New Delhi, Feb 4 (PTI) – FUJIFILM SonoSite, Inc, a leading American point-of-care ultrasound maker, is strengthening its focus on India for the development of advanced medical technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) applications. The company aims to leverage India's robust talent pool to tackle some of the most complex global healthcare challenges, its Global CEO Richard Fabian said on Tuesday.
The Bothell (Seattle)-based firm inaugurated its new Software Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Noida, marking a significant step in its expansion strategy in India. Speaking to PTI, Fabian highlighted that the Noida facility will play a pivotal role in advancing AI-driven applications and workflow solutions for the company's global customer base.
"We have our headquarters in Bothell with a software team, but the real expansion and growth are happening right here in Noida, with this incredible team," he said.
The company is keen on developing AI applications that will enhance workflow solutions and meet the evolving needs of healthcare providers worldwide. "This team in Noida will be working on some of the most complex challenges that our customers face globally," Fabian noted.
"We are currently investigating this potential," Fabian said, adding that the company is committed to both growing the Noida CoE and expanding its footprint in India.
He underscored the benefits of the ‘Make in India’ initiative, stating that it could not only bolster the Indian market but also support emerging global markets.
"We think our portfolio might fit well within a strategy of manufacturing in India, particularly for value segments sold outside the US," he said.
However, when it comes to premium products for the US market, the company does not see a need to shift production outside its existing facilities. "For those, it does not make sense to look beyond where we currently manufacture," Fabian clarified.
"When you ask about numbers a year or two down the road, the honest answer is, we don't know. But we are going to continue growing, expanding, and investing in this centre of excellence," he said.
The company is also assessing the potential for further expansion of the Noida facility, with Fabian and other global executives currently in India to explore new opportunities.
"Our Noida CoE team will work closely with the R&D hub in Seattle, USA, to optimize system performance and software capabilities," he said. He added that the goal is to integrate advanced technologies into ultrasound systems through close partnerships with clinicians, ensuring transformative medical innovation.
With this latest expansion, FUJIFILM SonoSite is reinforcing its commitment to leveraging India’s technological expertise while exploring broader manufacturing opportunities, potentially positioning India as a key hub for both software development and production in the years to come.
The Bothell (Seattle)-based firm inaugurated its new Software Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Noida, marking a significant step in its expansion strategy in India. Speaking to PTI, Fabian highlighted that the Noida facility will play a pivotal role in advancing AI-driven applications and workflow solutions for the company's global customer base.
India: A Strategic Hub for Innovation and Growth
Fabian emphasized that India’s combination of highly skilled English-speaking software engineers, medical professionals, and a dynamic healthcare ecosystem makes it an ideal location for FUJIFILM SonoSite’s future technological advancements."We have our headquarters in Bothell with a software team, but the real expansion and growth are happening right here in Noida, with this incredible team," he said.
The company is keen on developing AI applications that will enhance workflow solutions and meet the evolving needs of healthcare providers worldwide. "This team in Noida will be working on some of the most complex challenges that our customers face globally," Fabian noted.
Exploring ‘Make in India’ Manufacturing Possibilities
Beyond software innovation, FUJIFILM SonoSite is evaluating the possibility of manufacturing its value products in India to cater to both local and international markets."We are currently investigating this potential," Fabian said, adding that the company is committed to both growing the Noida CoE and expanding its footprint in India.
He underscored the benefits of the ‘Make in India’ initiative, stating that it could not only bolster the Indian market but also support emerging global markets.
"We think our portfolio might fit well within a strategy of manufacturing in India, particularly for value segments sold outside the US," he said.
However, when it comes to premium products for the US market, the company does not see a need to shift production outside its existing facilities. "For those, it does not make sense to look beyond where we currently manufacture," Fabian clarified.
Expansion and Hiring at Noida CoE
FUJIFILM SonoSite has already onboarded 40 new employees at the Noida CoE, with plans for further expansion. However, Fabian noted that the exact scale of future hiring remains open-ended."When you ask about numbers a year or two down the road, the honest answer is, we don't know. But we are going to continue growing, expanding, and investing in this centre of excellence," he said.
The company is also assessing the potential for further expansion of the Noida facility, with Fabian and other global executives currently in India to explore new opportunities.
Enhancing R&D Collaboration with Seattle Hub
Richard Kelly, Global Vice President for R&D at FUJIFILM SonoSite, emphasized the importance of collaborative innovation between the Noida and Seattle teams."Our Noida CoE team will work closely with the R&D hub in Seattle, USA, to optimize system performance and software capabilities," he said. He added that the goal is to integrate advanced technologies into ultrasound systems through close partnerships with clinicians, ensuring transformative medical innovation.
With this latest expansion, FUJIFILM SonoSite is reinforcing its commitment to leveraging India’s technological expertise while exploring broader manufacturing opportunities, potentially positioning India as a key hub for both software development and production in the years to come.