C-DOT Launches Samarth Telecom Incubation Programme
The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has launched its ambitious ‘Samarth’ programme to create an ecosystem of innovation in the telecom and ICT sectors. Under Phase 1 of the programme, C-DOT has offered grants of up to ₹5 lakh to 18 startups, as well as access to modern office space and advanced research labs at C-DOT’s Delhi and Bengaluru campuses.
The Samarth program is meant to support early-stage firms in innovative areas such as 5G, 6G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cyber Security, Quantum Technologies and Internet of Things (IoT). The selected startups were chosen from a large number of applicants through a rigorous and competitive screening process. Collectively, the 18 companies represent a broad range of technological innovation, and the selected startups have the potential to contribute greatly to India’s digital economy.
The startups selected in the first cohort include: Turtleneck Systems & Solutions Pvt Ltd, AgriVerse Innovations, Threat Expert Cyber Solutions, Matisoft Cyber Security Labs, Revino Solutions, Ajayan Consulting, Vital Carbon, Atibha Research and Development, Alphappleton Innovations, Haranzel Technologies, Brahmi Systems , Paravani Business Solutions, Purvanchal Engineering Systems, Aaizel International Technologies, Brenin Technologies, Jumps Automation, Master Education, and Farsight Innovations.
To ensure a holistic approach, the programme provides not just funding, but structured mentoring and acceleration. The whole initiative is in conjunction with Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) and The IndUS Entrepreneurs (TiE) – the implementation partners of the programme. The programme is hybrid in nature, and there are a total of two six-month cohorts, it will support a total of 36 startups.
When C-DOT hosted the official launch event at its Delhi location, each selected startup received the initial round of funding. The event was attended by numerous dignitaries, including Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO of C-DOT; Arvind Kumar, Director General of STPI; and Atul Dhawan, President, TiE Delhi-NCR. At the event, a formal memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between C-DOT and STPI, reflective of a collaborative and long-term commitment to collaborative efforts in mentorship and innovation support.
With its focus on scalability and sustainability, Samarth not only encourages innovation but also plays a role in the bigger vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, by augmenting indigenous technological capabilities in these sectors.