New Delhi: The India AI Impact Summit 2026 continues to be a focal point for major technology announcements. Today, February 18, 2026, Qualcomm, a leading name in mobile technology and chipmaking, revealed a significant commitment to India’s burgeoning AI sector.
The announcement underscores Qualcomm’s long-standing interest in the Indian technology landscape. With the rapid growth of AI and the vibrant startup scene in India, the company aims to fuel innovation in key areas, reinforcing its global leadership in “edge AI.”
Honoured to welcome @AshwiniVaishnaw to the @Qualcomm booth at #IndiaAIImpactSummit2026.
A great conversation on innovation, semiconductors, and the role of Hybrid AI in shaping India’s digital future.
#AIforAll #Qualcomm @GoI_MeitY @_DigitalIndia @startupindia… pic.twitter.com/hVxbYhtIRq
— Qualcomm India (@qualcomm_in) February 18, 2026
Qualcomm Pledges $150 Million for India’s AI Startups
Qualcomm Incorporated today announced its plan to invest up to $150 million in India’s fast-growing technology and AI startup ecosystem. These investments will be made through Qualcomm Ventures and will target startups at all stages of development. There will be a special focus on AI applications in sectors like “automotive, IoT, robotics, and mobile.”
Cristiano Amon, President and CEO of Qualcomm, made this announcement during his participation in the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. He stated, “Through our new Strategic AI Venture Fund, Qualcomm is investing in companies that are advancing the next chapter of AI in India.” Amon highlighted a significant shift where “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.” He believes this change will reshape industries, and “India’s startup ecosystem has a critical role to play as edge AI drives innovation across sectors.”
Fueling the Next Wave of Innovation
Qualcomm sees a prime opportunity in India’s booming startup landscape and the rapid progress of AI. The company is a key player in the global move towards more efficient and secure “edge AI” where intelligence processing happens directly on devices. Quinn Li, Senior Vice President at Qualcomm Technologies and global head of Qualcomm Ventures, remarked, “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.”
Qualcomm has been supporting Indian startups since 2007, having backed more than 40 companies already. These include well-known names like Jio, India’s largest telecom provider, MapMyIndia, and drone pioneer ideaForge. By investing in areas like AI, intelligent computing, and wireless technology, Qualcomm aims to help founders grow their innovations, offering them access to its deep technology knowledge and global network. The Qualcomm Ventures India team will provide strong regional presence and insights to support these companies.