25 Years of Acer India: From PCs to AI-powered Computing

In a country moving towards digital supremacy, where innovation and access rule the roost, Acer India recently marked an impressive milestone: 25 years of leading technological innovation. But this is not a tale of longevity; it's one of change. From lighting the fire of the gaming revolution to making technology accessible in Tier 2 and 3 towns, and now, leading the AI PC revolution, Acer's path mirrors India's own dynamic transformation. But how does Acer continue to stay ahead in a crowded arena filled with world giants?

How does it play the intricate games of AI infusion, supply chain upsets, and constantly shifting Indian consumer appetites? And, as the PC enters its AI era, is this the beginning of the end or the end of a beginning?

Come along as we explore Acer India's Chief Business Officer, Sudhir Goel's vision for the strategic future to understand what fuels the enduring success of Acer and where it sees India heading in technology in the near future.

Acer India recently marked 25 years in the country. What have been the biggest milestones in this journey, and how has Acer contributed to the Indian consumer electronics industry?

Over the past 25 years, Acer India has achieved significant milestones in several key areas. These include: early participation in the 'Make in India' initiative, which has bolstered local manufacturing capabilities; implementation of digital transformation projects in education through smart school initiatives and research center modernization; establishing a significant presence in the gaming laptop segment; and expanding e-commerce distribution channels for increased consumer accessibility.

Diversification efforts have also included the introduction of the Acerpure line of home appliances, focusing on health and well-being, and the development of enterprise solutions through Altos Computing, which provides servers, HPC, VDI, and AI infrastructure. Furthermore, participation in the PLI scheme has enabled the expansion of local production for a range of devices, with a continuing emphasis on sustainable manufacturing practices.

Acer has been expanding into Tier 2 & Tier 3 cities. How does your strategy compare to competitors like HP, Dell, and Lenovo in these regions?

Our expansion strategy emphasizes broader accessibility through an extensive network of both online e-stores and physical retail outlets. We maintain a diverse product portfolio, encompassing tablets, PCs, monitors, servers, and consumer lifestyle products, offering a comprehensive solution for various IT hardware needs. The integration of technology into everyday life through Acerpure, with a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency, represents a key differentiator. This approach allows us to provide a wide range of solutions to consumers in these expanding markets.AI-powered PCs are expected to reshape computing.

How are you positioning Acer against competitors who are also entering the AI PC space?

Acer is integrating AI capabilities across its product range, including both gaming and non-gaming devices, to enhance performance, efficiency, and user experience. Our Acer AI Zone software is designed to optimize these AI features. We offer a comprehensive range of AI-powered PCs tailored for professionals, creators, and gamers, with flexible ownership options such as EMI schemes to improve accessibility. Our strategic focus is on delivering AI solutions that enhance computing experiences across all user segments.

What are some unique AI-driven innovations Acer is bringing to its upcoming products that competitors currently lack?

Acer is implementing AI-powered innovations across a broad range of products, including personal computing and enterprise solutions. Our Swift series laptops feature advanced AI capabilities such as Copilot+ and Recall. We offer AI-powered gaming laptops within the Predator series, and AI PCs supporting multiple chip platforms, including Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm.

Additionally, we are developing AI-ready servers and workstations to support business and developer digital transformation, collaborating with AI developers to enhance AI capabilities in our server, workstation, and networking solutions.

How do you see AI adoption in laptops influencing market share dynamics in India? Will AI PCs become mainstream or remain a niche category?

AI-powered PCs are set to become a mainstream category, transforming how users interact with technology. As AI adoption accelerates, it will no longer be a premium feature but an essential component across various computing segments. Acer is committed to driving this shift by integrating AI capabilities across a wide range of devices, ensuring that AI-powered computing reaches a larger audience.

The impact of AI in laptops goes beyond automation—it enhances productivity, optimizes workflows, and delivers a more personalized user experience. As AI-powered features become standard, they will influence market share dynamics by reshaping consumer expectations and setting new benchmarks for performance and efficiency. With a focus on innovation and accessibility, Acer is playing a pivotal role in making AI-driven computing a reality for users across India.

With the AI laptop market expected to grow significantly, what is Acer’s strategy to capture this emerging segment in India? 

Acer’s strategy to capture the growing AI laptop market in India revolves around innovation, accessibility, and a diverse product portfolio tailored to different user segments. We are integrating AI capabilities across our lineup, ensuring that AI-powered computing is not just limited to premium devices but available across various price points and categories.

Our AI-powered laptops feature Copilot+, advanced recall capabilities, and AI-driven enhancements that boost productivity, creativity, and efficiency. Beyond personal computing, we are also strengthening our AI-ready servers and workstations, empowering businesses and developers to leverage AI for digital transformation.

With global supply chain challenges and rising component costs, how does Acer maintain a competitive edge in pricing and product availability?

Under the Make in India initiative, Acer has strengthened its local manufacturing and R&D capabilities to design and produce products specifically for the Indian market. By leveraging domestic production and collaborating with local manufacturing partners, we minimize logistical challenges, ensure a resilient supply chain, and mitigate fluctuations in component costs.

This localized approach not only enhances efficiency but also allows us to maintain competitive pricing and steady product availability despite global supply chain disruptions. By producing a significant portion of our lineup in India, we can offer our customers high-quality, cutting-edge technology with greater stability in pricing and supply.

How do you see competition from brands like Apple, which are integrating custom AI chips into their devices? Will Acer explore similar in-house advancements?

The PC ecosystem thrives on a well-established collaborative model, where hardware and software advancements are crucial in delivering a seamless AI experience. While brands like Apple are integrating custom AI chips, the PC industry is powered by leading chip manufacturers like Intel, AMD, Qualcomm, and NVIDIA, who are continuously innovating to bring high-performance AI-ready processors to market. At Acer, we ensure that our AI-powered devices are optimized for peak performance by working closely with these partners to develop AI-compatible hardware that matches or exceeds the capabilities of proprietary AI chips used by non-PC brands.

However, AI computing is not just about hardware—it’s about how effectively the software leverages AI capabilities. Hence, we collaborate with software developers and OS providers like Microsoft to ensure AI features are fully integrated and deliver real-world benefits. By combining cutting-edge hardware with intelligent software integration, Acer is enabling a robust and accessible AI experience that empowers users across all segments, from professionals to creators and gamers.

What are the key trends shaping the Indian laptop industry, and how is Acer adapting to stay ahead? 

Key trends shaping the Indian laptop industry include the adoption of AI-powered computing, the demand for affordable and lightweight laptops, the growth of online education, the increasing preference for gaming laptops, and the shift towards locally manufactured products. Acer is adapting by introducing budget-friendly laptops, designing features to support online education, catering to various gaming segments, and significantly increasing local production in alignment with the 'Make in India' initiative. We are committed to meeting these evolving demands and delivering innovative, high-quality laptops.