Did C-DOT Really Grant Funds to 18 Startups Under the ‘Samarth’ Programme?
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Synopsis
The ‘Samarth’ programme by C-DOT has selected 18 innovative startups to support their growth in the telecom and ICT sectors. This initiative offers grants, office space, and mentorship to help entrepreneurs navigate the path from idea to market. Discover how C-DOT is fostering a new wave of technological innovation in India!
Key Takeaways
- C-DOT has launched the ‘Samarth’ programme to support startups in telecom and ICT.
- A total of 18 startups have been selected for the first cohort.
- Startups will receive grants, office space, and mentorship.
- The programme will support a maximum of 36 startups over two cohorts.
- Collaboration with STPI and TiE enhances the programme's implementation.
New Delhi, June 16 (NationPress) The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) announced on Monday that it has chosen 18 startups for the first cohort of its ‘Samarth’ programme.
This innovative incubation initiative focuses on startups in the telecom and ICT sectors. The programme aims to support sustainable and scalable business models by providing financial grants, access to advanced resources, and mentorship to assist startups in moving from the ideation phase to commercial success.
The selected startups will receive a financial grant, fully furnished office space, and utilize C-DOT’s laboratory facilities located in Delhi and Bengaluru.
The “Samarth” programme delivers comprehensive support to entrepreneurs and innovators working on telecom applications, cybersecurity, 5G/6G technologies, artificial intelligence, IoT, and quantum technologies.
Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO of C-DOT, along with Arvind Kumar, DG of the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), praised their joint efforts in cultivating a dynamic startup ecosystem and motivated startups to remain engaged in future projects.
The occasion also included the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between C-DOT and STPI, detailing potential collaborative areas such as mentorship, training, and joint initiatives.
The programme is designed in two cohorts, each lasting six months, allowing for a maximum of 18 startups per cohort—supporting up to 36 startups overall. STPI and TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs) have been appointed as the programme’s implementation partner.
Offered in a hybrid format, the “Samarth” programme utilizes cutting-edge infrastructure, expert mentorship, and a robust network of investors and industry leaders to empower emerging entrepreneurs.
Every startup selected for the programme will receive a grant of up to Rs 5 lakh, a 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.
Startups that show promise may also qualify for potential collaborations and additional financial grants through the C-DOT Collaborative Research Program (CCRP), as stated by the government.
Point of View
NationPress
16/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ‘Samarth’ programme?
The ‘Samarth’ programme is an incubation initiative by C-DOT designed to support startups in the telecom and ICT sectors by providing grants, office space, and mentorship.
How many startups were selected in the first cohort?
A total of 18 startups have been selected in the first cohort of the ‘Samarth’ programme.
What kind of support do selected startups receive?
Selected startups receive financial grants, furnished office space, access to lab facilities, and mentorship from C-DOT experts and industry leaders.
Where are the C-DOT campuses located?
C-DOT campuses are located in Delhi and Bengaluru.
Are there opportunities for further funding?
Yes, progressing startups may be eligible for additional collaboration and financial grants through the C-DOT Collaborative Research Program.
