Ai+ Smartphone Partners with Optiemus Electronics for Rs 125 Crore Manufacturing Push in India

Indian technology startup Ai+ Smartphone announced Thursday that it has entered into a manufacturing partnership with Optiemus Electronics Limited (OEL), marking a significant step in the company's domestic production ambitions.

Under the terms of the collaboration, smartphones, tablets, Internet of Things devices, and advanced wearables will be manufactured at OEL's Noida facility. The companies are targeting a production scale-up beginning April 2026.

The partnership involves a combined investment of Rs 125 crore over the coming five years, with plans to produce around three million smartphones during this period. According to the joint statement, the initiative is expected to generate more than 1,200 jobs spanning manufacturing, operations, and various supporting roles.

"Together, we are committing capital, creating jobs, and building under the Government of India's Make in India vision, so that more of the value in this industry is created here, not just assembled here," explained Madhav Sheth, CEO of Ai+ Smartphone and Founder of NxtQuantum Shift Technologies.

Ai+ Smartphone, which was incorporated and launched in 2025, currently focuses on the budget smartphone segment. However, the brand has expressed ambitions to expand into the premium category with foldable smartphone offerings. The company differentiates itself by claiming to use a sovereign operating system, positioning itself as an alternative amid the market dominance of Chinese and international brands.

For Optiemus Electronics, this agreement expands its customer portfolio to include Ai+ Smartphone alongside established brands such as Nothing, Realme, Xiaomi, and OnePlus. The contract manufacturer produces a range of products including smartphones, tablets, and wearables for these partners. Optiemus also manufactures smartwatches for Indian brand Noise.

The company is a beneficiary under the government's Production-Linked Incentive scheme designed for large-scale electronics manufacturing, which provides financial incentives to boost domestic production capabilities.

"With our facilities and experience in electronics manufacturing, we will support Ai+ Smartphone as it ramps production of smartphones and new device categories from India, strengthening domestic manufacturing and creating room for future export-led growth," stated Ashok Gupta of Optiemus Electronics Limited.

The partnership reflects the broader trend of electronics brands increasing their manufacturing footprint in India, supported by favorable government policies aimed at reducing import dependence and creating a robust domestic electronics ecosystem. The Make in India initiative has been instrumental in attracting both domestic and international companies to establish manufacturing operations within the country.

With production scheduled to begin ramping up in April 2026, both companies are positioning themselves to capitalize on India's growing smartphone market while contributing to the nation's manufacturing capabilities and job creation objectives.