Qualcomm, the renowned American chipmaker, is actively designing chips in India, harnessing the country’s skilled engineering workforce. In an exclusive interview, Qualcomm India’s president, Savi Soin, disclosed that the company has designed and shipped chips entirely developed in India globally. This strategic move underscores Qualcomm’s commitment to India’s burgeoning technology sector and aligns with the government’s vision of “Make in India” and “Design in India.”
Qualcomm’s decision to tap into India’s engineering talent stems from the country’s impressive pool of highly skilled professionals. Soin emphasized that Qualcomm currently employs more engineers in India than anywhere else globally, highlighting the country’s robust engineering capabilities. The complex nature of chip design, requiring extensive research, substantial investments, and numerous engineers, makes India an ideal location for Qualcomm’s operations.
In line with India’s semiconductor ambitions, Qualcomm is expanding its presence in the country. In January, local media reported that the company is establishing a new design center in Chennai, focusing on wireless technology. This investment underscores Qualcomm’s long-term commitment to India’s technology ecosystem.
India’s aspirations to become a global chip manufacturing hub have gained momentum under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. The government has approved three semiconductor plants in Gujarat and Assam, representing investments exceeding $15 billion. These initiatives aim to develop India’s chip fabrication capabilities and nurture cutting-edge packaging technologies domestically.
To stimulate domestic manufacturing and boost exports, India has implemented production-linked incentives worth billions of dollars. This strategic move aims to attract investments in critical areas and advanced technologies, positioning India as an integral part of the global value chain. Ashwini Vaishnaw, India’s Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, Railways, and Communications, expressed the country’s ambition to rank among the top five semiconductor manufacturers globally within the next five years.
Qualcomm’s presence in India is a testament to the country’s growing prominence in the global technology landscape. The company’s investment in chip design and engineering talent demonstrates India’s potential as a hub for innovation and technological advancement.
