Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC), the semi-conductor giant, has vowed to increase the workforce diversity in the technology business. As part of its global program, it plans to invest in women owned start-ups in India.
“We are also looking at investing in women owned start-ups, which is something we haven’t done before. We will be doing this worldwide,” Intel President Renee James, told ET in an exclusive interview last week.
Intel showing commitment to workforce diversity
Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) is already working of associating with women owned businesses in India. The first ever Supplier Connect Conference for women was conducted last year by Intel in India. Debjani Ghosh, MD Intel South Asia said that the conference was conducted with the purpose of connecting women owned businesses with Intel.
For the purpose of increasing the workforce diversity, Intel committed spending $300 million as announced by it in January. Within Intel, the initiative is being spearheaded by James.
While visiting India for the first time, James met the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for discussing the Digital India initiative of the government while she visited India for the first time. She tried explaining PM, the benefits that Intel will be bringing to the program.
Intel betting on IoT
Keeping an eye on the future, Intel is taking a big bet on the Internet of Things (IoT). The company believes that IoT offers immense growth opportunities. “IoT is a solutions capability. You don’t just sell chips. You sell the operating environment, the security, the manageability software so you can program the devices,” James said.
PCs and servers is what Intel has been traditionally associated with, and now it is working with companies like Oakley that make eyewear, watches and fashion brands. Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) has manufactured a bracelet in partnership with the fashion retailer Opening Ceremony.
The current year for Intel started at an interesting note. The chip maker announced a record PC shipments for 2014, and declared a $300 million investment for workforce diversity. At the tech fair CES, the company introduced Curie, a module that has the ability of converting accessories like glasses, rings and bracelets into wearables.
