimpses of the event:

Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO & Chairman of the Board during inauguration ceremony of the event.

C-DOT board members together with C-DOT officials and other officials during the event.

Officials handing over cheques to the selected startups

Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO & Chairman of the Board giving his remarks during the event.

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Samrat/Murali/Allen

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