Qualcomm Acquires Generative AI Startup VinAI - Latest News

Qualcomm Acquires VinAI’s Generative AI Division

Qualcomm has completed the acquisition of the generative AI division of VinAI, a leading AI research firm based in Hanoi. The financial terms of the deal, announced on Monday, were not disclosed.

This strategic move signifies Qualcomm’s ongoing investment and expansion within the artificial intelligence tooling landscape.

VinAI’s Expertise and Background

VinAI, established by former DeepMind research scientist Hung Bui, specializes in the development of diverse generative AI technologies. These include advanced computer vision algorithms and sophisticated language models.

The company initially concentrated on AI-driven automotive solutions, while also pursuing broader, fundamental AI research initiatives.

Qualcomm’s Strategic Vision

“This acquisition demonstrates our dedication to allocating substantial resources to research and development,” stated Jilei Hou, SVP of Engineering at Qualcomm. “It positions us as a key driver of the next generation of AI innovation.”

Hou further emphasized that integrating VinAI’s talented team will enhance Qualcomm’s capacity to deliver state-of-the-art AI solutions across numerous industries and for a wide consumer base.

VinAI’s Operations and Support

Founded in 2019, VinAI received backing from VinGroup, a prominent Vietnamese conglomerate. The company’s offerings encompass in-cabin monitoring systems, enhanced vehicle security features, and “smart parking” functionalities.

These solutions cater to both automotive manufacturers and customers in various other sectors.

In 2023, Hung Bui indicated that VinAI employed approximately 200 individuals across its offices located in Hanoi, the United States, and Australia.

Integration and Future Contributions

Bui anticipates that VinAI’s contributions will span several of Qualcomm’s product lines. This includes both its software platforms and its chipsets designed for smartphones, personal computers, and automotive applications.

“Our team’s proficiency in generative AI and machine learning will expedite the creation of groundbreaking solutions,” Bui commented. “These innovations have the potential to fundamentally reshape how we live and work.”

Following the completion of the acquisition, Bui, currently serving as VinAI’s CEO, will be joining Qualcomm.

Recent Acquisitions and Edge AI Focus

The acquisition of VinAI represents Qualcomm’s second acquisition this year. Earlier, in March, the company acquired Edge Impulse, an American AI and Internet of Things firm.

Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon has recently highlighted edge AI – AI processing performed directly on devices without reliance on centralized data centers – as a significant growth opportunity for the company.

Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly identified Edge Impulse as a German company. The company is based in San Jose, California. We apologize for this error.