London-based smartphone maker Nothing is set to establish its budget-friendly brand, CMF, as an independent Indian subsidiary. The decision underscores India’s strategic importance as a global hub for manufacturing, operations, and research. Nothing has partnered with Indian electronics firm Optiemus Infracom to facilitate this expansion. The joint venture will center the production and export of both Nothing and CMF products in India.
Minister of Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, met with Nothing’s CEO, Carl Pei, to discuss the company’s expansion plans in India. The company’s X post highlighted India’s growing role in the global smartphone market. A combined investment of $100 million (approximately 887.77 crore) is planned by the two companies, leading to the creation of over 1800 new jobs in India within three years. This investment reflects the company’s commitment to the Indian market, where it has already invested over $200 million (1775 crore).
CMF’s strategy focuses on the budget segment, with smartphones and wearables priced under $200. Data from IDC indicates that over 42% of the phones sold in India during the second quarter of 2025 were in this price range. The joint venture with Optiemus Infracom is expected to be a pivotal step in establishing CMF as India’s first global smartphone brand.