Latest news with #Samarth
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
State-level committee to resolve problems of all varsities: Governor
Patna: Governor-cum-chancellor Arif Mohammad Khan on Wednesday issued directions regarding the formation of a state-level committee consisting of the vice-chancellors (VCs) of Patna, Jai Prakash and Purnea universities to resolve the problems confronted by all state varsities. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "All vice-chancellors can raise the problems of their respective universities and possible suggestions before the committee so that the issues can be settled amicably, he said while addressing a meeting of the VCs at Raj Bhawan. All the VCs were directed to submit the exact requirement of teachers in different subjects in their universities so that guest faculties can be appointed to ensure regular academic activities. Calling upon the VCs to discharge their duties as per their stature and dignity, the chancellor asked them to work hard to streamline the functioning of their respective universities. The governor said he regarded them next only to the prime minister and hence they must behave accordingly. Only the VCs and none else would be held accountable for the success or failure of the institutions of higher education under their jurisdiction, he said, adding that they should work collectively to create a healthy academic environment in the state. The universities were further directed to strictly adhere to the examination calendars at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, besides ensuring biometric attendance of teachers and students. The the VCs were asked to expel all unauthorised boarders of hostels with the help of district administration. The meeting also discussed the problems relating to the availability of data on Samarth portal. It was decided that all the universities would be provided with trained IT staff soon. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now State education minister Sunil Kumar, education department's additional chief secretary S Siddharth, governor's principal secretary Robert L Chongthu, education adviser Baidyanath Yadav and higher education director N K Agrawal also attended the meeting.
Entrepreneur
5 days ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
C-DOT Launches 'Samarth' Incubation Program to Boost Telecom and ICT Startups
In the first phase of this initiative, 18 promising startups have been selected for "Cohort 1" through a competitive selection process. You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), an autonomous telecom R&D body under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, has launched the 'Samarth' Program — a new incubation initiative aimed at supporting startups in the Telecom and ICT sectors. In the first phase of this initiative, 18 promising startups have been selected for "Cohort 1" through a competitive selection process. These startups include Turtleneck Systems, Matisoft Cyber Security Labs, Revino Solutions, Ajayan Consulting, Vital Carbon, Atibha Research, Alphappleton Innovations, Agriverse Innovations, Haranzel Technologies, and others. Under the program, these startups will receive a financial grant of up to INR 5 lakh each, fully furnished office space for six months at C-DOT campuses in Delhi and Bengaluru, and access to C-DOT's state-of-the-art lab facilities. They will also benefit from expert mentorship by C-DOT technologists and external industry experts. To formally kick off the initiative, C-DOT hosted a mentoring-cum-acceleration session for the selected startups. The goal of the Samarth program is to help early-stage companies move from the idea stage to successful commercial ventures by offering them resources, guidance, and funding support. The Samarth Incubation Program focuses on innovation in key technology areas such as telecommunications, 5G/6G, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, IoT, and quantum technologies. The program will be conducted in two cohorts per year, each lasting six months and supporting up to 18 startups — with a total capacity of 36 startups annually. Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) and The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) have been selected as the implementation partners for the program. Delivered in a hybrid format, Samarth connects startups with investors, industry leaders, and government experts, enabling them to build sustainable and scalable businesses. The launch event was attended by dignitaries including Dr Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO of C-DOT, Arvind Kumar, DG of STPI, and Atul Dhawan, President of TiE Delhi-NCR. During the session, the first installment of the funding was distributed to the startups. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between C-DOT and STPI to further strengthen collaboration in training, mentorship, and innovation initiatives.
