Qualcomm Expands Investments in India, Targets AI-Powered PC Growth

US-based semiconductor giant Qualcomm has reaffirmed its commitment to India’s growing digital ecosystem, with plans to increase investments in 2025. The company aims to strengthen its foothold across mobile, telecom, laptop, and automotive sectors in the country, according to Savi Soin, President of Qualcomm India and Global Senior Vice President.

Having already established a research and development (R&D) facility in Chennai last year, Qualcomm is focusing on creating products specifically designed for Indian consumers and businesses as part of its "Snapdragon for India" initiative.

As the Indian market becomes increasingly crucial for Qualcomm, the company is betting big on AI-powered laptops and expanding partnerships across multiple sectors.

Qualcomm’s Market Strategy for India in 2025

Scaling Up Operations and Enhancing AI Capabilities

Despite 2025 just beginning, Qualcomm has already taken significant steps toward expanding its presence in India. The company launched its first Snapdragon Experience Zone at Croma’s Juhu store in Mumbai, with plans to roll out similar zones nationwide.

These centers will showcase AI capabilities across PCs and other devices, demonstrating Qualcomm’s AI advancements directly to consumers.

According to Soin, the company is heavily investing in new partnerships and technology that will enable AI-driven user experiences on devices. Qualcomm is also working with IIT Gandhinagar and other Indian institutions to strengthen the Large Language Model (LLM) ecosystem, reinforcing its commitment to AI innovation in India.

Snapdragon-Powered PCs: Gaining Momentum in India

Qualcomm’s PC Market Strategy and Competitive Edge

With its partnership with Asus and other Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Qualcomm is introducing AI-powered PCs to a price-sensitive Indian market. The company understands India’s unique pricing dynamics and aims to deliver AI-driven, power-efficient computing solutions at competitive price points.

Although the traditional PC market is witnessing stagnant growth, Qualcomm is introducing a new AI-powered PC category that transforms how users interact with their devices. By integrating advanced on-device AI features, the company aims to appeal to a younger, mobile-first generation that values seamless connectivity and long battery life.

Retail vs Enterprise Adoption of AI-Powered PCs

Initially, Qualcomm is targeting retail consumers through partnerships with Flipkart and Croma, allowing customers to experience AI-powered PC features firsthand. While the retail market is the immediate focus, Soin believes enterprise adoption is inevitable as businesses begin to explore the potential use cases of AI-driven PCs.

Qualcomm’s Role in India’s Local Manufacturing Ecosystem

Collaboration with Government and OEMs

The Indian government is actively promoting local PC and laptop manufacturing under the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for IT hardware. Qualcomm is closely collaborating with OEM partners who are engaging with the government to build a sustainable local manufacturing and design ecosystem for PCs, smartphones, and telecom hardware.

Qualcomm’s Mobile Market Strategy: Regaining Lost Ground

Competing with MediaTek in the Smartphone Segment

Qualcomm has faced stiff competition from MediaTek in India’s mobile chipset market. However, the company remains focused on delivering premium experiences across price segments. With the Snapdragon 4S Gen 2, Qualcomm aims to strengthen its foothold in the mid-range smartphone market.

Soin highlighted that Xiaomi and Poco smartphones, which utilize Qualcomm chipsets, are performing exceptionally well. The company expects continued growth in smartphone shipments and an increase in its market share in India.

Qualcomm’s R&D and Investment Commitments in India

Expanding R&D in Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi

Qualcomm has significantly expanded its R&D footprint in India, with its Chennai facility playing a crucial role in global chip design and development. The company recently opened a new Delhi Aerocity office and continues to strengthen its presence in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai through mentorship and research programs.

According to Soin, India remains a priority market, and the company will continue investing in local semiconductor and AI innovation, aligning with initiatives like Make in India and Design in India.

Fixed Wireless Access (FWA): Qualcomm’s Next Big Bet in India

Strategic Partnerships with Bharti Airtel and Nokia

Qualcomm is rapidly expanding its Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) solutions in India, collaborating with Bharti Airtel and Nokia to provide high-speed internet without the need for traditional fiber connectivity. The company is also working with Jio, tapping into the vast potential of wireless broadband services in the country.

Qualcomm’s Growing Presence in the Automotive Sector

Collaborations with Leading Automakers and EV Manufacturers

The automotive industry presents a massive growth opportunity for Qualcomm in India. Over the past year, the company has secured partnerships with Royal Enfield, Mahindra, and Tata Motors, among others. Qualcomm’s automotive technology portfolio includes solutions for connectivity, in-cockpit entertainment, and vehicle safety features.

Soin emphasized that 2025 will be a transformational year for Qualcomm’s automotive business, particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, where demand for smart, connected vehicle technologies is on the rise.

Conclusion: Qualcomm’s Future in India

With a strong commitment to India’s AI, telecom, PC, and automotive industries, Qualcomm is poised for significant expansion in 2025. The company’s focus on AI-powered PCs, smartphone innovation, R&D investments, and FWA solutions demonstrates its long-term vision for the Indian market.

As Qualcomm continues to build strategic partnerships, collaborate with the government, and introduce cutting-edge AI-driven products, the company is set to play a pivotal role in shaping India’s tech and semiconductor ecosystem in the coming years.