Debra Cassidy Marich, Senior Director at Qualcomm, recently spoke about why India is becoming an increasingly important market for Extended Reality (XR), Augmented Reality (AR) glasses, and spatial computing technologies. According to her, India’s rapid digital transformation, combined with a young population and strong technology ecosystem, creates ideal conditions for the adoption of immersive technologies.
Qualcomm, a global leader in semiconductor and mobile technologies, has been investing in spatial computing for years. Marich noted that Indian developers are already experimenting with AR and XR content, and that the talent pool in India is not just vast, but deeply skilled. The company has been actively engaging with Indian startups and hardware manufacturers to help bring affordable and innovative AR solutions to the market.
One of the driving forces behind this momentum is India’s widespread mobile-first infrastructure. With over a billion smartphone users and growing 5G rollout, the foundation for spatial tech is being laid faster than in many other markets. Marich pointed out that AR and XR use cases will extend beyond entertainment, into education, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail—offering real solutions to real-world challenges.
Education, for instance, is one sector where spatial computing can make a powerful impact. Marich explained how immersive learning can enhance student engagement and provide more hands-on experiences through AR-enabled devices. Similarly, in healthcare, augmented overlays and real-time visual aids can support both training and live procedures. Qualcomm aims to be at the center of enabling these applications by supporting both hardware and software innovation.
Debra Cassidy Marich also addressed the affordability question, which is often raised in the context of India. She acknowledged that pricing remains a challenge, but noted that with local partnerships, it is possible to build cost-effective AR solutions. Qualcomm is working with Indian OEMs and component suppliers to localize production and bring down costs without compromising performance.
On the consumer side, Marich said there is growing curiosity and readiness for next-generation tech. Youth in India are already familiar with interactive experiences via mobile games, filters, and smart devices, which makes the transition to more immersive AR glasses a natural evolution.
In terms of infrastructure, the ongoing rollout of 5G and improvements in mobile connectivity are key enablers. High-speed networks will support the low latency and high data transfer requirements that XR and AR technologies demand. Qualcomm’s chipset platforms are already being used in AR glasses being developed globally, and the company is keen to expand that footprint in India.
In closing, Marich expressed strong optimism about India’s role in shaping the global future of spatial computing. By combining local innovation, developer talent, and strategic investment, she believes India is on track to become one of the leading markets for AR and XR technology in the coming years.
