Qualcomm has officially acquired the generative AI division of VinAI, a Hanoi-based AI research firm, for an undisclosed sum. The move highlights Qualcomm’s ongoing commitment to expanding its AI capabilities and strengthening its position in the AI-driven technology landscape.
VinAI: A Leader in Generative AI
VinAI, founded in 2019 by former DeepMind researcher Hung Bui, has been at the forefront of generative AI, specializing in computer vision algorithms and language models. The acquisition aligns with Qualcomm’s strategy to enhance its AI solutions across various industries.
“This acquisition underscores our commitment to dedicating the necessary resources to R&D that makes us the driving force behind the next wave of AI innovation,” said Jilei Hou, Qualcomm’s SVP of Engineering. “By bringing in high-caliber talent from VinAI, we are strengthening our ability to deliver cutting-edge AI solutions that will benefit a wide range of industries and consumers.”
VinAI’s Focus on AI-Powered Automotive Solutions
VinAI has primarily focused on AI-powered automotive solutions, including in-cabin monitoring, security, and smart parking systems. With the backing of Vietnamese conglomerate VinGroup, the company has also engaged in high-level AI research, extending its reach beyond the automotive sector. Prior to the acquisition, VinAI employed around 200 people across its offices in Vietnam, the U.S., and Australia.
Bui expressed confidence that VinAI’s expertise will enhance Qualcomm’s product lineup, including AI-powered software and hardware for smartphones, PCs, and vehicles. “Our team’s expertise in generative AI and machine learning will help accelerate the development of innovative solutions that can transform the way we live and work,” he stated. Following the acquisition, Bui will join Qualcomm to continue leading AI research efforts.
Qualcomm Acquires MovianAI Amid Global AI Race
Qualcomm’s acquisition specifically includes ‘MovianAI Artificial Intelligence (AI) Application and Research JSC’ (MovianAI), the generative AI division of VinAI. This strategic move is expected to bolster Qualcomm’s presence in AI, a field currently experiencing rapid growth and intense competition.
MovianAI’s Role in Qualcomm’s AI Expansion
MovianAI has been recognized for its advancements in generative AI, with its technologies contributing to Qualcomm’s efforts in mobile platforms, automotive technology, and IoT devices. “We are ready to contribute to Qualcomm’s mission of making breakthroughs in fundamental AI research and scaling them across industries, including smartphones, PCs, software-defined vehicles, and more,” said Bui.
Previous Collaborations Between Qualcomm and VinAI
This acquisition follows a history of collaboration between VinAI and Qualcomm. In May 2023, VinAI partnered with Qualcomm to launch GuardPro, an AI-powered safety and compliance solution for smart cities. GuardPro, leveraging advanced computer vision, was optimized for Qualcomm Cloud AI 100 hardware using VinAI’s video analytics SDK. Additionally, in 2023, Viettel IDC, VinAI, and Qualcomm entered into a strategic cooperation agreement to advance AI solutions in Vietnam, integrating VinAI’s AI camera solutions into Viettel IDC’s services.
Qualcomm’s Competitive Push Against AI Giants
The acquisition comes at a time when Qualcomm faces stiff competition from AI-focused semiconductor companies such as Nvidia. Nvidia dominates the AI chip market with its high-performance GPUs like the A100 and H100, widely utilized for generative AI workloads. To stay competitive, Qualcomm must continue optimizing its AI chip solutions for performance and energy efficiency.
Snapdragon X: Qualcomm’s AI-Powered Chipset
Earlier this year, Qualcomm launched its Snapdragon X chipset, aimed at bringing AI-driven enhancements to mid-range Windows PCs. The chipset offers features such as voice recognition, real-time image enhancement, and automated document editing, all while maintaining energy efficiency and extended battery life.
Qualcomm’s Financial Performance and Market Challenges
Financially, Qualcomm has seen strong growth, reporting a 12% revenue increase in 2024, reaching $40.7 billion, and a 36% rise in net income to $10.56 billion. However, the company faces significant challenges in the AI chip sector. The global AI chip market, valued at $52.92 billion in 2024, is projected to reach $295.56 billion by 2030. In 2023, the data-center AI chip market was worth $17.7 billion, with Nvidia commanding a 65% market share, Intel holding 22%, and AMD capturing 11%, leaving Qualcomm with a small portion of the market.
Qualcomm’s Future in AI Innovation
Through strategic acquisitions like VinAI’s MovianAI, Qualcomm aims to carve out a larger share in the generative AI landscape, solidifying its role in AI-driven innovation.
