The current work is the first contribution from the 50 cm Binocular Network, whose primary goal is to systematically detect and characterize variable stars in Galactic open clusters. In this paper, we report the results of a search for variables in the open cluster NGC 2301. Eighteen variable stars including 12 new objects were detected in a 20' × 20' field around the cluster. The physical properties, classifications, and memberships are discussed using the behaviors of the light curves, the positions on the color–magnitude diagram, and the archival proper-motion data. Among the 12 new objects, 5 are low-amplitude δ Scuti stars, 4 of which are probable members of the cluster. One of them is discovered to be a δ Scuti star in an eclipsing binary system. One γ Doradus candidate is identified as a cluster member, but is apparently located very close to the blue edge of the γ Doradus instability strip and therefore can be used to pin down the blue edge of the instability strip. The remaining five new variables are classified as an EW-type eclipsing binary with an orbital period of 0.5785 days and four unknown type variable stars. In addition, revised basic data for the six known variables are given according to our observations.
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