Are Startups the Driving Forces Behind the Nation’s Digital Transformation?
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Synopsis
Discover how startups are revolutionizing the digital landscape of India. With insights from C-DOT's CEO, Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, this article explores the impactful 'Samarth' Programme and its commitment to innovation in telecom and ICT sectors. Find out how these initiatives are shaping the future of technology in the country.
Key Takeaways
- Startups play a crucial role in the nation's digital transformation.
- The Samarth Programme offers vital support to startups in Telecom and ICT.
- C-DOT aims to foster innovation through Academic Centres of Excellence.
- The programme supports up to 36 startups across two cohorts.
- Collaboration with industry partners is key to the initiative's success.
New Delhi, Oct 14 (NationPress) The enthusiasm, creativity, and determination of our startups are the key catalysts for the nation's digital transformation, as stated by Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO of C-DOT.
The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), an autonomous research and development entity under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), launched the ‘Samarth’ Programme — an innovative incubation initiative for startups in the Telecom and ICT sectors back in March 2025.
“As we commemorate the achievements of Samarth Cohort-I and introduce Cohort-II, we reaffirm our dedication to fostering the next wave of leaders in telecom and ICT,” Upadhyay remarked.
He further highlighted C-DOT’s long-term aspirations. “Our vision goes beyond the present. We are proactively working to set up Academic Centres of Excellence in prominent institutions, ensuring that the culture of innovation is ingrained in the very foundation of our educational framework,” he added.
Samarth epitomizes C-DOT's commitment to cultivating a culture of synergistic innovation for the co-creation and advancement of indigenous telecom products and solutions in collaboration with startups and industries, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat”.
The “Samarth” incubation programme provides comprehensive assistance to startups and innovators focusing on telecom applications, cybersecurity, 5G/6G technologies, artificial intelligence, IoT, and quantum technologies.
Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) and TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs) have been appointed as the implementing partners for this initiative.
The programme is organized into two cohorts, each lasting six months, and can accommodate up to 18 startups per cohort, thus supporting a total of 36 startups under its umbrella.
In the first phase of the programme, 18 startups were chosen to participate in Cohort-I and received the initial tranche of funding.
The selected startups diligently worked on five innovative challenges presented by C-DOT.
All 18 startups demonstrated impressive results, with the top five receiving subsequent funding based on their performance during the demo day held in September 2025.
Point of View
It's evident that startups are pivotal to India's digital revolution. The initiatives led by C-DOT, particularly through the Samarth Programme, exemplify a national commitment to innovation and self-reliance. This approach not only empowers emerging entrepreneurs but also aligns with our broader goals of technological advancement and economic growth.
NationPress
14/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Samarth Programme?
The Samarth Programme is an incubation initiative launched by C-DOT aimed at supporting startups in the Telecom and ICT sectors, offering them comprehensive assistance to innovate and develop indigenous products.
How many startups can participate in the Samarth Programme?
The programme is structured into two cohorts, each lasting six months, and can accommodate up to 18 startups per cohort, supporting a total of 36 startups.
Who are the implementation partners for the Samarth Programme?
The Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) and TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs) have been selected as the implementation partners for the Samarth Programme.
What sectors do the startups in the Samarth Programme focus on?
Startups participating in the Samarth Programme focus on telecom applications, cybersecurity, 5G/6G technologies, artificial intelligence, IoT, and quantum technologies.
What is the vision of C-DOT regarding innovation?
C-DOT envisions establishing Academic Centres of Excellence in leading institutions to embed the spirit of innovation at the roots of the educational system.
