India’s DeepTech ecosystem received a major boost in August 2025 when three leading institutions—Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), and TiE Delhi-NCR—jointly launched Cohort II of the Samarth Incubation Program. The program focuses on empowering startups in frontier technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), blockchain, and LiFi communication.
The partners framed this initiative as a critical step in strengthening India’s innovation landscape. They aim to provide structured mentorship, funding access, and advanced research facilities to young entrepreneurs who want to solve national and global challenges with DeepTech solutions.
The Vision Behind Samarth
STPI, C-DOT, and TiE Delhi-NCR joined forces to nurture DeepTech startups because they believe India’s digital transformation requires indigenous innovation. They see startups not just as businesses but as enablers of national progress.
The program encourages entrepreneurs to design products that address India-specific issues, such as rural connectivity gaps, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, supply-chain resilience, and affordable healthcare solutions. The three institutions stressed that India cannot depend only on imported technologies. Instead, they want Indian startups to create intellectual property (IP), build local solutions, and export innovations to the global market.
Key Features of Cohort II
The organizers structured Cohort II around four pillars:
- Advanced Mentorship:
The program connects startups with domain experts, industry veterans, and policymakers. Mentors will guide founders in product development, business scaling, compliance, and go-to-market strategies. - Infrastructure Support:
Startups gain access to C-DOT’s R&D labs and STPI’s technology centers across India. These facilities provide testing, prototyping, and simulation environments for DeepTech experiments. - Funding Access:
TiE Delhi-NCR brings its investor network to the table. The program facilitates pitch sessions with venture capitalists, angel investors, and corporate funds. Founders also get exposure to government grants and international funding opportunities. - Market Linkages:
The program ensures that startups do not remain in labs alone. The organizers connect them with industry buyers, government departments, and export markets. Startups receive opportunities to pilot solutions with large enterprises and government agencies.
Why DeepTech Matters
India’s technology ecosystem historically leaned on software services, IT outsourcing, and consumer tech startups. However, DeepTech demands stronger R&D and longer development cycles. Despite challenges, DeepTech offers transformative potential:
- AI solutions can revolutionize agriculture, education, and healthcare.
- UAVs can transform logistics, defense, and disaster management.
- Blockchain can secure supply chains and financial transactions.
- LiFi can provide ultra-fast wireless communication and reduce dependence on congested radio spectrum.
- Cybersecurity innovations can protect India’s critical infrastructure from growing threats.
The Samarth Program encourages startups to explore these domains with the right mix of research support and market exposure.
Differences Between Cohort I and Cohort II
The Samarth Incubation Program launched its first cohort in 2023. That batch nurtured startups in AI-driven analytics, drone technology, and IoT solutions. Several of those startups successfully raised funding and secured government contracts.
Cohort II introduces a sharper focus on AI safety, indigenous cybersecurity solutions, and next-generation communication like LiFi. The organizers also expanded the scale, inviting more applications from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. They emphasized inclusivity and encouraged women entrepreneurs to participate in larger numbers.
Application Process and Timelines
The partners opened applications for Cohort II in August 2025. The window will close on September 1, 2025. Shortlisted startups will undergo multiple screening rounds, including technology validation, founder vision assessment, and market viability checks. The final cohort will begin incubation in October 2025, with programs running for nine to twelve months.
Startups will showcase their progress at Demo Day in mid-2026, where investors, corporates, and policymakers will evaluate their solutions. The best-performing startups will also gain fast-track entry into government procurement pipelines.
Role of Each Partner
STPI:
STPI provides infrastructure support through its technology parks and incubation centers. It also links startups with government incentive schemes and international trade missions.
C-DOT:
C-DOT contributes deep R&D expertise. Its labs in telecom, cybersecurity, and emerging communication technologies serve as testing grounds for startups. C-DOT scientists also mentor entrepreneurs on complex technical problems.
TiE Delhi-NCR:
TiE Delhi-NCR connects startups with the entrepreneurial ecosystem. It brings mentors, investors, and corporate partners into the program. Its global network ensures startups gain international visibility.
Benefits for Startups
Startups that join Cohort II gain multiple advantages:
- Access to advanced R&D facilities worth millions.
- Tailored mentorship from technology veterans and business leaders.
- Connections with potential investors and enterprise customers.
- Opportunities to collaborate with government departments.
- International exposure through TiE’s global chapters.
These benefits create a nurturing environment where early-stage startups can survive the “valley of death” and transition into sustainable growth.
Industry and Expert Reactions
Industry experts welcomed the launch of Cohort II. Many praised the program’s focus on DeepTech rather than consumer apps. One cybersecurity entrepreneur remarked, “India cannot ignore DeepTech anymore. Programs like Samarth give founders courage to build tough technologies.”
Venture capitalists also expressed optimism. They believe structured incubation reduces risk for investors. Startups that graduate from programs like Samarth show stronger business fundamentals and technical maturity.
Policy experts highlighted another dimension: national security. They argued that indigenous cybersecurity and drone technologies reduce India’s reliance on imports and enhance strategic independence.
Global Context
Globally, governments support DeepTech through dedicated programs. The US invests billions in AI and defense tech, while China backs indigenous chip design and AI models. Europe funds climate-tech and sustainable innovation.
India wants to compete at that level. By launching Samarth, the government and ecosystem players signal their intent to position Indian startups as global DeepTech leaders. This ambition aligns with India’s broader mission of becoming a $10 trillion economy by the early 2030s.
Challenges for the Program
Despite optimism, the program faces challenges:
- Long gestation periods: DeepTech startups often require years before commercialization.
- Capital intensity: Building hardware and AI infrastructure demands heavy funding.
- Talent gaps: India still faces shortages in advanced AI research and chip design.
- Regulatory hurdles: UAVs, blockchain, and AI still require clear regulatory frameworks.
The organizers must address these challenges through consistent policy support, global partnerships, and talent development.
Long-Term Implications
If Samarth succeeds, it can create a wave of Indian DeepTech startups that build indigenous IP and global products. The program can reduce India’s dependence on foreign technologies, enhance national security, and open new export opportunities.
In the long run, Samarth can position India as a DeepTech hub, similar to how Bengaluru became a software hub in the 1990s. The program can also inspire similar initiatives in other regions of the country.
Conclusion
The launch of Samarth Incubation Program Cohort II marks a critical milestone for India’s innovation journey. By bringing together STPI’s infrastructure, C-DOT’s R&D expertise, and TiE Delhi-NCR’s investor network, the program creates a robust ecosystem for DeepTech startups.
Through this initiative, India demonstrates that it wants to lead in AI, cybersecurity, UAVs, blockchain, and next-gen communication technologies. Entrepreneurs now have an opportunity to shape industries, strengthen national security, and contribute to India’s vision of becoming a global technology powerhouse.
Cohort II does more than incubate startups—it incubates the future of Indian innovation.
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