C-DOT awards ₹5 lakh grants to 18 startups under Samarth incubation scheme

The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), under the Department of Telecommunications, Government of India, has launched the Samarth incubation program to boost early-stage startups in the telecom and ICT sectors.

In its first phase, 18 startups were selected through a competitive process to receive grants of up to 95 lakh each. Along with financial support, these startups gain access to fully furnished office spaces and C-DOT's lab facilities at its Delhi and Bengaluru campuses for six months.

The program is structured into two cohorts of six months each, supporting up to 36 startups in total. It also offers structured mentoring and acceleration sessions, with guidance from C-DOT technologists and external experts.

"Each selected startup under the program receives a grant of up to 95 lakh, fully furnished office space for six months at C-DOT campuses in Delhi and Bengaluru, access to C-DOTs lab facilities, and mentorship from C-DOT technologists and external experts," officials said.

Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between C-DOT and the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) to formalize collaboration in mentorship, training, and joint initiatives.

"The occasion also marked the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between C-DOT and STPI, outlining areas of potential collaboration including mentorship, training, and joint initiatives," the statement added.

The Samarth program aims to promote scalable telecom innovations by providing startups with financial assistance, infrastructure, and expert mentorship, thereby strengthening India's telecom and ICT ecosystem.

The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) awarded ₹5 lakh grants to 18 startups under its Samarth incubation scheme, providing financial aid, office space, lab access, and expert mentorship to early-stage telecom and ICT companies in Delhi and Bengaluru.