India Gazette
6 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
C-DOT launches 'Samarth' program to foster startups; 18 startups selected in first cohort
New Delhi [India], June 16 (ANI): The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) on Monday launched the 'Samarth' Program to nurture sustainable and scalable business models. In its first phase, 18 startups were selected in cohort 1 through a competitive process. According to a release from the Ministry of Communications, the Samarth Program is a cutting-edge incubator program for startups in the telecom and ICT sector. Each selected startup receives a grant of up to Rs 5 lakh. Under the program, the startup are provided with financial grant, fully furnished office space and access to C-DOT's lab facilities at Delhi and Bengaluru campuses. 'To kickstart the program C-DOT hosted a mentoring-cum-acceleration session for the first cohort of its 'Samarth' incubation program at the C-DOT campus in New Delhi,' Ministry of Communications said in a statement. This program also offers holistic support to startups and innovators working in telecom applications, cybersecurity, 5G/6G technologies, artificial intelligence, IoT, and quantum technologies. Additionally, 'Smarth Program' is designed in two cohorts of six months each, accommodating up to 18 startups per cohort--thus supporting a maximum of 36 startups under the initiative. In the first phase of this program 18 startups were selected, namely: Turtleneck Systems & Solutions Private Limited, Matisoft Cyber Security Labs Pvt. Ltd., Revino Solutions Private Limited, Ajayan Consulting Pvt Ltd, Vital Carbon Pvt. Ltd., Atibha Research and Development Pvt Ltd, Alphappleton Innovations Private Limited, Agriverse Innovations Pvt. Ltd., Haranzel Technologies Pvt Ltd, Threat Expert Cyber Solutions Pvt Ltd, Brahmi Systems (OPC) Pvt Ltd, Paravani Business Solutions Private Limited, Purvanchal Engineering Systems Private Limited, Aaizel International Technologies Pvt Ltd, Brenin Technologies Private Limited, Jumps Automation LLP, Master Education Pvt. Ltd., and Farsight Innovations Private Limited. This program was launched in the presence of Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO of C-DOT, Arvind Kumar, DG of STPI, Atul Dhawan, President of TiE (Delhi-NCR Chapter), mentors, venture capitalists, representatives from TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs) Delhi-NCR, selected startups, and technical mentors from C-DOT. During the session, each selected startup was awarded the first tranche of funding amount. (ANI)
Hans India
6 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
C-DOT provides grants to 18 startups under ‘Samarth' programme
The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) on Monday said it has selected 18 startups in cohort 1 of its 'Samarth' programme. It is a cutting-edge incubation programme for startups in telecom and ICT sector. The initiative is aimed at nurturing sustainable and scalable business models by providing startups with financial grant, advanced resources and guidance for transition from ideation to commercialisation. These startups are provided financial grant, fully furnished office space and access to C-DOT's lab facilities at Delhi and Bengaluru campuses. The 'Samarth' programme offers holistic support to startups and innovators working in telecom applications, cybersecurity, 5G/6G technologies, artificial intelligence, IoT, and quantum technologies. Dr Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO C-DOT, and Arvind Kumar, DG of the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), commended their collaborative effort in fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem and encouraged continued engagement of startups in future initiatives. The event also marked the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between C-DOT and STPI, outlining areas of potential collaboration including mentorship, training, and joint initiatives. The programme is structured in two cohorts of six months each, accommodating up to 18 startups per cohort — thus supporting a maximum of 36 startups under the initiative. STPI and TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs) have been selected as the implementation partner for the programme. Delivered in a hybrid format, 'Samarth' leverages state-of-the-art infrastructure, expert mentorship, and access to a strong network of investors and industry leaders to empower emerging entrepreneurs. Each selected startup under the programme receives a grant of up to Rs 5 lakh, a fully-furnished office space for six months at C-DOT campuses in Delhi and Bengaluru, access to C-DOT's lab facilities, and mentorship from C-DOT technologists and external experts. Progressing startups will also be eligible for potential collaboration and further financial grants under the C-DOT Collaborative Research Program (CCRP), according to the government.
