Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) organizes Demo Day event for 18 start-ups selected earlier under ‘Samarth’ program – a cutting-edge Incubation Program for startups in Telecom & ICT Sector
Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) organizes Demo Day event for 18 start-ups selected earlier under ‘Samarth’ program – a cutting-edge Incubation Program for startups in Telecom & ICT Sector
The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), an autonomous telecom R&D institution under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India had 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. The program is structured in two cohorts of six months each, accommodating up to 18 startups per cohort—thus supporting a maximum of 36 startups under the initiative. Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) and TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs) have been roped in by C-DOT as implementation partner for the program.
Samarth incubation program offers expert mentorship by C-DOT scientists; power-packed acceleration sessions by industry leaders on topics spanning across multiple domains like Product Development Lifecycle, building an MVP, financial management, Go-To-Market strategies, legal & IP aspects, pitching and fund raising.
C-DOT organised demo day event for 18 start-ups selected under Samarth Cohort-I, who presented the progress made by them in development of solutions as per the expected outcome of the Problem Statements given to them. All 18 startups showed remarkable outcomes and based on the performance top five startups were further selected for next round of grant t based on the progress shown during the demo. Each selected startup under the program receives a grant of up to ₹5 lakh, fully furnished office space for six months at C-DOT campuses in Delhi and Bengaluru, access to C-DOT’s lab facilities, and mentorship from C-DOT technologists and external experts.
The selected startups for Stage-II grant include:
Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO, C-DOT acknowledged the efforts put in by startups and their mentors for successful demonstration of solutions and applauded the collaborative efforts of C-DOT, STPI and TiE in nurturing a vibrant startup ecosystem. He further said: “Through the Samarth program, we are dedicated to fostering an enabling ecosystem for startups. By providing mentorship, collaboration opportunities, and access to advanced technologies, we aim to nurture innovation that contributes to India’s digital growth story and vision of AtmanirbharBharat”.
The Demo Day event saw the presence of Ms. Shikha Shrivastava, Executive Vice President, C-DOT; Sh. Arvind Kumar, DG STPI; Ms. Geetika Dayal, DG TiE (Delhi-NCR). Shri. Pradeep Gupta, Chairman-Cyber Media Group; senior scientists from C-DOT, investors, venture capitalists, representatives from TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs), selected startups. During the session, each selected startup was awarded the second tranche of funding amount. Progressing startups will also be eligible for potential collaboration and further financial grants, under the C-DOT Collaborative Research Program (CCRP).
Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO & Chairman of the Board, C-DOT giving his remarks during the event.
Ms. Shikha Srivastava, EVP & Board Member, C-DOT, along with C-DOT officials, presenting cheques to the selected startups.
Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO, C-DOT and Ms. Shikha Srivastava, EVP & Board Member, C-DOT with other officials during the event.