Qualcomm to buy Alphawave Semi for $2.4 billion
Qualcomm has announced its plan to acquire Alphawave Semi, a U.K.-based semiconductor company specializing in high-speed data center connectivity, for approximately $2.4 billion. The move signals Qualcomm's strategic push to deepen its presence in the data center and connected computing markets.
In a statement, Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon emphasized the alignment between the two companies: “The combined teams share the goal of building advanced technology solutions and enabling next-level connected computing performance across a wide array of high-growth areas, including data center infrastructure.”
Alphawave Semi brings to the table a portfolio of wired connectivity and compute technologies, which Qualcomm believes will complement its growing ambitions beyond mobile. This acquisition follows Qualcomm’s recent purchases of VinAI’s generative AI division and Edge Impulse, a company focused on Internet of Things (IoT) solutions—indicating a clear intent to diversify its revenue sources amid challenges in its core smartphone chip business.
With the global smartphone market facing softness and looming tariff uncertainties, Qualcomm is betting on broader infrastructure and AI-driven growth to ensure long-term stability and innovation. The Alphawave deal is set to close in the first quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approval.
