In a major boost for India’s deep-tech landscape, Qualcomm Inc. CEO Cristiano Amon announced a dedicated $150 million (approx. ₹1,245 crore) venture capital fund on February 18, 2026. The announcement, made during his visit to the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, aims to accelerate the next generation of artificial intelligence startups across the country.
Managed by Qualcomm Ventures, the “Strategic AI Venture Fund” will target startups at all growth stages—from early seed to late-stage expansion. The fund specifically prioritizes companies advancing Edge AI, a technology that processes data directly on devices rather than in remote cloud centers, ensuring faster performance and better privacy for Indian users.
Amon highlighted that the fund is not just about financial capital but providing access to Qualcomm’s global network and technical expertise. The investment will focus on four high-growth sectors:
- Automotive: Smart dashboards, EV systems, and autonomous safety features.
- IoT (Internet of Things): Intelligent industrial machines and smart city infrastructure.
- Robotics: AI-driven automation for manufacturing and logistics.
- Mobile: Next-gen on-device AI applications for smartphones and PCs.
Qualcomm’s decision to launch an India-only fund underscores the country’s rising status in the global AI race. With over 900 million Indians online, the startup ecosystem is uniquely positioned to build solutions at a “population scale.”
“AI is entering a new phase where intelligence is built directly into devices people rely on every day,” Amon stated during a briefing at Bharat Mandapam. He noted that Indian startups have a critical role to play as the shift to AI reshapes entire industries.
Qualcomm has been a pivotal player in India’s tech journey since 2007, having already backed more than 40 Indian companies. Notable names in its current and past portfolio include:
- Jio Platforms: Qualcomm holds a 0.15% stake (invested $98 million in 2021).
- MapMyIndia: A leader in digital navigation.
- ideaForge: India’s pioneer in drone technology.
- Shadowfax: A major logistics and fulfillment player.
This fresh $150 million commitment joins other massive capital inflows at the summit, including the India Deep-Tech Alliance’s (IDTA) $1-billion fund, signaling that India is no longer just an AI consumer but a global producer.
Key Highlights:
- Strategic Investment: Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon pledged $150 million to a new India-focused Strategic AI Venture Fund to support local startups.
- Focus on Edge AI: The capital will target “intelligence at the edge,” prioritizing sectors like automotive, IoT, robotics, and mobile devices.
- India AI Mission: The fund aligns with the ongoing India AI Impact Summit, reinforcing the country’s role as a leader in sovereign and inclusive AI development.
- Growth Support: Beyond capital, selected startups will gain access to Qualcomm’s deep hardware expertise and global industry network.