Samarth Incubation Program – Cohort II Launches to Empower DeepTech Startups

Introduction

Cohort II:In late August 2025, the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), in collaboration with Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) and TiE Delhi-NCR, officially launched the Samarth Incubation Program – Cohort II. This DeepTech-focused initiative is designed to support innovation-driven startups in areas such as AI, UAVs, cybersecurity, LiFi, and blockchain. Interested startups now have until September 1, 2025, to apply for the second cohort.

What Is the Samarth Incubation Program?

Originally launched in March 2025, Samarth is a flagship incubation program by C-DOT under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India. Its core mission is to bridge the gap between ideation and commercialization for startups in telecom and ICT by offering grants, infrastructure access, mentorship, and commercialization pathways.

The program is structured in two six-month cohorts, each supporting up to 18 startups, for a combined total of 36 startups annually. Each selected startup receives:

• A grant of up to ₹5 lakh
• Access to well-furnished office space at C-DOT campuses
• Exposure to state-of-the-art lab facilities
• Expert mentorship from C-DOT professionals and industry leaders
• Potential opportunities under the C-DOT Collaborative Research Program

The program adopts a hybrid delivery model, combining physical infrastructure support with virtual mentoring to ensure flexibility and reach.

Focus Areas for Cohort II

Cohort II specifically invites startups to address challenge statements in the following domains (as listed on the official portal):

1. Offline Indic Language Translator Web Application using locally hosted AI models.
2. Secure and autonomous payload handling for drones, enabling precise delivery.
3. Prototype development of high-speed ITU-T compliant LiFi link.
4. Detection and prevention of phishing attacks.
5. Hardware implementation of quotient polynomial h(x) module and MSM of zk-SNARKs algorithm.

These problem statements reflect the program’s commitment to cutting-edge technology in AI, UAVs, cybersecurity, LiFi, and blockchain-related cryptography.

Program Timeline

Key dates for Cohort II are:

Note: All dates are tentative and subject to change.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be recognized startups under DPIIT
• Be Indian owned, with majority shareholding by Indian citizens
• Apply to a maximum of two problem statements per startup

Why This Matters

• DeepTech Focus: By concentrating on futuristic technologies—such as AI, IoT, UAVs, LiFi, cybersecurity, and blockchain cryptography—the program fosters high-impact innovation.
• Holistic Support: The combination of funding, infrastructure, mentorship, and research collaboration forms a comprehensive ecosystem for startup growth.
• Scalable Infrastructure: The hybrid model ensures both physical and virtual scalability, accommodating startups nationwide.
• Alignment with Atmanirbhar Bharat: The initiative embodies India’s goal of self-reliance and tech sovereignty in telecom and ICT.

GS Paper II (Governance, Policies, and Schemes)

• Role of government in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Public-private partnerships (PPP) in strengthening the startup ecosystem.
• Policy support for MSMEs and Digital India initiatives

Previous Year UPSC Questions (PYQs) Linkage

1. GS Paper III, 2020:
   “What are the main constraints in transport and marketing of agricultural produce in India?”
   → Relevance: Similar issues exist in startup ecosystems—lack of infrastructure, funding, and support. Incubation programs address these gaps.