Recently, VVDN Technologies has achieved a significant milestone by introducing India’s first indigenously designed and manufactured laptops for global OEMs, powered by the Intel Celeron Processor. This initiative aligns closely with the “Make in India” vision and has been made possible through our approval under the IT Hardware PLI scheme. Electronics Era Editorial team had an exclusive interaction with Mr. Vinod Kumar for the Make In India Laptops based on Intel Celeron. The conversation followed by the valuable insights into the technical aspects, the journey of developing these laptops, their features, future road map, VVDN silicon relationships and the potential impact on both the domestic and global markets.
EE: To start, tell us the idea and a journey that encourages you to manufacture these laptops for global OEMs?
Mr. Vinod Kumar: The journey to manufacture Design and Make in India laptops for global OEMs is driven by the vision to leverage India’s skilled workforce and technological potential. We aim to empower local communities through employment and skill development while ensuring stringent quality control and innovation. This initiative aligns with India’s Digital India program, promoting widespread access to technology and supporting environmental sustainability through responsible manufacturing practices. Our Established manufacturing facilities in India with deep backward integration offers cost optimization and enhances supply chain efficiency, enabling competitive pricing and timely delivery to global markets. India predominantly known for software services shifted gears towards contract manufacturing post pandemic. Our approach has been to emphasize on product development mindset. Hence VVDN is the only company which is focused on Design led Manufacturing. This journey encompasses navigating regulatory landscapes, building robust infrastructure, and promoting innovation to meet diverse market demands, ultimately driving economic growth and reinforcing India’s position in the global technology sector. We are proud to announce the availability of Laptop’s reference designs which OEMs/Start-ups can easily customize and mass produce.
EE: Please share some of the technical aspects of the VVDN Laptops?
Mr. Vinod Kumar: These laptops are production ready designs which offer a versatile range of features tailored to meet diverse user needs, combining efficiency and affordability. Available in two screen sizes, 14.1 and 15.6 inches, it caters to both enterprise and consumer usage scenarios.
Powered by Intel’s energy-efficient Jasper Lake processors, including the Intel Pentium Silver N6000/N6005 and Intel Celeron N5100/N4500/N5105 series, it balances performance with a low Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 6W or 10W, ensuring extended battery life. These are targeted specifically for Education and Government sectors. For memory and storage, options include 4GB/8BG DDR4 RAM and SATA SSDs up to 1TB, accommodating varying storage needs. The laptops feature 720p or 1080p displays, complemented by a 720p camera for video conferencing and Wi-Fi 802.11ac with Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity for seamless wireless communication.
Additional connectivity options include USB Type-C and Type-A ports, HDMI output for external displays, a Micro SD card slot, and audio jacks with stereo speakers and dual microphones. Running on Windows 11, these laptops provide a modern user interface and are powered by a 4000mAh – 5000mAh battery, ensuring sufficient operational longevity. With a compact form factor and robust specifications, they are designed to deliver reliable performance for everyday computing needs across various environments.
VVDN has also developed Next Gen Laptops based on 12th and 13th Gen Intel Core processors like i3, i5, i7. These will be available from October 2024 for OEM White Labeling. These will have more advanced features like DDR5 support, Backlit keypad and a more premium finish.
EE: What are the cutting edge features of VVDN laptops for OEMs that make them different from other available laptops in the market?
Mr. Vinod Kumar: First and most importantly, these are India’s 1st indigenously designed, developed and manufactured production-ready laptops for OEM white labeling. Not only the hardware and software but the mechanicals as well as heatsink, etc. has been localized and developed at VVDN. The features used in Jasper Lake laptops target the entry-level market, offering a wide range of options to cater different user needs. Secondly, these Laptops offers rich I/O ports, including 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB 2.0, 1x HDMI, and an SD card slot. Also, these laptop is an ideal solution for all OEMs seeking white-label solutions, with the added benefit of customization options and a quick turnaround time. Laptops based on Alder Lake and Raptor Lake are targeted for main stream consumer and enterprise applications.
EE: What are the challenges you experience while design, manufacture and introduce these laptops?
Mr. Vinod Kumar: Designing, manufacturing, and introducing Make in India laptops for global OEMs present several challenges. Firstly, ensuring compatibility with diverse global standards and consumer preferences requires rigorous design and testing phases. Secondly, establishing a robust supply chain and sourcing quality components locally can be challenging initially but crucial for cost efficiency and timely production. Thirdly, navigating regulatory requirements and certifications both domestically and internationally demands meticulous planning and compliance. Additionally, recruiting and training skilled workforce to meet technological and operational demands is essential for maintaining high manufacturing standards. Overcoming these challenges requires a cohesive approach, leveraging partnerships, innovation, and continuous improvement to establish a sustainable and competitive manufacturing ecosystem in India.
