Smartphone brand Nothing is making a big move with its budget-friendly sub-brand, CMF. They announced that CMF will become an independent subsidiary, with operations, research, and manufacturing based in India. This shift is part of a $100 million partnership with Indian electronics manufacturer Optiemus Infracom Limited.
The collaboration is set to create over 1,800 new jobs in India within the next three years. This is a big win for the country, as it positions India as a key player in global smartphone production and exports.
So far, Nothing has invested over $200 million in India, emphasizing its strategic importance. CMF, which launched in 2023, has quickly gained traction in the affordable smartphone and wearables market. These devices are priced under $200, which is appealing, especially since over 42% of smartphones sold in India in the second quarter of 2025 fell within this price range, according to IDC data.
Carl Pei, CEO of Nothing, sees this venture as a milestone for building CMF into India’s first truly global smartphone brand. “India will play a crucial role in the future of the smartphone industry. With our comprehensive capabilities, we can shape CMF into a global name,” he stated.
Optiemus brings strong engineering and production expertise to this partnership. Ashok Gupta, Executive Chairman of Optiemus, expressed pride in the collaboration, saying it reflects the growing strength of India’s tech ecosystem. He noted, “This partnership isn’t just about manufacturing; it’s about creating innovative, export-ready products designed in India that showcase our talent to the world.”
This move aligns with broader trends in tech manufacturing, where many global brands are now seeking to establish production in India. In fact, reports indicate that India aims to capture 25% of the global electronics market by 2025. The “Make in India” initiative has been pivotal in attracting foreign investment and boosting local production.
In summary, Nothing’s new direction with CMF marks a significant step forward for both the company and the Indian smartphone market. As jobs grow and technology advances, India is set to become a central hub for the smartphone industry, leading to exciting developments in the years to come.
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