C-DOT Demo Day Highlights 18 Telecom Startups Under Samarth Program
Photo Credit: PIB
The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), an autonomous telecom research institution under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), organized the Demo Day for the second cohort of its ‘Samarth’ incubation program on March 12, 2026, at the NBCC Convention Hall in New Delhi. The event showcased innovative solutions developed by 18 startups working in emerging areas of telecom and information and communication technology (ICT).
Launched in March 2025, the Samarth program aims to nurture technology-driven startups focusing on next-generation telecom solutions. The initiative is structured into two six-month cohorts and supports up to 36 startups in total. Participating startups work on key innovation areas including telecom applications, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, 5G and 6G technologies, and quantum-based solutions.
Under the program, each selected startup receives a financial grant of ₹5 lakh along with access to fully equipped office spaces and advanced laboratory facilities at C-DOT’s campuses in Delhi and Bengaluru. Startups also benefit from mentorship by C-DOT scientists and industry experts. The program includes structured acceleration sessions covering product development, building minimum viable products, financial planning, legal and intellectual property considerations, and go-to-market strategies.
Implementation support for the initiative is provided by the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) and TiE Delhi‑NCR, which help facilitate mentorship, networking opportunities, and investor engagement.
During the Demo Day, startups from Cohort-II presented their technological solutions to a panel of industry leaders, investors, and technology experts. Based on product innovation, scalability, and execution capability, five startups—Huebits Tech, Khageshvara Aviation Technology, Xpectro Solutions, Zepto Logic Technologies, and Vocbot.AI Technology—were selected for the Stage-II grant under the Samarth program.
The selected startups will receive the second tranche of financial support and may also become eligible for additional partnerships and funding opportunities through C-DOT’s Collaborative Research Program.
Speaking at the event, C-DOT CEO Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay emphasized the importance of startup innovation in driving India’s digital transformation. He noted that initiatives such as Samarth play a crucial role in strengthening the country’s telecom innovation ecosystem while supporting the broader vision of building a self-reliant and technologically advanced India.
The event was attended by leaders from industry, startup founders, and representatives from technology organizations, highlighting growing collaboration between government institutions and the startup ecosystem to accelerate telecom innovation.
Source: PIB
