Smartphone maker Nothing has transformed its budget-friendly sub-brand CMF into an independent subsidiary, choosing India as its global hub for operations, research, and manufacturing. This move comes alongside a $100 million joint venture with Indian electronics firm Optiemus Infracom, announced on Thursday. Job creation and global ambitions The partnership is expected to create over 1,800 jobs in India within the next three years. With India as CMF’s headquarters, the country is set to play a central role in making and exporting smartphones, strengthening its position as a global smartphone production hub. Pei emphasizes India’s role Nothing CEO Carl Pei shared the update on Twitter, reflecting on his recent meeting with Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, a key advocate for India’s Make in India initiative. Pei stated, “There is no doubt; India will shape the future of the global smartphone industry.” Strong investment in India Nothing has already poured over $200 million into India, underlining the country’s importance in the company’s growth strategy. CMF, launched in 2023, has made a mark in the budget smartphone and wearables segment, with phones priced under $200. This pricing is strategic, as more than 42% of phones sold in India in Q2 2025 fell within the $100–$200 range, according to IDC data. Pei described the joint venture as a key milestone in making CMF India’s first truly global smartphone brand. Optiemus highlights India’s potential Ashok Gupta, Executive Chairman of Optiemus, emphasized the strength of India’s ecosystem:“Global brands choosing India is a testament to Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat. This partnership goes beyond manufacturing it will help create export-ready products designed in India, showcasing our talent and innovation to the world.” A global vision rooted in India With this strategic move, CMF is poised to become a powerful player in the global smartphone market, while India strengthens its role as a center for innovation, production, and export in the tech world.
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