C-DOT launches Samarth Cohort-II to boost telecom innovation

15 Oct 2025 CW Team

The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), an autonomous telecom R&D body under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), organised the kick-off session for Samarth Cohort-II during the India Mobile Congress 2025 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi. Under the initiative, 18 startups received financial grants, access to fully furnished office space, and lab facilities at C-DOT’s Delhi and Bengaluru campuses. The Samarth incubation programme, launched in March 2025, provides end-to-end support to startups working on telecom applications, cybersecurity, 5G/6G, artificial intelligence, IoT, and quantum technologies. The programme is being implemented by the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) and TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs). It is structured into two six-month cohorts, each supporting up to 18 startups. After the success of Cohort-I, Cohort-II was launched with new problem statements in AI, Li-Fi, security, and drones. Startups were shortlisted by a selection committee comprising experts from academia, industry, C-DOT, and STPI based on innovation, product potential, and execution capability. The selected startups include Huebits Tech, Dawniens International, Khageshvara Aviation Technology, Revon Unmanned Systems, InventGrid India, Vayunotics Technologies, Airborne Fidelity, Astraq Cyber Defence, Xpectro Solutions, Vighnarajendra Software, Zepto Logic Technologies, Senteinta Quality AI Advanced Technology Research, Unicorniz Innovation, Nam Infocom, SOL9X, Yantriksh Cybernetics Industries, Nife Apps Labs, and Vocbot.Ai Technology. Speaking at the event, Dr Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO, C-DOT, said, “The passion and determination of our startups are the driving forces behind India’s digital transformation. As we celebrate Samarth Cohort-I and launch Cohort-II, we reaffirm our commitment to nurturing future leaders in telecom and ICT.” He also highlighted C-DOT’s plans to establish Academic Centres of Excellence to strengthen innovation at the academic level. The event was attended by senior dignitaries including Dr Pankaj Kumar Dalela and Dr Dilip Krishnaswamy, Executive Vice Presidents, C-DOT; Arvind Kumar, DG, STPI; Pradeep Gupta, Chairman, Cyber Media Group; and Upasana Sharma, Executive Director, TiE Delhi-NCR. The Samarth programme underscores C-DOT’s commitment to fostering indigenous innovation and promoting self-reliance in line with the Prime Minister’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.

Infrastructure Transport

15 Oct 2025

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