The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), an autonomous telecom R&D institution under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, successfully hosted the Demo Day for Cohort-II of the 'Samarth' Incubation Program on 12th March 2026 at the NBCC Convention Hall, New Delhi.

Launched in March 2025, 'Samarth', a cutting-edge incubation program for start-ups in Telecom and ICT sector was structured in two cohorts of six months each, accommodating up to 18 startups per cohort thus supporting a maximum of 36 start-ups under the initiative to work on set of five innovative problem statements in areas of telecom applications, cybersecurity, 5G/6G technologies, artificial intelligence, IoT, and quantum technologies. Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) and TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs) have been roped in by C-DOT as implementation partner for the program.

The program offered holistic support with financial grants of ₹5 lakh per startup along with fully furnished office space and access to state-of-the-art lab facilities at C-DOT's Delhi and Bengaluru campuses to the selected startups. Expert mentorship by C-DOT scientists, power-packed acceleration sessions by industry leaders on topics spanning across multiple domains like Product Development Lifecycle, building a minimum viable product, financial management, Go-To-Market strategies, legal & IP aspects, pitching and fund raising were unique features offered under Samarth incubation program.

The selected 18 Cohort-I startups showed remarkable outcomes during the Demo Day organized in September 2025. Based on their performance, the top five startups—Turtleneck Systems & Solutions, Purvanchal Engineering Systems, Vital Carbon, Agriverse Innovations, and Jumps Automation were successfully selected for the Stage-II grant.,

Building upon this foundation, Cohort-II, was launched in July 2025, focused on five niche problem statements in AI, Li-Fi, Security, and drones. The applications received in huge numbers were then screened and shortlisted applicants were accessed by a distinguished Selection Committee comprising members from academia, industry, C-DOT, and STPI. The selected 18 startups were handed over the Stage-I grant during the kick-off event held on 8^th October 2025 at ASPIRE startup stage during India Mobile Congress 2025.

During the demo day held today, all onboarded innovators under cohort II showcased their technological advancements with remarkable outcomes which was applauded by the industry experts and investors present during the event.

Based on product potential and execution capabilities, following top five startups have been selected for the Stage-II grant under Samath Cohort-II:

· Huebits Tech Private Limited

· Khageshvara Aviation Technology Private Limited

· Xpectro Solutions (OPC) Private Limited

· Zepto Logic Technologies Private Limited

· Vocbot.Ai Technology Private Limited

At the event, the top-performing startups were formally awarded the second tranche of grant. Furthermore, these progressing startups qualify for potential partnerships and additional financial support through the C-DOT Collaborative Research Program (CCRP).

Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO of C-DOT, commended the innovators, stating, "The passion, creativity, and determination of our startups are the driving forces behind the nation's digital transformation. As we witness the impressive solutions developed by them today, we reaffirm our commitment to nurturing the next generation of telecom leaders, aligning with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and ViksitBharat."

The Demo Day was graced by the presence of distinguished leaders & dignitaries, including Shri Pradeep Gupta, Chairman of Cyber Media Group, Ms. Shikha Shrivastava, Executive Vice President, C-DOT along with Sh. Arvind Kumar, Director General, STPI, Ms. Geetika Dayal, Director General, TiE (Delhi-NCR). C-DOT Scientists & technical mentors, senior officials from STPI & TiE, and various representatives from industry along with the selected start-ups were also present.

Lamp lightning ceremony in the presence of Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO and Chairman of the Board, C-DOT, , Shri Pradeep Gupta, Chairman of Cyber Media Group, Ms. Shikha Shrivastava, Executive Vice President, C-DOT along with Sh. Arvind Kumar, Director General, STPI, Ms. Geetika Dayal, Director General, TiE (Delhi-NCR)

Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO and Chairman of the Board, C-DOT, addressing the delegates during event.

 

Ms. Shikha Shrivastava, Executive Vice President, C-DOT, addressing the delegates during event.

 

Cheques distribution ceremony of the second tranche of grant

Group photo session to mark the conclusion of the event.

 

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ARJ

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