Latest news with #MeitY-approved
NDTV
12-07-2025
- Business
- NDTV
NDTV Exclusive: Meet India's First Fully Home-Grown AI+ Smartphone
India now has its first-ever, wholly Made-in-India smartphone. This device is designed, engineered, and governed entirely in India. Madhav Sheth, the visionary behind NxtQuantum Shift Technologies, discussed the AI+ Smartphone in an exclusive conversation with NDTV. At a time of data privacy issues, cybercrimes, and hidden surveillance, many smartphones are built to snoop. This one is different. The AI+ Smartphone focuses on protection, keeping your data secure under Indian laws and away from foreign access. Mr Sheth, a veteran in the Indian smartphone industry and former co-founder and CEO of realme India, combines Atmanirbhar Bharat ideals with next-generation AI innovation. He shared his mission with NDTV, stating that he wants to challenge foreign dominance, emphasise digital sovereignty, and create a global tech brand from India. The Indian smartphone market, valued at Rs 5 lakh crore, is mostly driven by foreign brands, which hold 80% of the market. Mr Sheth is ready to change that. "It's time for Indian brands to showcase their strength," he stated. "No major attempts have been made to challenge this dominance in the past decade. After two decades in this smartphone environment, I am determined to take on this challenge. My experience with several Chinese brands has given me deep insights into their supply chains," he said. The AI+ Smartphone runs on NxtQuantum OS, a full-stack platform with cloud infrastructure hosted in India, locally designed hardware, and a focus on privacy. It relies on Google India's MeitY-approved cloud servers and Flipkart's nationwide distribution, marking a significant step toward trusted, inclusive technology. "It is time for homegrown Indian brands to go global," Mr Sheth declared, aiming to make India a global design hub. Digital Sovereignty as Strategic Infrastructure Mr Sheth emphasised that genuine self-reliance means India needs to own its operating systems, cloud, and code. "Current smartphones send data through foreign systems without user control," he remarked. "'Made in India' means little if software and updates come from abroad," he said. NxtQuantum OS keeps data on MeitY-approved Google Cloud servers, ensuring it meets Indian laws. "Sovereignty means keeping user data under Indian laws, by design," he added. Privacy is essential for the AI+ Smartphone. Unlike other devices designed to extract data, it provides a real-time privacy dashboard that shows who accessed data and when. "Data security is based on transparency," Mr Sheth said. "When apps access sensitive data, like phone calls, AI+ Smartphone users can choose to opt out. Right now, 50-60% of apps collect data to make money, often without clear disclosure. Educating consumers on this is vital," he said. By following the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, NxtQuantum gives users control over their data and makes privacy a default feature. India-First, Built for a Billion Designed for India's diverse needs, the AI+ Smartphone was tested in 80 districts to support users who switch languages mid-sentence. It's ready for Aadhaar, UPI-enabled, and built for offline use to ensure everyone can access it. "India isn't one user. It's a billion patterns," Mr Sheth said. Running on Android 15, the device includes advanced features like Gemini and locally developed Large Language Models (LLMs). "The term 'AI' has been used too much, but generative AI is now a basic feature in smartphones," Mr Sheth explained. "By 2030, there will be a billion smartphone users. To close the digital gap in India, our A-grade smartphone is as affordable as 2G devices. This makes business sense, helping users upgrade and join India's digitization journey," he said. Free of bloatware and spyware, the AI+ Smartphone focuses on performance and simplicity. "When you build everything here-from the OS to hardware-you avoid paying royalties abroad," Mr Sheth said. "That's real savings we can pass to consumers. Keeping more dollars in India means more people online." A Call to Action for Industry and Government Mr Sheth urged the Indian industry to take action, noting that Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) benefits currently favour Chinese brands. "The government is offering support, but Indian companies must step up. We need intervention to ensure these benefits help Indian firms," he said. With India's skilled workforce, he sees a strong tech ecosystem developing. "Transferring technological expertise is essential. India has plenty of skilled talent, but we must also focus on execution to turn our potential into reality." NxtQuantum is developing an ecosystem with over 280 service centers and upcoming launches like NxtMove, NxtVault, and NxtTheme Designer. Developer APIs will soon support an India-first app ecosystem, driving innovation. India's Moment on the Global Stage For Mr Sheth, launching NxtQuantum was a national responsibility. "Leaving a successful brand to create something sovereign wasn't a risk. Staying quiet was," he said. "This is India's moment to build a global tech brand from scratch-and I couldn't ignore it," he said. The AI+ Smartphone aims to change perceptions around authorship, trust, and access. "India must become a global design hub, not just a tech consumer," Mr Sheth asserted.
