Qualcomm has announced it will acquire British chip design firm Alphawave Semi in a deal valued at $2.4 billion, marking a significant move for the tech giant as it strengthens its presence in the data center market. 
The acquisition will complement Qualcomm’s ongoing work in developing the Oryon mobile CPU and Hexagon NPU, enhancing its capabilities in both mobile and AI technologies.
Alphawave, founded in 2017, has been a major player in developing custom silicon chips, AI systems, and connectivity products. The company’s innovations include advanced high-speed connectivity solutions for autonomous vehicles and solid-state storage, making it an appealing acquisition for Qualcomm as it seeks to expand its offerings and reach a broader customer base.
With more than 829 employees as of 2023 and a forecasted addressable market of $39 billion by 2027, Alphawave brings valuable IP and cutting-edge technologies to the table. Qualcomm’s Tony Pialis, president and CEO of Alphawave Semi, emphasized that this acquisition is a major opportunity for the companies to join forces and create a leading force in AI compute and connectivity solutions. Together, they will drive growth, foster innovation, and expand their technological capabilities.
The deal, which is expected to close in Q1 2026, still requires approval from UK regulators. Should the acquisition be finalized, Qualcomm will gain a strong foothold in key industries, including data centers, AI, and high-speed connectivity.
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What exactly has Alphawave developed? I thought they were just about speed tech for data centers, but seems like they have a lot more