Qualcomm Incorporated announced Wednesday (February 18) of its intent to invest up to US$150 million to support India’s expanding technology and AI startup ecosystem. Specifically, the investment will fund endeavors in AI for automotive, IoT, robotics, and mobile through Qualcomm Ventures.

“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 in his video speech at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi.

In addition, Amon said, “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.”

Access to Technology, Global Network

Recently, there has been rapid advancement of AI and massive growth in India’s startup. Thus, Qualcomm sees this as a unique opportunity to help emerging companies build transformative, market-leading solutions. The company aims to support startups that are shaping the next wave of innovation that will have impact across many industries.

Qualcomm has been investing in India’s startup community since 2007 and has already supported more than 40 companies since then. By investing in areas closely aligned with Qualcomm’s core technology strengths, such as AI, intelligent computing, and wireless leadership, will enable startups accelerate innovation as they will deepen their technology expertise and have access on Qualcomm’s global industry network.

Current and previous portfolio companies India Qualcomm has supported include Jio, India’s largest telecom network provider; MapMyIndia, a provider of digital maps and navigation solutions; and ideaForge, a pioneer in drone technologies.

Other notable startups that received support from Qualcomm include Shadowfax, an e‑delivery service platform; Cavli Wireless, an enabler of connected intelligence across industries; SpotDraft, an AI‑powered contract lifecycle management platform; and Tonetag, a company modernizing AI‑enabled digital payments.

18 February 2026