EE: How VVDN Contribute to the India’s Digital Transformation?
Mr. Vinod Kumar: VVDN contributes to India’s digital transformation by leveraging its expertise in technology innovation and manufacturing. Through collaborations with global OEMs and Tier 1 brands, VVDN designs and manufactures high-tech products like laptops, servers, wireless products, telecom products and other IoT devices locally, promoting technological self-sufficiency. By nurturing local talent and enhancing skill development, VVDN contributes to employment growth and economic empowerment across India.
Moreover, VVDN’s commitment to quality, efficiency, and sustainability in manufacturing aligns closely with the Digital India initiative. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide, enhance digital infrastructure, and promote digital literacy nationwide. By producing advanced technological solutions within India, VVDN not only supports the country’s industrial growth but also strengthens its position as a global hub for innovation and manufacturing excellence. To support these missions, VVDN has invested heavily in R&D and manufacturing infrastructure, to boost India’s position as a global hub for electronic engineering and manufacturing.
EE: What are some of the biggest opportunities for your organization in India?
Mr. Vinod Kumar: VVDN comes with an edge as our manufacturing is backed by our deep engineering expertise. India is witnessing a paradigm shift in the mindset, where startups as well as OEMs are looking at localizing design and manufacturing processes. This is thanks to the Govt. Of India’s various efforts such as “Make in India” and “Vocal for Local” to focus not just on indigenous manufacturing but also design and manufacturing in India. This change in the mindset presents us with a wide range of opportunities.
The R&D and manufacturing capabilities VVDN possesses put us in an advantageous position. Today, we are manufacturing Laptops, Tablets, Servers, Telecom products, Smart Meters, Security and Surveillance Cameras, etc. India has emerged as a strong geography for R&D and manufacturing given the geo-political scenario today. We see this as a welcome change and gives us a lot of advantage and huge opportunities. Coming at par with geographies that were traditionally dominant as R&D and manufacturing hubs, there is an immense magnitude of opportunities for VVDN. We are leveraging using AI, Automation and domain specialization to create real customer value.
EE: What is your proposed roadmap for the next 2 years?
Mr. Vinod Kumar: VVDN is working towards further scaling our engineering and manufacturing capabilities and capacities. Backward integration has been our strategy and we are already on a fast track path for expanding our manufacturing facilities across the country. We are continuously upgrading our existing facilities for scalability as well as the quality. We are trying to localize every piece in the manufacturing value chain year on year. We are already working out plans for setting up PCB Fabrication in India which will meet the demands of VVDN’s existing customers as well as will be open to providing PCB fabs for domestic as well as export purposes. With regards to the Indian market, we are always looking to add new portfolios. In addition to our existing portfolios in Telecom, Data Center, Networking & Wi-Fi, IoT, Automotive, Security & Surveillance, and Semiconductors, we are looking at Aerospace & Defense and Medical Technology as our next step.
With regards to Laptops, VVDN started with entry level laptops based on Jasper Lake which are already available to OEMs. VVDN is currently working on Alder Lake and Raptor Lake and these will be available for White labeling in October 2024. Beyond these, VVDN has a continuous R&D roadmap in this segment and will launch new series of laptops by next year which will be based in Intel AI enabled SoCs and will provide OEMs Next Gen options in AI PCs with premium features like metallic finish, sleek design and cellular integration.
EE: Please tell us about VVDN’s silicon relationships and its potential impact on both the domestic and global markets?
Mr. Vinod Kumar: VVDN has established strategic silicon relationships with key semiconductor companies worldwide, enhancing its technological capabilities and market competitiveness. For example, we are Intel Gold Partners which gives us early roadmap visibility and deep technology access, coupled with extensive industry solution experience. These partnerships enable VVDN to integrate cutting-edge silicon solutions into its products, spanning diverse sectors from telecommunications to datacenter to automotive and consumer electronics.
In the domestic market, these silicon relationships reinforce VVDN’s ability to develop locally tailored solutions that adhere to specific regulatory and performance standards. This strengthens India’s technology ecosystem by developing indigenous innovation and reducing dependency on imports.
Globally, VVDN’s access to advanced silicon technologies enhances its position as a preferred partner for global OEMs seeking innovative and reliable product solutions. By leveraging these relationships, VVDN expands its footprint in international markets, driving growth and establishing itself as a leading player in the global technology landscape. Ultimately, these silicon partnerships empower VVDN to deliver high-quality, competitive products that cater to diverse market needs both domestically and globally.
