Key takeaways
- C-DOT grants ₹5 lakh each to 18 selected startups under the Samarth programme.
- Startups gain access to office space and labs at C-DOT campuses in Delhi and Bengaluru.
- Cohort 1 startups focus on 5G, AI, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, and IoT.
- The initiative aims to boost early-stage companies in telecom and ICT sectors.
- Selection process was competitive, highlighting the quality of innovative solutions presented.
The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), under the telecommunications department (DoT), has awarded grants to 18 startups selected under cohort 1 of the ‘Samarth’ programme. The initiative aims to support early-stage companies in the telecom and information and communications technology (ICT) sectors through financial assistance, infrastructure, and expert mentorship.
The selected startups were chosen through a competitive process and will receive up to ₹5 lakh each, office space, and lab access at C-DOT campuses in Delhi and Bengaluru.
The 18 startups selected in cohort 1 include Turtleneck Systems, Matisoft Cyber Security Labs, Revino Solutions, Ajayan Consulting, Vital Carbon, Atibha Research and Development, Alphappleton Innovations, AgriVerse Innovations, Haranzel Technologies, Threat Expert Cyber Solutions, Brahmi Systems, Paravani Business Solutions, Purvanchal Engineering Systems, Aaizel International Technologies, Brenin Technologies, Jumps Automation, Master Education, and Farsight Innovations.
Startups in this cohort are working in areas including 5G and 6G, AI, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, and IoT. The programme is supported by the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) and The IndUS Entrepreneurs (TiE), who act as implementation partners.
The Samarth programme, launched to promote scalable telecom innovations, also includes structured mentoring and acceleration sessions. Delivered in a hybrid format, the scheme spans two cohorts of six months each and accommodates up to 36 startups in total.
The initiative aims to lift sustainable and scalable business models by offering startups financial support, access to advanced resources, and expert guidance to help them move from ideation to commercialisation.
During the launch event at the Delhi campus, each selected startup received its first tranche of funding. Notable attendees included Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO of C-DOT; Arvind Kumar, director general of STPI; and Atul Dhawan, president of TiE Delhi-NCR. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was also signed between C-DOT and STPI to formalise ongoing collaboration in mentorship and joint programmes.