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Gujarat Electronics Component Manufacturing Policy aims to reduce import dependency
Ahmedabad: Incentives for projects approved by MeitY , quick disbursal of assistance and reducing import dependency by attracting over ₹35,000 crore in new investments are among the prominent features of the Gujarat Electronics Component Manufacturing Policy-2025. The policy, which aims to transform Gujarat into a global hub for electronics manufacturing , was unveiled by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Sunday. The policy states that projects approved and supported by the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) will be eligible for 100 per cent Central assistance when established in Gujarat. Projects approved by the MeitY will receive incentives from both the Centre and the state government through a single approval and incentive assistance will disbursed within 30 days, a government release stated. "This means MeitY-approved projects set up in the state will receive dual incentive benefits from the Central and Gujarat governments," it said. Aligned with the Union government's Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS), the policy ensures "a 100 per cent top-up on Central support while guaranteeing timely disbursement of assistance. "Once a project is approved under the ECMS from MeitY, it will automatically become eligible for the same grant-in-aid in Gujarat. The state government will disburse its incentive within 30 days of the Centre releasing the assistance," the release said. The policy aims to reduce dependence on imports and improve technological resilience by attracting over ₹35,000 crore in new investments. It aims to create substantial high-skilled employment opportunities within the state's electronics component manufacturing sector. The policy hopes to boost investment in key segments, such as multi-layer and HDI printed circuit boards, lithium-ion cells, SMD passive components, display and camera modules, electronic parts, and the additional machinery for their production. "The policy's core focus is to bridge the talent gap, promote innovation, and offer support for research and development initiatives, with the recognised Gujarat-based institutions being eligible for assistance of up to ₹12.5 crore to establish centres of excellence, finishing schools, or applied research laboratories," the release stated. The policy aims to establish Gujarat as a prominent player in global electronics supply chains by promoting the manufacturing of local electronic components and sub-assembly production, reducing import dependency, and boosting exports, which will drive product value growth in global electronics value chains (GVCs). The Government of India (GoI) guidelines mandate the submission of applications to avail of the benefits of this policy by July 31, 2025. All MeitY-approved projects operating in Gujarat will automatically become eligible for availing of the policy benefits along with developing or proposed projects for incentives. The government said only the units other than those receiving assistance under Gujarat Electronics Policy 2022-28 will be eligible for benefits under this policy, and those availing benefits under this policy will not qualify under the Gujarat Electronics Policy.
Time of India
22-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Gujarat rolls out electronics policy to xraw investment of Rs 35,000 crore
Gujarat's GECMS-2025 aims to attract industries and boost electronic component manufacturing, targeting ₹35,000 crore in new investments and high-skilled job creation. The policy offers 100% central assistance for MeitY-approved projects established in Gujarat, ensuring dual incentive benefits. It focuses on key segments like printed circuit boards and lithium-ion cells, while also supporting R&D and talent development with assistance for institutions. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads In a bid to attract attract industries and boost production of electronic components in the state, Gujarat rolled out he Gujarat Electronics Component Manufacturing Policy-2025 ( GECMS-2025 ).The police targets to garner over ₹35,000 crore in New Investments and high-skilled employment generation in Gujarat's electronics component manufacturing to the state government, under this new policy, projects approved and supported by the MeitY, Government of India, will be eligible for 100% central assistance when established in Gujarat. Hence, MeitY-approved projects set up in the state will receive dual incentive benefits, one from the Central government and another from the state with the Central Government's Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS), Gujarat's GECMS-2025 ensures a 100% top-up on central support and guarantees timely disbursement of once a project receives approval under the ECMS from MeitY, it will automatically become eligible for the same grant-in-aid in Gujarat. The state government will disburse its incentive within 30 days of the Central government releasing its policy will boost investment in key segments such as multi-layer and HDI printed circuit boards, lithium-ion cells, SMD passive components, display and camera modules, electronic parts, and the additional required machinery essential for their production. A core focus of the policy is to bridge the talent gap, promote innovation and offer support for Research and development initiatives. Recognised institutions based in Gujarat will be eligible for assistance of up to ₹12.5 crore from the state government to establish centres of excellence, finishing schools, or applied research laboratories.
