In an interview with TimesTech, Imran Kagalwala, Co-founder of UNIX India, shares insights on India’s emergence as a global consumer electronics hub. He outlines UNIX’s strategic growth plans, innovation-driven product roadmap, and concerns around recent policy changes. From Tier 2 expansions to AI-powered wearables, UNIX is positioning itself at the forefront of India’s tech revolution while advocating for a balanced ecosystem that nurtures local manufacturers.
Read the full interview here:
TimesTech: What key factors are driving India’s rise as a global consumer electronics hub, and how is UNIX positioning itself in this growth?
Imran: India is at a turning point. With a massive consumer base, strong manufacturing incentives, and a government pushing for ‘Make in India,’ it’s no surprise that we’re becoming a global hub for consumer electronics. Additionally, trade dynamics and supply chain diversification have positioned India as an attractive alternative to traditional manufacturing powerhouses.
At UNIX, we’re not just watching the shift—we’re driving it. We’ve built a strong local manufacturing ecosystem, ensuring high-quality, cost-efficient products while reducing dependency on imports. Our R&D investments focus on next-gen technology, and our scaling operations are aimed at capturing the growing demand. As India cements its place in global electronics manufacturing, UNIX is gearing up to lead the charge.
TimesTech: With the reduction in BCD on mobile chargers, what changes do you anticipate in the industry and for consumers?
Imran: From a consumer perspective, the reduction in BCD may lead to short-term cost benefits. However, for domestic manufacturers like us—who are not part of the PLI ecosystem—this change presents real challenges. Lower duties on finished products could lead to a rise in imports, which may dampen the demand for locally manufactured chargers.
Our focus has always been on contributing to India’s manufacturing growth story. But to sustain and scale that momentum, policy measures need to protect and incentivize local production. In our view, maintaining a balanced duty structure is essential to ensure that domestic players remain competitive, especially those outside large incentive schemes. If we’re serious about building long-term capacity and resilience in electronics manufacturing, these nuances must be factored into decision-making.
TimesTech: What are UNIX’s expansion plans, and how do you aim to scale operations across India?
Imran: We’re not just expanding; we’re scaling smartly. Our focus is on strengthening our retail and online presence, building a robust distribution network, and enhancing our manufacturing capacity. We’re going deeper into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where demand for affordable, high-quality accessories is rising. At the same time, we’re pushing strong on e-commerce, making UNIX accessible to consumers across India with seamless deliveries and after-sales support.
TimesTech: How is UNIX adapting its product lineup to meet changing consumer trends in charging solutions and smart wearables?
Imran: Consumer preferences are shifting towards faster charging, compact designs, and seamless connectivity in smart wearables. At UNIX, we’re constantly evolving our product lineup to keep pace with these trends. In charging solutions, we’re focusing on high-speed USB-C chargers, multi-device adapters, and wireless charging innovations that cater to modern usage needs. On the smart wearables front, we’re enhancing battery efficiency, health-tracking capabilities, and seamless integration with smart ecosystems to deliver a superior user experience. Our goal is to stay ahead of market trends by actively listening to consumer needs, ensuring that UNIX products remain innovative, highly functional, and accessible to a wide audience.
TimesTech: Can you share insights into UNIX’s upcoming products and strategies to stay competitive in the market?
Imran: Without giving too much away—expect some game-changing products from us in the coming months. We’re working on AI-driven smart wearables, super-fast charging solutions, and a new lineup of high-performance accessories. Our strategy is simple – innovation, affordability, and quality. We don’t just want to keep up with the market—we want to set the pace.