Mint
7 days ago
- Business
- Mint
After edtech crash, study-abroad was the bright spot. Now, it faces testing times
Bengaluru: Samarth G.S., 25, hasn't been to his hometown, in Karnataka, in nearly two years. But not for the usual reasons. Last year, he stayed back in the US to look for an internship. This year, even though he has one, he's hesitating because of tightening visa regulations. 'The situation is dicey here," said Samarth, who is studying for a masters degree. With only a brief window between the end of his internship and the start of the next academic term, he's worried that even a slight delay in returning could put his visa at risk. 'Even if I come back a day late, they might use it as an excuse to cancel my visa," he said, referring to US President's Donald Trump regime. Even when they are travelling within the US, universities are advising international students to carry their passports at all times. Since Trump returned to power, the US' immigration policies have become draconian. On 27 May, the administration ordered US embassies around the world to stop scheduling appointments for student visas. It even halted Harvard University's ability to enroll foreign students. Amid all this, several international students have faced deportation for minor infractions. While much of the attention around US visa restrictions has focused on students, the Big Brother approach in the US has made another group, India's study-abroad startups, anxious. Companies such as Leap Scholar, Leverage Edu, AdmitKard and upGrad, which promise smooth overseas admissions and counselling services, are now facing business uncertainty. Because it is not just the US, but key markets such as Canada, the UK, and Australia as well that have tightened rules for international student admissions, according to industry insiders. After the crash of mainstream edtech in India, the study-abroad industry had emerged as a bright spot. But populist politics across the globe threaten to shake the foundations of the business model. Can these startups weather the storm? The business Before 2016, most Indian students seeking to study abroad relied on a highly unorganized network of small, local consultants operating out of single-office setups in Tier I and Tier II cities. About 10 years ago, edtech platforms focused on helping students get admissions abroad started emerging. They include AdmitKard (2016), Leverage Edu (2017), Leap Scholar (2019). Upskilling platform and edtech unicorn upGrad also launched study-abroad services in 2021. These startups offered a range of services, helping students with university applications and counselling to scholarships, visa applications, accommodation and even loans to finance their education. Each operates with a slightly different proposition—while Leap Finance and Leverage Edu are full-service platforms offering end-to-end guidance and admission support to students, AdmitKard is mostly about counselling. upGrad's study-abroad programme focuses on hybrid or online-to-offline programmes in which students study online the first year and travel to the university campus the second year. Over the last few years, India's study-abroad market has been taking big strides, fuelled by a growing appetite for global education and rising disposable incomes. While the market saw a slump during the covid-19 pandemic years, it has bounced back since. According to Bengaluru-based consulting firm Redseer, about 2 million Indian students are projected to opt for overseas education by 2027. This number, according to the firm, stood at 0.7 million in 2019 and 0.9 million in 2022. The sector has also seen significant venture capital infusion during and after the pandemic years, 2023 being the year it attracted the highest funding ever, at about $562 million, according to data sourced from Tracxn. A temporary dip? Even other top markets, such as the UK, Canada and Australia, have tightened their immigrant rules of late. In May, the UK government released a whitepaper that proposed reducing the standard length of the graduate visa for international students to stay on and work in the UK from two years to 18 months, among other changes. Last week, Australia-based IDP Education, one of the world's largest international student placement firms, warned that its full-year revenue and earnings would take a hit due to visa crackdowns in key markets such as Australia and Canada, estimating student placement volumes to drop 28-30% during this financial year. The announcement led to its stock plummeting 50%, it's worst single-day drop ever, Canadian study-abroad startup ApplyBoard laid off about 150 employees last week due to policy changes at major study destinations. Last November, Canada ended its Student Direct Stream (SDS) programme, which expedited the processing of study permit applications for international students. India's edtech exporters, most of whom rely heavily on the US and UK, are now bracing for the impact of ongoing uncertainty. Industry experts acknowledge that a dip is likely if the situation persists, though they are cautiously optimistic that the downturn will be temporary. 'In our study-abroad business, about 70% of visa appointments were already taken care of. So, those haven't been affected. But 30% is halted because the visa appointments are on hold," Praneet Singh, associate vice president of university partnerships at upGrad Abroad, told Mint. A million students enter the US to study every year, so it impacts the country's economy as well, Singh noted. 