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Qualcomm Launches $150M AI Venture Fund to Fuel Indian Startup Innovation

Qualcomm has announced a Strategic AI Venture Fund with a commitment of up to $150 million to invest in Indian startups. The fund aims to bolster India's technology and AI startup ecosystem, with a specific focus on sectors like automotive, IoT, robotics, and mobile. Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon emphasized that AI is entering a new phase built directly into everyday devices, which will reshape entire industries. The investment underscores Qualcomm's long-term commitment to India, having backed over 40 companies in the country since 2007.

Key Points: Qualcomm's $150M AI Venture Fund for Indian Startups Announced

  • $150M investment for Indian startups
  • Focus on AI in automotive, IoT, robotics & mobile
  • Supports India's expanding tech ecosystem
  • Aims to accelerate innovation with global expertise
2 min read

Qualcomm commits up to $150 million for Strategic AI Venture Fund in India

Qualcomm commits up to $150 million to back Indian AI startups in automotive, IoT, robotics & mobile through its new Strategic AI Venture Fund.

"Through our new Strategic AI Venture Fund, Qualcomm is investing in companies that are advancing the next chapter of AI in India. - Cristiano Amon"

New Delhi, Feb 18

In conjunction with Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon's participation in the 'India AI Impact Summit' here, the chip major on Wednesday announced plans to invest up to $150 million through Qualcomm Ventures to back Indian startups across all stages.

The US-based company aims "to support India's rapidly expanding technology and AI startup ecosystem, with a focus on AI for automotive, IoT, robotics and mobile," it said in a statement.

"Through our new Strategic AI Venture Fund, Qualcomm is investing in companies that are advancing the next chapter of AI in India," said Cristiano Amon, President and CEO, Qualcomm.

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, etc., delivering richer meaningful experiences, Amon said, adding the shift will reshape entire industries.

Amon said that India's startup ecosystem has a critical role to play as edge AI drives innovation across sectors.

The Venture Fund underscores Qualcomm's long‑standing commitment to India's technology landscape and aligns with the company's leadership in advancing edge AI at global scale, the release said.

Qualcomm aims to help emerging companies build transformative, market‑leading solutions market‑leading solutions by helping founders accelerate innovation through access to its deep technology expertise and global industry network.

Qualcomm has been investing in India's startup community since 2007, backing more than 40 companies such as MapMyIndia, a provider of digital maps and navigation solutions; ideaForge, a pioneer in drone technologies etc, the release said.

The 'India AI Impact Summit 2026' brings together the heads of state and government, ministers, global technology leaders, eminent researchers, multilateral institutions and industry stakeholders to deliberate on the role of AI in advancing inclusive growth.

The five-day summit is witnessing participation from over 100 government representatives, including more than 20 heads of state and government and 60 Ministers and Vice Ministers, along with over 500 global AI leaders comprising CEOs, founders, academicians, researchers, CTOs and philanthropic organisations.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
$150 million is a significant commitment. Qualcomm has a good track record with MapMyIndia and ideaForge. Excited to see which Indian AI startups get this boost. The global network access is as valuable as the funding.
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Rohit P
While the investment is welcome, I hope the focus remains on building foundational IP in India, not just creating solutions for global markets. We need to move up the value chain. The 'edge AI' focus is promising though.
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Sarah B
Working in the Bangalore startup scene, this validation from a major player like Qualcomm is huge. The expertise and industry connections are what many deep-tech founders desperately need. Hope the application process is transparent.
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Vikram M
AI in smartphones, cars, and industrial machines... this is where the real impact will be for common people. Jio showed us the power of connectivity, now AI can be the next leap. Good to see such summits happening here.
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Kavya N
The summit itself sounds massive with 20+ heads of state! India is truly becoming a global AI discussion hub. Qualcomm's fund is a strategic move to tap into the innovation happening here. More such corporate venture funds please!

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