Qualcomm Technologies has teamed up with the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), a government-backed organization, to bolster the efforts of Indian developers and startups focusing on groundbreaking products and applications.
Qualcomm is a global technology company known for its innovative wireless communications solutions. Founded in 1985, Qualcomm has played a key role in the development of 3G, 4G, and now 5G technologies, powering smartphones, tablets, and other devices worldwide. The company’s products and services span across mobile, automotive, IoT, and networking industries, enabling connectivity and communication advancements.
C-DOT (Centre for Development of Telematics) is an Indian government-owned telecommunications technology development center. Established in 1984, C-DOT has been instrumental in developing indigenous technologies for the Indian telecom sector, including rural communication solutions, digital telephone exchanges, and optical fiber systems. C-DOT’s innovations have played a significant role in the growth and modernization of India’s telecom infrastructure.
This partnership, formalized at the Mobile World Congress 2024 in Barcelona, Spain, entails Qualcomm’s provision of expertise, best practices, cutting-edge technology, intellectual property training, and tools to support C-DOT’s initiatives, as per an official statement. In a move aimed at accelerating the progress and market launch of homegrown telecommunications products, Qualcomm and C-DOT have joined forces.
This collaboration will provide Indian startups, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and academic institutions with access to Qualcomm’s wireless solutions and technologies. By offering foundational chip technologies and access to industry experts, Qualcomm and C-DOT aim to foster innovation and support the scaling up of research and development efforts in India.
This announcement follows closely on the heels of the Union Cabinet’s approval of proposals worth ₹1.26 trillion for establishing India’s inaugural semiconductor fabrication unit, along with two additional chip units, including a testing and packaging facility, led by the Tata Group.
In a major development, Tata Electronics has announced plans to construct India’s inaugural semiconductor fabrication facility in Gujarat’s Dholera, in collaboration with Taiwan’s Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. The project is valued at a staggering ₹91,000 crore. Additionally, Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test Pvt. Ltd will establish an assembly, testing, marking, and packaging (ATMP) plant in Assam’s Morigaon, with an investment of ₹27,000 crore.
On a parallel note, CG Power Pvt. Ltd is set to build an ATMP unit in Gujarat’s Sanand, partnering with Japan’s Renesas Electronics, with an estimated investment of ₹7,600 crore. The initiative aligns with the government’s strong emphasis on promoting Design in India, complemented by the increasing adoption of 5G and on-device AI technologies, according to Savi Soin, Senior Vice President and President of Qualcomm India.
C-DOT, renowned for its networking, security, and digital communication solutions, continues to diversify its portfolio, adding further depth to India’s technological advancement. In its role as a fabless chip design company, Qualcomm has been steadily boosting its investments in India each year.
The country hosts the firm’s second largest research and development center globally. Rahul Patel, Qualcomm Technologies’ group general manager for connectivity, broadband, and networking, highlighted the company’s commitment to fostering India’s electronics and manufacturing ecosystem, emphasizing the market’s strategic significance for Qualcomm.
