On March 19, 2025, the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), launched the Samarth Incubation Program, a game-changing initiative to nurture startups in telecom and ICT sectors. The program’s first cohort, announced on June 16, 2025, selected 18 promising startups through a competitive process, awarding them ₹5 lakh grants, office space, and access to state-of-the-art labs in Delhi and Bengaluru. Partnered with Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) and TiE Delhi-NCR, Samarth aims to drive Atmanirbhar Bharat by fostering innovation in 5G/6G, AI, IoT, cybersecurity, and quantum technologies. Here’s everything you need to know about this transformative program
- Key Point: Samarth supports 36 startups across two 6-month cohorts, with 18 in Cohort 1 launched June 2025.
- Key Point: Startups receive ₹5 lakh grants, lab access, and mentorship from C-DOT experts.
- Key Point: Program aligns with India’s goal of self-reliance in telecom tech.
What Is the Samarth Program?
The Samarth Incubation Program is C-DOT’s flagship initiative to empower DPIIT-recognized startups in telecom and ICT sectors, focusing on next-gen technologies like:
- Telecom Software Applications
- Cybersecurity
- 5G/6G Technologies
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Quantum Technologies
Structured in two 6-month cohorts (18 startups each, totaling 36 annually), Samarth provides a hybrid support model to bridge the gap from ideation to commercialization. It fosters sustainable and scalable business models, strengthening India’s innovation ecosystem under the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
- Key Point: Program runs hybrid, with physical facilities in Delhi/Bengaluru and virtual mentorship.
- Key Point: Targets high-impact solutions for India’s digital economy.
- Key Point: X posts hail Samarth as a “launchpad for telecom leaders.”
How Were the 18 Startups Selected?
The first cohort of 18 startups, announced on June 16, 2025, was chosen through a rigorous selection process by a Selection Committee comprising experts from C-DOT, STPI, academia, and industry. Evaluation criteria included:
- Innovation Quotient: Novelty of the proposed solution.
- Product Potential: Market relevance and scalability.
- Team Strength: Expertise and execution capability.
- Alignment with Problem Statements: Focus on telecom/ICT challenges like 5G, AI, or cybersecurity.
Startups like Turtleneck Systems, Matisoft Cyber Security Labs, Vital Carbon, and Revino Solutions made the cut, showcasing diverse innovations.
- Key Point: Competitive screening ensured only high-potential startups were selected.
- Key Point: Cohort 1 spans 5G, AI, IoT, cybersecurity, and quantum tech.
- Key Point: Selection process praised for transparency on X.
Benefits for Samarth Startups
Selected startups receive a robust support package to accelerate growth:
- Financial Grants: Up to ₹5 lakh per startup, with the first tranche (₹1 lakh) awarded at the launch event.
- Office Space: Fully furnished offices for 6 months at C-DOT’s Delhi and Bengaluru campuses.
- Lab Access: Use of C-DOT’s advanced R&D facilities for testing and prototyping.
- Mentorship: Guidance from C-DOT technologists and external experts via STPI and TiE.
- Networking: Access to investors, industry leaders, and government stakeholders.
- Future Opportunities: Potential collaboration under the C-DOT Collaborative Research Program (CCRP) for high-performing startups.
- Key Point: Grants and labs empower startups to build prototypes and scale.
- Key Point: CCRP offers long-term R&D partnerships for top performers.
- Key Point: X users call lab access a “game-changer” for deep-tech startups.
Implementation Partners: STPI and TiE
C-DOT has partnered with Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) and The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) Delhi-NCR to execute Samarth, leveraging their expertise:
- STPI: A MeitY organization, STPI brings its incubation infrastructure and experience supporting IT/ITES startups. It manages logistics, facilities, and cohort operations.
- TiE Delhi-NCR: Provides mentorship, investor networks, and market access, connecting startups with global entrepreneurs.
This collaboration ensures a holistic ecosystem, combining C-DOT’s telecom R&D prowess with STPI’s infrastructure and TiE’s entrepreneurial guidance.
- Key Point: STPI’s 30+ years of incubation experience strengthens Samarth.
