Qualcomm has announced its intention to invest up to $150 million to support the technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) startup ecosystem in India. The capital will be deployed through Qualcomm Ventures, the company’s investment arm, and will target startups at all growth stages.
Strategic Focus
The investment strategy places a specific emphasis on Artificial Intelligence, with priority given to applications in the automotive, Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, and mobile sectors.
According to the company, this initiative is designed to align with Qualcomm’s global focus on advancing edge AI—processing data locally on devices rather than in the cloud.
The announcement coincides with a visit by Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon to New Delhi for the India AI Impact Summit. The company cites the expansion of India’s startup landscape and the rapid advancement of local AI capabilities as primary drivers for the new funding commitment.
History of Investment
Qualcomm has maintained an active investment presence in India since 2007. To date, the company has backed more than 40 companies in the region.
The stated goal of these investments is to support startups operating in areas that align with Qualcomm’s core technological competencies, specifically intelligent computing and wireless connectivity. In addition to capital, Qualcomm Ventures aims to provide portfolio companies with access to deep technology expertise and a global industry network.
Portfolio Overview
The new fund builds upon a diverse portfolio of previous investments in the Indian market. Notable past and current portfolio companies include Jio, MapMyIndia, ideaForge, Shadowfax, Cavli Wireless, SpotDraft and Tonetag.
This latest financial commitment underscores Qualcomm’s continued interest in utilizing India as a key hub for innovation in the secure and efficient edge AI space.
Regarding the investment, Cristiano Amon, President and CEO, Qualcomm Incorporated, said:
Through our new Strategic AI Venture Fund, Qualcomm is investing in companies that are advancing the next chapter of AI in India. AI is entering a new phase where intelligence is built directly into devices and systems people depend on every day, from smartphones and PCs to cars, industrial machines, robots, and more, delivering richer and more meaningful experiences. This shift will reshape entire industries, and India’s startup ecosystem has a critical role to play as edge AI drives innovation across sectors.
Quinn Li, Senior Vice President, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc, said:
India has become one of the world’s vibrant centers of innovation, and we’re proud to deepen our long-standing commitment to its startup ecosystem. This additional investment expands our support for founders building the next generation of transformative technologies. We look forward to helping these companies scale and contributing to India’s continued progress.