New Delhi: US chipmaker Qualcomm has announced plans to invest up to $150 million (approximately ₹1,359 crore) in Artificial Intelligence (AI) startups in India. The announcement was made by Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon during his participation at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi.
The investment will be made through Qualcomm Ventures, the company’s investment arm, and will focus on empowering AI-driven startups across sectors such as automotive, Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, and mobile technology.
Boost for India’s AI Startup Ecosystem
Cristiano Amon highlighted that AI is entering a transformative phase where intelligence is increasingly embedded directly into devices and systems that people rely on daily. These include smartphones, personal computers, vehicles, industrial equipment, and robotics platforms.
“AI is moving into a new stage, where intelligence is built directly into the devices and systems people depend on every day,” Amon said, adding that this shift is expected to reshape entire industries.
He emphasized that India’s vibrant startup ecosystem will play a critical role in driving this next wave of AI innovation across multiple sectors.
Strategic AI Venture Fund to Drive Growth
The Qualcomm chief stated that the company’s newly launched Strategic AI Venture Fund aims to support companies leading the next chapter of AI development in India.
By positioning itself as a leader in efficient, secure, and powerful edge AI technologies, Qualcomm intends to collaborate closely with startups to develop scalable and advanced AI solutions. The company views India as a major growth hub for innovation, particularly in emerging technologies.
Focus on Edge AI and Scalable Solutions
Qualcomm’s investment strategy centres on strengthening India’s AI ecosystem by enabling startups to build next-generation AI applications that are scalable and commercially viable. The move aligns with India’s broader push to become a global AI innovation hub. With this significant funding commitment, Qualcomm aims to accelerate AI adoption in key industries and reinforce India’s position as a leading destination for technology-driven entrepreneurship.
