News Update

Qualcomm’s Design in India Challenge Empowers Startups in Hardware Innovation

• ByStartupStory     |    September 1, 2023

Commenced in 2016, the Qualcomm Design in India Challenge (QDIC) is an initiative by Qualcomm India that recognizes the vast potential of smart devices and products centered around areas like smart infrastructure, agricultural technology, industrial automation, robotics and drones, medical technology, and rural IoT. QDIC aims to bolster India’s hardware technology ecosystem, driving innovation among hardware tech startups. Over the years, QDIC has nurtured 89 startups, collectively contributing 350 patents, launching 28 commercial products, and raising over $248 million in funding. Notably, six startups have achieved successful exits through M&A.

The eighth edition of QDIC has garnered more than 100 applications through collaborations with NASSCOM CoE-IoT and Startup India. Following a rigorous jury selection process, 12 startups have been chosen for the cohort. Noteworthy startups in the final list include:

Ayati Devices: Launched at SINE, IIT Bombay, this startup created the world’s first self-monitoring device for foot neuropathy, aiding diabetic patients.

Savemom: This 5G-enabled medical wearable focuses on pregnant women and children, providing doorstep antenatal and postnatal care to reduce maternal mortality.

SIAMAF Healthcare: Aiming to improve cancer care, this startup developed an AI/ML-enabled MafPro device platform for cancer staging, localization, and margin identification.

LivNSense: Focused on the ‘Factory of the Future,’ this company created an industrial IoT and AI platform to optimize manufacturing and production industries.

Zebu Intelligent Systems: Pioneering Industry 4.0 solutions, this startup developed an affordable sensor using stereo vision and mmWave radar for robotics applications.

FLO MOBILITY: With a vision to power autonomous bots, this company devised a solution for autonomous movement in sectors like mobility, delivery, warehousing, and farming.

Augrade Merge: This B2B productivity AI platform aids architectural and real estate firms in creating and presenting immersive 3D designs.

Rymo Technologies: Revolutionizing physical rehabilitation with robotics and VR, this startup introduced Mobi-L for enhanced physiotherapy.

Thryv Mobility: Offering a smart scooter board device, Thryv Mobility enhances mobility for wheelchair users and regular individuals across age groups.

Auklr Technologies: Developing a connected digital instrument cluster for automotive use.

Marcn Technologies: Introducing Flextron, a connected DC Ultra EV charger to simplify EV charging.

Trebirth: Focusing on agri-pest control, this startup created a portable scanning kit for early detection of stem borers in crops.

QDIC 2023 finalists gain access to benefits including an innovation lab, engineering support, mentoring workshops, event participation, an incubation grant, patent filing incentives, a chance to win prize money, and access to an Innovation Commercialization Fund.

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