- Key Point: TiE’s global network opens doors to investors and mentors.
- Key Point: Partnership lauded on X for fostering “synergistic growth.”
Launch Event: A Milestone for India’s Startup Ecosystem
The Samarth Cohort 1 launch on June 16, 2025, at C-DOT’s New Delhi campus marked a pivotal moment. Key highlights:
- Dignitaries Present: Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay (CEO, C-DOT), Sh. Arvind Kumar (DG, STPI), and Atul Dhawan (President, TiE Delhi-NCR) attended.
- Grant Distribution: Each startup received the first ₹1 lakh tranche, with Dr. Upadhyay handing a symbolic cheque to Vital Carbon Pvt Ltd.
- Acceleration Session: A mentoring-cum-acceleration workshop kicked off Cohort 1, offering startups insights from C-DOT and STPI experts.
- Vision Shared: Dr. Upadhyay emphasized Samarth’s role in building indigenous telecom solutions for India’s strategic needs.
X posts celebrated the event, with users calling it a “boost for India’s 5G and AI startups.”
- Key Point: Launch event hosted at C-DOT’s Delhi campus, with hybrid access.
- Key Point: Dignitaries praised Samarth’s alignment with Atmanirbhar Bharat.
- Key Point: Cohort 1 startups showcased at the event, gaining visibility.
Why Samarth Matters for India’s Telecom Future
The Samarth Program is a strategic move to position India as a global telecom and ICT leader:
- Indigenous Innovation: Reduces reliance on imported telecom tech, aligning with Atmanirbhar Bharat.
- Economic Impact: Supports 36 startups annually, creating jobs and boosting India’s digital economy.
- Tech Leadership: Fosters solutions in 5G/6G, AI, IoT, and quantum tech, critical for India’s strategic autonomy.
- Ecosystem Growth: Strengthens collaboration among R&D, academia, industry, and startups, per Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s vision at C-DOT’s Centre of Innovation inauguration.
- Key Point: Samarth supports India’s $300 billion digital economy goal by 2030.
- Key Point: Focus on 5G/6G and cybersecurity addresses national security needs.
- Key Point: X buzz highlights Samarth’s role in “India’s tech renaissance.”
How to Apply for Samarth Cohort 2
Interested startups can apply for the next cohort (starting late 2025) via:
- Visit Official Sites: Check cdot.in or cdot.sayuj.net for application details.
- Eligibility: Must be DPIIT-recognized startups working in telecom, AI, IoT, cybersecurity, 5G/6G, or quantum tech.
- Submit Application: Provide details on innovation, team, and alignment with Samarth’s problem statements.
- Pitch Session: Shortlisted startups pitch to the Selection Committee.
- Key Point: Applications open post-Cohort 1; monitor cdot.in for updates.
- Key Point: Problem statements focus on India-specific telecom challenges.
- Key Point: Contact info@cdot.in for application queries.
What’s Next for Samarth Startups?
The 18 Cohort 1 startups are now in their 6-month incubation phase, with milestones ahead:
- Prototyping: Leverage C-DOT labs to develop and test solutions.
- Mentorship: Bi-weekly sessions with C-DOT and TiE experts.
- Investor Pitches: Showcase progress at a Demo Day in Dec 2025.
- CCRP Opportunities: Top performers may join C-DOT’s Collaborative Research Program for further funding and pilots.
- Cohort 2 Launch: Expected in Jan 2026, with applications opening soon.
- Key Point: Cohort 1 ends Dec 2025, with potential commercial pilots.
- Key Point: Cohort 2 will onboard another 18 startups, expanding impact.
- Key Point: X users predict Samarth will “redefine India’s telecom startup scene.”
Join the Telecom Revolution with Samarth!
The Samarth Program is transforming India’s telecom and ICT landscape by empowering 18 startups in its first cohort with ₹5 lakh grants, lab access, and expert mentorship. With STPI and TiE as partners, C-DOT is building a vibrant ecosystem for 5G/6G, AI, IoT, and cybersecurity innovators. Apply for Cohort 2, follow updates on cdot.in, and be part of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat journey!
