Qualcomm is buying U.K.-based semiconductor startup Alphawave Semi for $2.4 billion.
The deal targets Alphawave’s high-speed data center connectivity tech. Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon says this is about growing its data center business.
Cristiano Amon stated: 
“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,”
Qualcomm is expanding beyond its core smartphone chips. This move follows its recent buys of VinAI’s generative AI division and IoT firm Edge Impulse.
The acquisition is set to close in Q1 2026. Qualcomm is pushing hard into cloud infrastructure as smartphone markets weaken and tariffs loom.
