Qualcomm announced it has agreed to acquire UK-based chip design firm Alphawave Semi in a deal reportedly valued at $2.4 billion. The acquisition is expected to strengthen Qualcomm’s position in the data center market and support ongoing development of its Oryon mobile CPUs and Hexagon NPUs.
What is Alphawave Semi?
Alphawave Semi, founded in 2017, specializes in high-speed connectivity solutions, custom silicon, AI, and networking technologies. Its portfolio includes components used in autonomous vehicles and solid-state storage, areas that align with Qualcomm’s long-term growth strategy in AI compute and connectivity infrastructure.
The company is also expected to help Qualcomm access a projected $39 billion addressable market by 2027.
Tony Pialis, president and CEO of Alphawave Semi, called the deal a “significant milestone,” noting that the combined expertise of both companies will enhance product offerings, expand the customer base, and accelerate innovation in AI and connectivity.
Regulatory Approval Pending
The transaction remains subject to regulatory review in the UK. If approved, Qualcomm expects the acquisition to close in the first quarter of 2026. Alphawave currently employs more than 800 people globally as of 2023.
