Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., the engineering and semiconductor arm of US-based Qualcomm Incorporated, is investing €125 million to transform its Cork site into a strategic artificial intelligence research and development hub over the next three years. The programme places advanced engineering at the centre of Qualcomm’s global technology roadmap while reinforcing Ireland’s position in high-value semiconductor innovation.

Founded in 1985 and headquartered in San Diego, California, Qualcomm is a global leader in wireless engineering and advanced semiconductor design, underpinning technologies such as 4G, 5G and emerging 6G standards. The company operates as one of the world’s largest fabless semiconductor businesses, supplying engineering-critical platforms across mobile devices, PCs, extended reality, IoT, automotive systems and data centres.

Qualcomm has maintained an engineering presence in Cork since 2013 and marks a decade since its first engineer was hired locally.

Over that period, the site has evolved into a key contributor within Qualcomm’s international R&D network, supported by long-term collaborations with University College Cork, Munster Technological University and the Tyndall National Institute. These partnerships have focused on developing specialist engineering capability through internships, graduate programmes and applied research.

The new RD&I initiative, backed by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland, will build on existing engineering strengths in Cork while aligning with Qualcomm’s diversification strategy beyond mobile technologies. Engineering teams will focus on AI-driven solutions for PCs, XR and VR platforms, IoT, automotive applications and data centre infrastructure, positioning the site as a multi-sector innovation centre.

Read the full story to understand how this investment reshapes Ireland’s semiconductor engineering landscape.

(Photo Credits to Daragh Mc Sweeney)