C-DOT’s ‘Samarth’ program supports 18 telecom startups with grants up to ₹5 lakh, office space, lab access, and mentorship. Launched in June 2025, it promote innovation in 5G/6G, AI, IoT, and cybersecurity, aiming for scalable business models through a six-month cohort, with STPI and TiE as implementation partners.
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The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) launched the "Samarth" program to support and nurture startups in the telecommunications and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sectors.
'Samarth' is an incubation program that provides comprehensive support to startups and innovators. It creates a supportive ecosystem for emerging companies to develop and scale their business models.
Executing Body => The program is launched by C-DOT, which operates under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications & Information Technology.
Implementation Partners => To enhance its reach and effectiveness, C-DOT has partnered with the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) and The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE). This collaboration brings together expertise in technology, mentorship, and industry networking.
Target Sectors => The program focuses on startups working in critical and emerging technology areas. These include:
The 'Samarth' program is structured to provide holistic support to early-stage ventures. The first cohort consists of 18 selected startups.
Financial Assistance => Each selected startup receives a grant of up to ₹5 lakh to support its initial operations and development.
Startups get access to fully furnished office space for a period of six months at C-DOT's modern campuses in Delhi and Bengaluru.
Provides guidance from C-DOT's technologists and a network of external experts and industry leaders.
Connects startups with a strong network of investors, industry leaders, and potential collaborators.
Successful startups may also get opportunities for further collaboration and funding under the C-DOT Collaborative Research Program (CCRP).
The 'Samarth' program operates in a hybrid format and is structured into two cohorts per year, with each cohort lasting six months. It can support up to 18 startups in each cohort, with an annual capacity to assist a total of 36 startups.
The selection process is highly competitive. A committee evaluates applicants based on several criteria, including the quality of their pitch, innovation, product potential, team strength, and relevance to the program's focus areas.
By supporting homegrown startups in critical technology sectors, the program contributes to the 'Make in India' and 'Digital India' missions.
It encourages research and development in next-generation technologies, helping India to become a leader in the global telecom and ICT landscape.
By promoting domestic innovation, the initiative helps in creating a self-reliant technology ecosystem, potentially reducing dependence on foreign technology and products.
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. What is the primary objective of the 'Samarth' program? A) To provide free telecom services to rural areas. B) To conduct research on historical communication methods. C) To nurture startups in the Telecom and ICT sector from ideation to commercialization. D) To manufacture telecom hardware exclusively for government use. Answer: C Explanation: 'Samarth' is an incubation program that provides comprehensive support to startups and innovators. It creates a supportive ecosystem for emerging companies to develop and scale their business models. The program is launched by C-DOT, which operates under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). |
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