Is Nothing’s CMF Set to Become India’s Premier Smartphone Brand with $100 Million JV?
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Synopsis
Nothing is transforming its CMF sub-brand into an independent entity with a significant focus on India, backed by a $100 million joint venture with Optiemus. This strategic move aims to create over 1,800 jobs and establish India as a global hub for smartphone manufacturing and exports, highlighting the country’s importance in the tech industry.
Key Takeaways
- CMF is now an independent subsidiary of Nothing.
- A joint venture worth $100 million with Optiemus has been established.
- More than 1,800 jobs are expected to be created in India.
- India will serve as the manufacturing headquarters for CMF.
- The partnership aims to position India as a global hub for smartphone production.
New Delhi, Sep 25 (NationPress) The smartphone manufacturer Nothing has significantly advanced its affordable sub-brand CMF by establishing it as an independent subsidiary, with India serving as its global hub for operations, research, and manufacturing, as announced on Thursday.
In addition to this strategic move, the company revealed a joint venture worth $100 million with the Indian electronics firm Optiemus Infracom Limited.
This partnership is projected to generate over 1,800 jobs in India within the next three years, according to the official statement.
With this alliance, India will not only act as the manufacturing headquarters for CMF but will also be pivotal in transforming the country into a global center for smartphone production and exports.
Having already invested over $200 million in India, Nothing emphasizes the country's critical role in its growth strategy.
Launched in 2023, CMF has swiftly made its presence felt in the budget smartphone and wearables market.
With phones priced under $200, this segment caters to a market where over 42% of smartphones sold in the second quarter of 2025 fell within the $100–$200 price range, according to IDC data.
Carl Pei, CEO of Nothing, stated that the joint venture marks a crucial milestone in establishing CMF as India’s first genuinely global smartphone brand.
“India will play a vital role in shaping the future of the global smartphone industry. With our comprehensive capabilities, we are uniquely positioned to develop CMF into a global brand, and our joint venture with Optiemus is a significant step in that journey,” he said.
Optiemus, known for its extensive expertise in electronics manufacturing, will contribute its engineering and production capabilities to this partnership.
Ashok Gupta, Executive Chairman of Optiemus, remarked that this collaboration underscores the increasing strength of the Indian ecosystem.
“The choice of India by global brands for manufacturing is a testament to the vision of Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat. This partnership transcends high-tech manufacturing; it will enable us to create export-ready products designed in India, showcasing our people’s innovation and talent to the world,” he said.
Point of View
Nothing's decision to establish CMF as an independent brand in India reflects the nation's growing significance in the global smartphone industry. This joint venture with Optiemus is a strategic alignment with India's vision of self-reliance in technology and manufacturing, showcasing the potential for domestic innovation and employment.
NationPress
25/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CMF?
CMF is the affordable sub-brand of smartphone maker Nothing, focusing on budget-friendly devices.
How much is the joint venture with Optiemus worth?
The joint venture with Optiemus is valued at $100 million.
How many jobs will this partnership create?
The partnership is expected to create over 1,800 jobs in India over the next three years.
Why is India chosen as the base for CMF?
India is selected as the global base for CMF due to its strategic importance in operations, research, and manufacturing.
When was CMF launched?
CMF was launched in 2023.