India Gazette
22-06-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Gujarat CM Patel announces Gujarat Electronics Component Manufacturing Policy
Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], June 22 (ANI): Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has announced the Gujarat Electronics Component Manufacturing Policy-2025 (GECMS-2025), further strengthening Gujarat's identity as a policy-driven state under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Aimed at transforming Gujarat into a global hub for electronics manufacturing, this new policy brings a significant advantage: projects approved and supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, will be eligible for 100 per cent central assistance when established in Gujarat. Hence, MeitY-approved projects set up in the state will receive dual incentive benefits, one from the Central Government and another from the State Government according to a press release. Thoroughly aligned with the Central Government's Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS), Gujarat's GECMS-2025 ensures a 100 per cent top-up on central support and guarantees timely disbursement of assistance. Also, once a project receives approval under the ECMS from MeitY, it will automatically become eligible for the same grant-in-aid in Gujarat. The State Government will disburse its incentive within 30 days of the Central Government releasing its assistance. Gujarat has established itself as a leading manufacturing and automobile hub in India's industrial landscape. With four semiconductor plants now operational in the state, the newly announced policy will further strengthen the upstream industries. This development will reduce import dependency and improve technological resilience. The policy aims to attract over Rs 35,000 crore in new investments and create substantial high-skilled employment opportunities within the state's electronics component manufacturing sector. Unveiled by the Chief Minister, the policy will boost investment in key segments such as multi-layer and HDI printed circuit boards, lithium-ion cells, SMD passive components, display and camera modules, electronic parts, and the additional required machinery essential for their production. A core focus of the policy is to bridge the talent gap, promote innovation and offer support for Research and development initiatives. Recognised institutions based in Gujarat will be eligible for assistance of up to Rs 12.5 crore from the state government to establish Centres of Excellence, Finishing Schools, or Applied Research Laboratories. Additionally, under the GECMS, turnover-linked incentives will be provided for six years. (ANI)
Mint
22-06-2025
- Business
- Mint
Gujarat Electronics Component Manufacturing Policy aims to reduce import dependency
Ahmedabad, Jun 22 (PTI) Incentives for projects approved by MeitY, quick disbursal of assistance and reducing import dependency by attracting over ₹ 35,000 crore in new investments are among the prominent features of the Gujarat Electronics Component Manufacturing Policy-2025. The policy, which aims to transform Gujarat into a global hub for electronics manufacturing, was unveiled by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Sunday. The policy states that projects approved and supported by the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) will be eligible for 100 per cent Central assistance when established in Gujarat. Projects approved by the MeitY will receive incentives from both the Centre and the state government through a single approval and incentive assistance will disbursed within 30 days, a government release stated. "This means MeitY-approved projects set up in the state will receive dual incentive benefits from the Central and Gujarat governments," it said. Aligned with the Union government's Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS), the policy ensures "a 100 per cent top-up on Central support while guaranteeing timely disbursement of assistance. "Once a project is approved under the ECMS from MeitY, it will automatically become eligible for the same grant-in-aid in Gujarat. The state government will disburse its incentive within 30 days of the Centre releasing the assistance," the release said. The policy aims to reduce dependence on imports and improve technological resilience by attracting over ₹ 35,000 crore in new investments. It aims to create substantial high-skilled employment opportunities within the state's electronics component manufacturing sector. The policy hopes to boost investment in key segments, such as multi-layer and HDI printed circuit boards, lithium-ion cells, SMD passive components, display and camera modules, electronic parts, and the additional machinery for their production. "The policy's core focus is to bridge the talent gap, promote innovation, and offer support for research and development initiatives, with the recognised Gujarat-based institutions being eligible for assistance of up to ₹ 12.5 crore to establish centres of excellence, finishing schools, or applied research laboratories," the release stated. The policy aims to establish Gujarat as a prominent player in global electronics supply chains by promoting the manufacturing of local electronic components and sub-assembly production, reducing import dependency, and boosting exports, which will drive product value growth in global electronics value chains (GVCs). The Government of India (GoI) guidelines mandate the submission of applications to avail of the benefits of this policy by July 31, 2025. All MeitY-approved projects operating in Gujarat will automatically become eligible for availing of the policy benefits along with developing or proposed projects for incentives. The government said only the units other than those receiving assistance under Gujarat Electronics Policy 2022-28 will be eligible for benefits under this policy, and those availing benefits under this policy will not qualify under the Gujarat Electronics Policy.
