Roy Jakobs: Philips CEO explains how the company is expanding in India, focusing on AI in healthcare

In an exclusive interaction with ET at Philips’ largest Indian headquarters in Bengaluru, Roy Jakobs, CEO, Philips, said, “India is now a global hub for us and we are focusing our efforts on applying AI to significantly improve healthcare outcomes both locally and globally.”“India boasts a vast talent pool and has developed a unique ecosystem that integrates innovation, manufacturing, trade and services. India’s position as a major hub outside the Netherlands underlines its importance in our global operations,” said Jakobs, who was in India last week.

India now accounts for more than 50% of Philips’ global software shipments. Traditionally known for its consumer electronics, Philips has sharpened its focus on healthcare over the past decade. Of its global revenue of €18 billion ($19 billion), more than €15 billion comes from healthcare, with the rest coming from consumer products. “In both the consumer and healthcare sectors, AI is proving to be a significant asset. In healthcare, AI significantly improves workflow efficiency. Optimizing these processes ensures more efficient use of resources and better patient management,” Jakobs said.

The global giant is now looking to expand its operations in India, with a greater focus on AI in healthcare. In November, it set up the Philips Innovation Campus (PIC) in Bengaluru, which employs nearly 5,000 people — half of India’s workforce — and added 900 employees in the past year. In April, the company launched the Healthcare Innovation Campus (HIC) in Pune, investing about ₹770 crore in the research and development centre. The campuses have collaborated to develop the first stent visualisation software for mobile C-arms, addressing the needs of routine open and minimally invasive surgeries, enabling more patients to access high-quality care.

From its manufacturing center in Pune, Philips exports mobile surgical equipment to more than 100 countries, showcasing advanced technology designed and manufactured in India. The center recently launched five new products, including diagnostic X-ray radiography and fluoroscopy systems.

Chennai is a major global service center for Philips, while Delhi is a commercial hub. “Each of these locations plays a key role in delivering services in India and contributes to the global Philips ecosystem. India’s aspirations to become a major global player are evident as we integrate local software innovation into our global product portfolio,” said Jakobs.

Philips also sees global leadership roles based in India. Key figures include Peeyush Kaushik, business leader for global mobile surgery (Pune); Sathish Balakrishnan, global leader for MR R&D; Eldo Isaac, vice president of software; Shivakumar, head of data integration and architecture; and Saswata Kar, who leads the global GBS Analytics team, all three based in Bengaluru. Akhilesh Kohli, based in Delhi, leads global APAC business services. Philips’ operations in India span multiple verticals, including services, manufacturing, software innovation, research and development (R&D), and commercial operations, with significant hubs in Chennai, Bengaluru, Pune, and Gurgaon.

“India is a significant hub for Philips. Our largest hub, with almost 10,000 employees, is a key driver for our operations. Around 12.5% ​​of all Philips employees work in India, reflecting the importance of this market to our global operations,” added Jakobs. Philips currently manufactures 35 products for global consumption in India, including women’s and men’s care products and mother and child care solutions. The product range includes mother and child care items such as a growing bottle and a sterilizer.

INNOVATION
Discussing innovations in India, Jakobs highlighted that the company is using AI to improve diagnostic accuracy and streamline workflows for doctors and technicians. Other advancements include a new range of ultrasound systems that provide high-resolution imaging and automated measurements, as well as a portable ultrasound device that connects to a smartphone or tablet, improving access to healthcare.

India’s large and diverse domestic market makes it attractive. “India is a significant domestic market with significant opportunities across sectors. Across consumer goods and healthcare, India’s strong focus on innovation has helped us build a solid consumer brand. Remarkably, our brand strength in India exceeds that in other parts of the world,” Jakobs noted.

The growing demand for healthcare in India — driven by a growing population, the rise in complex and chronic diseases, and an aging demographic — provides another compelling reason to invest. This aligns with Philips’ focus on commercial opportunities and working with hospitals to obtain accurate patient data, which is key to training AI algorithms.

As India strives to make healthcare more affordable, technology plays a key role in meeting local needs and discovering innovative solutions that can benefit global healthcare. Companies like Philips are key to developing this local ecosystem.

“In India, we see a clear opportunity to support the healthcare system, especially in connecting the growing number of patients with the limited availability of doctors and nurses. Here, the role of digitalization and AI, especially generative AI, is crucial to enable progress in healthcare,” concluded Jakobs.