Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), in collaboration with Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) and TiE Delhi-NCR, launched the Samarth Incubation Program – Cohort II, inviting applications from DeepTech startups in AI, UAVs, Cybersecurity, LiFi, and Blockchain.
- Application Deadline: Extended till 1st September 2025.
- The program aims to empower DeepTech startups, solve strategic technology challenges, and create national + global impact.
Key Highlights of Cohort II
- Financial Support: Selected startups to receive grants of up to ₹5 lakh.
- R&D Access: Advanced labs of C-DOT (Delhi & Bengaluru).
- Mentorship: Hands-on guidance by tech experts, industry leaders, and investors.
- Structured Accelerator Sessions: On go-to-market strategies, fundraising, and scaling.
- Curated Investor Connections: With VCs and ecosystem partners.
- Innovation Themes:
- AI-powered Offline Indic Translator – Internet-free translation leveraging Bhashini.
- Autonomous Drone Payload System – UAV delivery for disaster response & critical ops.
- LiFi Prototype Development – Light-based communication aligned with ITU-T standards.
- AI-driven Phishing Detection – Multi-platform security for web, email, mobile.
- FPGA-accelerated zk-SNARK Hardware – Indigenous zero-knowledge proof cryptography for Web3 security.
Significance
- Builds on success of Cohort I (helped startups move from prototype to pilot stage).
- Aims to bridge critical gaps in DeepTech ecosystem → mentorship, market access, funding.
- Supports “Innovate in India, Scale Globally” vision.
- Solves strategic national problems while aligning with Digital India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and Startup India missions.
Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT)
- Founded: 1984 (by Govt. of India as a telecom R&D body).
- HQ: New Delhi.
- Known as India’s telecom technology incubator.
- Achievements: Developed rural digital exchanges, GPON, BharatNet backbone, Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) tech, Cybersecurity tools.
- Plays key role in 5G rollout & indigenous telecom security solutions.
Software Technology Parks of India (STPI)
- Established: 1991 (under Ministry of Electronics & IT, MeitY).
- HQ: New Delhi.
- Mandate: Promote software exports, IT/ITES industry growth, incubation support.
- Contributes over 50% of India’s IT exports.
- Runs Next Generation Incubation Schemes (NGIS) and CoEs (Centres of Excellence) in AI, FinTech, MedTech, Blockchain.
TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs) – Delhi-NCR Chapter
- Founded: 1992 in Silicon Valley (global non-profit).
- Delhi-NCR Chapter → one of the largest TiE chapters globally.
- Works to foster entrepreneurship through mentoring, networking, education, funding.
Related Government Initiatives for Startups & DeepTech
- Startup India (2016) → 100,000+ recognized startups till 2025.
- Digital India Bhashini → AI-based Indian language translation platform.
- SAMRIDH Scheme (2021) → accelerates startups with market access + investment.
- MeitY Centres of Excellence → sectoral incubators for AI, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, UAVs.
- Drone Shakti (Budget 2022) → promotes UAV applications in agriculture, logistics & disaster relief.