Qualcomm is partnering with Indian firms to advance semiconductor design, artificial intelligence, and 6G technology, CFO and COO Akash Palkhiwala said.
These initiatives represent a strategic move to diversify the global semiconductor supply chain. By integrating Indian partners into the design and packaging process, Qualcomm seeks to reduce reliance on traditional hubs and accelerate the deployment of next-generation connectivity.
Speaking in February 2024 during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Palkhiwala said the company is actively involved in semiconductor design [1]. The company is engaging with Indian suppliers, including the Tata Group, to develop chip-packaging capacity and manufacturing capabilities [2]. These collaborations are intended to strengthen the Indian semiconductor ecosystem, and drive the adoption of AI-driven hardware [3].
A primary goal of these efforts is the rollout of 6G technology. Qualcomm aims to bring 6G to market by 2029 [1]. This timeline requires deep integration of new materials and packaging techniques that the company is currently exploring with its partners in India [2].
Financial reports from recent periods show a complex landscape for the company. For the third quarter of fiscal 2024, Qualcomm provided a revenue forecast between $9.2 billion and $10 billion [4]. However, the company has faced recent volatility; net income fell by 45 percent [5]. Despite this dip in profits, CEO Cristiano Amon received total compensation of $29.7 million for fiscal 2025 [5].
The company continues to push toward a high run-rate in its automotive sector, targeting an exit for fiscal 2026 above $6 billion [4]. This growth strategy relies heavily on the success of the AI and 6G designs currently being developed through these international partnerships [3].
“Qualcomm aims to bring 6G to market by 2029”
Qualcomm's pivot toward India for semiconductor design and packaging reflects a broader industry trend of 'China plus one' diversification. By leveraging India's engineering talent and the industrial scale of groups like Tata, Qualcomm is attempting to hedge against geopolitical risks while building the infrastructure necessary for 6G. The contrast between the company's aggressive technology roadmap and its recent dip in net income suggests a high-stakes transition period where long-term R&D must eventually stabilize short-term financial volatility.
