Qualcomm to Invest $150M in India's AI Startup Ecosystem

• Qualcomm will invest up to $150 million in India’s AI and deep-tech startups through a new Strategic AI Venture Fund
• The fund will back AI innovations across automotive, robotics, mobile, and IoT sectors
• The move strengthens Qualcomm’s long-term commitment to India’s growing technology ecosystem

The US semiconductor company Qualcomm will invest up to $150 million to develop India's technology and artificial intelligence startup ecosystem through its new Strategic AI Venture Fund.

The Qualcomm India investment through the Qualcomm AI fund strengthens the India AI ecosystem by backing AI startups India and deep-tech startups India, accelerating AI innovation India, expanding semiconductor investment India, and boosting overall tech investment India.

The corporate venture arm of Qualcomm will use Qualcomm Ventures to fund both early-stage and growth-stage businesses that develop artificial intelligence solutions for the automotive robotics, mobile and Internet of Things industries.

The initiative reflects Qualcomm’s long-term deep-tech strategy in India because advanced technology ventures in this market take extended periods to achieve their first returns. Through its creation of an AI-focused fund Qualcomm will provide support to businesses that are developing future intelligent computing and connected technology solutions for India.

Cristiano Amon, President and CEO of Qualcomm, stated, “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”.

Also Read: Nvidia Partners with Indian VCs to in Search of Next AI Startups

For almost 20 years, Qualcomm has invested in Indian startups while observing how India developed its deep-tech and artificial intelligence field. The company invests according to its main expertise areas which include wireless technology, intelligent edge computing and advanced semiconductor research.

Qualcomm Ventures India has invested in more than 40 companies since 2007, which include businesses that have changed the telecom industry, unmanned systems, logistics, Internet of Things and digital mapping sectors. Qualcomm Ventures demonstrated its dedication to deep tech development by becoming a member of the India Deep Tech Investment Alliance in November 2025.

The consortium unites Indian and US investors who aim to expand India's deep-tech development capabilities. Qualcomm uses its Strategic AI Venture Fund to establish itself as a permanent supporter of India's artificial intelligence technology development and international technological supremacy.

“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”, noted Quinn Li, Global Head of Qualcomm Ventures.