Qualcomm Accelerates Its Bet on Artificial Intelligence and Data Centers with the Acquisition of Alphawave Semi for $2.4 Billion

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The operation will allow Qualcomm to strengthen its positioning in high-speed connectivity and efficient computing for the new generation of AI infrastructures and data centers.

Qualcomm Incorporated announced on Monday an agreement to acquire the entire share capital of Alphawave IP Group plc, commercially known as Alphawave Semi, in a transaction valued at approximately $2.4 billion (around €2.23 billion). The purchase will be made through Aqua Acquisition Sub LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Qualcomm.

The acquisition represents a key strategic move to accelerate Qualcomm’s expansion in the data center market and strengthen its offering of high-performance, energy-efficient computing solutions, a segment driven by the exponential growth of artificial intelligence inference and the transition to custom CPUs in the cloud space.

A decisive boost in connectivity and computing for AI

Alphawave Semi is a global leader in high-speed wired connectivity and computing technologies, developing both intellectual property and custom silicon, connectivity products, and chiplets that enable faster, more reliable data transfers, with higher performance and lower energy consumption. Its solutions are central to the infrastructure needed for next-generation services in applications such as data centers, networks, storage, and, above all, artificial intelligence.

Cristiano Amon, president and CEO of Qualcomm, emphasized that “under the leadership of Tony Pialis, Alphawave Semi has developed connectivity and computing technologies that complement our low-power CPU and NPU cores.” According to Amon, the combination of both companies will enable the delivery of advanced technological solutions that enhance connected performance and energy efficiency in high-growth areas, with a particular focus on data center infrastructures.

Synergies to lead the future of connected computing

Tony Pialis, president and CEO of Alphawave Semi, described the operation as “a significant milestone” and an opportunity to expand its catalog, reach new customers, and enhance its technological capabilities alongside an established industry leader. “Together we will unlock new growth opportunities, drive innovation, and create a benchmark in computing and interconnectivity solutions for artificial intelligence,” he stated.

The transaction is subject to the usual conditions for acquisitions of this nature, including the relevant regulatory approval, the approval of a majority of Alphawave Semi’s shareholders, and authorization from the UK High Court. Qualcomm expects to close the purchase during the first quarter of 2026.

Expansion in a strategic market

The integration of Alphawave Semi will provide Qualcomm with key technological assets and position the company in a strategic segment: high-speed connectivity for the data explosion demanded by generative AI, as well as optimizing performance and energy consumption in large cloud deployments. Additionally, it enhances its portfolio of advanced processors—such as the Oryon CPU and Hexagon NPU—to meet the new demands for compute-intensive and low-latency applications required by the global data center market.

With over 40 years of technological leadership and a portfolio that spans from Snapdragon platforms for consumer use to specialized products for businesses and industry under the Qualcomm Dragonwing brand, the American company aims to consolidate its position as a key partner for the digital transformation driven by AI worldwide.

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