Snapdragon For India Auto Day: Safe And Smart Automotive Strategy, India As Global Innovation Hub, More

Chip-making giant Qualcomm showcased its first-ever Snapdragon Auto Day conference in New Delhi on Tuesday, highlighting its commitment to developing India-specific automotive technologies, which is beyond traditional chip supply arrangements. The event showcased new solutions designed to establish technological infrastructure for future mobility in the Indian market.

India As Global Innovation Hub

Qualcomm presented an integrated automotive ecosystem including luxury cabin features, driver assistance technologies, region-specific artificial intelligence, and vehicle connectivity platforms.

The semiconductor manufacturer has active partnerships with top homegrown automotive companies, including the likes of Tata Motors, Mahindra, and Maruti Suzuki, Acko Drive has learnt. Its collaboration spans vehicle categories from premium EVs to mainstream and entry-level models using Snapdragon technology platforms. Implementations include facial recognition capabilities, multi-display entertainment systems, zone-specific audio, driver monitoring technology, and location-aware AI for customised user interactions.

"India is the place to be, and hopefully you can see that in the energy, the partnerships, and really the innovation that's happening across the board," Savi Soin, President of Qualcomm India, told reporters here during his keynote address.

"We have more engineers in India than anywhere else in the world.  "As a result, we are innovating right here in India for our Indian OEMs and for the global OEMs," Soin further noted, highlighting India as a key market.

Snapdragon Ride SoC

International automotive apps demonstrate the technology's capabilities, with BMW's upcoming Neue Klasse vehicle series, launching in 2026, using Qualcomm's Snapdragon Ride SoC. This integration combines central processing units, graphics processors, and neural processing units with features including cabin monitoring, 360-degree vehicle awareness, and parking assistance.

Two-Wheeler Connectivity Solutions

The event also detailed Qualcomm's strategy for two-wheeler safety and connectivity solutions. Featured capabilities included 4G/5G and Bluetooth connectivity, GPS navigation systems, anti-theft notifications, emergency assistance, and nearby charging station alerts, designed to improve rider safety and functionality.

India's Shift From Cost To Experience-Focused Market

The event highlighted India's automotive market evolution from price-sensitive purchasing to experience centered consumer expectations. Qualcomm's Snapdragon Ride and Ride Elite technology platforms form the cornerstone of this, delivering flexible computing solutions for entertainment systems and advanced driver assistance systems. 

These platforms accommodate various implementation levels, from basic driver notifications to Level 2-plus assisted driving capabilities, incorporating safety frameworks that meet international standards including NCAP 5-star requirements.

"India is not low-end anymore. It's all about premium experiences, and how Qualcomm can innovate to bring those across the board," stated Soin.