AI, ADAS, Affordable Innovation: Qualcomm Bets Big on Indian Mobility (2025)

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the buzzword these days — whether it’s threatening to take over jobs or the viral AI-generated Ghibli art or even coming up with smart breakthrough technology. Being a global leader in AI and connectivity, Qualcomm is steering its business strategy in the mobility space.

Qualcomm is revolutionizing the Indian market by offering various AI-powered solutions across all price segments starting from the mass market players to the ultra-premium brands. Savi Soin, President Qualcomm India, speaks to Express Drives about how AI opens up a world of solutions whether it is smart, convenient or safety technology.

AI Everywhere: Is it innovation overload?

Every walk of life is now relying on AI, but Soin believes that we have only scratched the surface of this technology. He further explains that there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye. AI is not just a new trending technology that everyone is trying to hitch a ride with. It actually opens up a world of solving real problems with smart solutions. In the world of automobiles, “AI is offering state-of-the-art safety features like preventing accidents and optimizing traffic flow. The question isn’t whether there’s too much AI, but whether we’re applying it meaningfully.”

If we keep aside the AI applications that we see on popular social media platforms and take a deep dive into the technology’s untapped capabilities, many will be surprised to know how this technology can actually be a guardian angel. In the automotive industry, Qualcomm is prioritizing safety by addressing driver fatigue and drowsiness on the road.

We have all taken early morning cabs for the airport and have noticed the exhausted and sleep-deprived driver nodding off behind the wheel. The smart system monitors the driver’s behaviour including eyelid movements, continuous steering correction and late reactions and sends warning alerts immediately. Soin clarified that this technology keeps Indian roads safer and the company is focused on providing a range of intelligent safety nets.

Redefining two-wheeler sector

Being present in the country for over two decades, Qualcomm is recalibrating the future of the two-wheeler segment by enhancing safety and user experience. Qualcomm has partnered with Royal Enfield for the company’s upcoming first-ever electric motorcycle, the Flying Flee.

It is integrated into Qualcomm’s Snapdragon QWM2290 system-on-chip (SoC) and Snapdragon Car-to-Cloud Platform, making it one of the pioneers in offering real-time connectivity and intelligent user controls. Qualcomm believes this will also push the safety boundaries by enhancing Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and offering state-of-the-art navigation systems.

Multifaceted Snapdragon Digital Chassis

Qualcomm has thrown the traditional strategy rulebook out of the window as it provides a plethora of features to mass market players rather than just offering limited and basic functions. All this is possible due to the Snapdragon Digital Chassis—a modular platform for connected vehicles. Soin says that Qualcomm adopts a “single technology roadmap,” leveraging its mobile technology (IP) and adapting it for automotive use—allowing the company to scale innovations across both premium and budget-friendly vehicle segments.

He further explains, “We provide the same level of innovation in the affordable end as we provide in the premium tier. Now, obviously, in the latter segment, the price of the silicon and the software goes up.” What this means is that high-end vehicles are integrated with advanced AI and infotainment features, while cost-sensitive segments see innovations like optimized power efficiency and localized navigation.

Road Ahead for Qualcomm

Qualcomm had last year announced that it aims to achieve 50-50 revenue on its handset and automotive divisions by 2030. What does this mean for India? As the country is the third largest automobile market in the world, Qualcomm is steering the digital transformation process by using the help of AI, connected tech and localised innovations and partnerships.