Qualcomm Incorporated has announced plans to invest up to $150 million to accelerate the growth of India’s expanding technology and AI startup ecosystem. The investments will be channelled through Qualcomm Ventures, with a focus on startups across all stages, particularly those working in AI applications for automotive, Internet of Things (IoT), robotics and mobile technologies.
The announcement was made alongside Qualcomm CEO Mr. Cristiano Amon’s participation in the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, underscoring the company’s continued commitment to India’s technology landscape.
The new Strategic AI Venture Fund will support startups developing next-generation edge AI solutions. According to Mr. Amon, AI is entering a transformative phase where intelligence is embedded directly into devices and systems — from smartphones and PCs to vehicles, industrial equipment and robots. He noted that this shift is expected to reshape industries globally, with India’s startup ecosystem playing a critical role in driving innovation.
Qualcomm sees India’s rapidly evolving AI capabilities and vibrant startup environment as a strong opportunity to support emerging companies building scalable, real-world solutions. The company’s strategy centres on advancing efficient, secure and high-performance edge AI technologies that can deliver meaningful applications across sectors.
Mr. Quinn Li, Senior Vice President at Qualcomm Technologies and Global Head of Qualcomm Ventures, said the additional investment reinforces Qualcomm’s long-standing support for Indian founders. He emphasised that the initiative aims to help startups scale faster by leveraging Qualcomm’s deep technology expertise and global industry network.
Qualcomm has been investing in Indian startups since 2007 and has backed more than 40 companies to date. Its portfolio includes major names such as Jio, MapMyIndia, ideaForge, Shadowfax, Cavli Wireless, SpotDraft and Tonetag. Through its regional presence and global partnerships, Qualcomm Ventures provides not only capital but also technical guidance and market access.
With this new $150 million commitment, Qualcomm strengthens its role as a strategic investor in India’s AI-driven innovation landscape, positioning the country as a key contributor to the global edge AI revolution.