Qualcomm Design in India Challenge is an incubation programme that encourages start-ups to develop innovative hardware products using Qualcomm’s advanced technologies.
Qualcomm India has announced the winners of the 2018 edition of its ‘Design in India Challenge’, declaring Bengaluru-based medtech firm Artelus India as the top winner. The startup won a prize money of $100,000.
Artelus India focuses on using machine learning and similar advanced technology solutions to assist in providing healthcare solutions. The company uses deep learning algorithm to help doctors and clinicians for early detection of diseases.
It has developed Diabetic Retinopathy Intelligent Screening System Integrated (DRISTi) — a deep learning based AI algorithm that reads digital images to detect and identify early signs of diabetic retinopathy that could lead to permanent blindness.
Biometric device maker Mobiusworks Pvt Ltd and medtech firm Chingroo Labs Pvt Ltd — both based in Bengaluru — secured first and second runners-up spot, respectively, in the competition. They received $75,000 and $50,000, respectively, Qualcomm said.
Majority of the entries for Qualcomm Design in India Challenge 2018 were from the medtech space, followed by smart infrastructure, smart wearables and fintech. The competition also recorded an increase in the number of women-led startups this year.
What is Qualcomm Design in India Challenge?
Launched in 2016, the Qualcomm Design in India Challenge is an incubation programme that encourages start-ups to develop innovative hardware products using Qualcomm’s advanced technologies.
With the 2018 edition coming to an end, the programme has supported 39 start-ups with an overall investment of over $12.3 million, the San Diego based chipmaker said.
Qualcomm’s expertise helps Indian companies design and create products in the IoT space for global markets. While working with Qualcomm as part of the programme, the startups have filed over 70 patents and launched more than 15 commercial products.
The company has already started registration for the Qualcomm Design in India Challenge 2019.
According to the company, the challenge this year will focus on helping startups scale their businesses. Supported by Qualcomm, these companies will be incubated at the Qualcomm Innovation Labs in Bangalore and Hyderabad.