'That gives me conviction that it's not going to last. It's going to be a couple of weeks or maybe a month or two. But it will eventually get lifted." Piyush Bhartiya, co-founder of study-abroad counselling startup AdmitKard, said there is a lot of uncertainty among students planning to go to the US. If their September intake is blocked and interviews don't open, then US sentiment will go from unsure to negative, he said. With all the key markets correcting at the same time, there will be some downturn, Bhartiya noted. 'The US issued about 80,000 visas last year from India. Now, if that 80,000 falls to 40,000, we don't know how many markets or how many countries it will take to absorb that other 40,000," said Bhartiya. Leap Finance, one of the larger startups in India's study abroad ecosystem, has refrained from commenting on the subject altogether. With market conditions in flux, investors are closely watching the sector, particularly how these businesses respond and pivot to sustain growth. While recent policy uncertainties in traditional destinations such as the US and UK have sparked some investor caution, the demand for overseas education remains structurally strong, according to Surabhi Sanyukta, vice president–Investments, BlackSoil, an investor in study-abroad platform Leverage Edu. 'The sector has seen consistent double-digit year-on-year growth over the past few years, and this demand is not diminishing; it is simply becoming more geographically distributed," she said. 'One of the key challenges the sector faces is its historical reliance on a few dominant geographies. Policy shifts, changing visa regimes, and economic volatility in these markets can significantly impact student flows. Startups that scaled primarily on the back of US or UK-bound student demand are now having to recalibrate their strategies," Sanyukta added. Expanding horizons The uncertainty around immigrant laws in various geographies has had a clear impact. Enrolments have gone down by 27% in top destination markets such as the US, the UK and Canada. This decline has affected study-abroad platforms as well, but sparked interest in other destinations. 'If we were getting about 6,000 closed leads in February for Germany, we're now getting about 9,500 leads a month for that country, which makes for 35% of our business. France has gone from 3% of our business to 8% of our total business at the moment. Finland has also gone from 3% to 6% of our business," said upGrad's Singh. The two really big winners have been Germany and Ireland, which have traditionally seen a smaller intake from India, said AdmitKard's Bhartiya. 'On our platform, we have seen almost five times more inquiries for Germany in the last two years. France and some of the Nordic countries are also gaining interest very rapidly," he said. AdmitKard is now focusing on getting accreditations in other countries as the non-US market sees a spike in interest. 'We are a very strong recruiter for the US market so we had focused on US accreditation. Now, we are focusing on other countries as well, and onboarding partners in countries like Japan, Finland, and Sweden," Bhartiya said. Many prominent schools in the US and UK are setting up offshore campuses in locations such as Dubai and Singapore. Study abroad platforms are now turning to these newer markets, capturing already existing demand and creating new demand. In the last six months, upGrad has focused on finding partners in Dubai. 'We've got Middlesex University, University of Birmingham, among others. We've just signed up with four schools in the UAE. The company is also trying to double down on Finland and expand to Singapore," Singh said, noting that India will also see a lot of campuses being set up. New Delhi-based Leverage Edu has also seen a sea-change in its student composition over the past 12 months. The company, which relied on India for 100% of its customers, is now seeing 40-45% of students coming from non-India regions—of that, 25% is from Africa, 15% is the rest of South Asia (Nepal, Bangladesh), with the rest from the Middle East and Southeast Asia, Akshay Chaturvedi, founder and CEO of the edtech startup, told Mint. Chaturvedi added that the UK used to be a dominant study location for the company till about two years back. The country still accounts for 50-60% of the business today, but the remaining 40-50% is mostly from the rest of Europe, particularly Germany, he said. The way forward Aside from admissions, most study-abroad platforms make money from test-prep, counselling, documentation, and application fees. These services have stable demand despite the shifts in study markets. For instance, 25% of Leverage Edu's business comes from services such as forex and loans, among other ancillaries. Last quarter, the company also launched a job portal, Leverage which the CEO believes will push the income from these non-core services up further. Value-added services contribute about 10% to Leap's revenue, with the majority coming from counseling and financing. upGrad's study-abroad vertical also offers International English Language Testing System (IELTS) prep programmes aside from online-to-offline learning, its core business. Ashish Bhatia, founder & CEO at India Accelerator, which has invested in edtech companies such as Imarticus Learning, Ingenium and Dhurina, noted that offering various services gives these startups the flexibility to adapt to the changing circumstances. 'Startups that proactively expand their offerings and limit their reliance on the US markets are most likely to come out of this situation unaffected," Bhatia said. As things stand, however, nobody knows when the situation will improve. Startups that pivot to accommodate the changing reality will be better placed to weather the storm.
