Qualcomm Technologies has announced a €125m investment that will see the transformation of the Cork site  into a strategic AI pillar in the global chipmaker’s organisation over the next three years.

Qualcomm Technologies has had a presence in Cork since 2013, and this year it celebrates 10 years since it hired its first engineer in the city. In that time, Qualcomm has embedded itself in the community and has built strong relationships with UCC, MTU, and Tyndall, helping support the next generation of Irish engineers through internships and graduate role opportunities.

Flagship project

This flagship project, which is supported by the government through IDA Ireland, plans to undertake a new RD&I project in Cork, leveraging current capabilities to align with Qualcomm’s diversification strategy beyond mobile technology into areas such as PC,. XR/VR, IoT, automotive, and data centres.

Enterprise minister Peter Burke said: "Today’s announcement by Qualcomm is a powerful endorsement of Ireland’s ambition to lead globally in advanced research, next generation computing and AI.

"This €125m investment further strengthens Ireland’s position as a hub of deep tech innovation, creating hundreds of high value jobs. This announcement is also a signal of support for Silicon Island: Ireland’s National Semiconductor Strategy, which aims to make Ireland a world leader in semiconductors through securing long term investments, developing a robust talent pipeline and seizing opportunities in technologies of the future such as AI. 

Qualcomm’s continued expansion builds on Ireland’s strong semiconductor ecosystem and demonstrates the value of the collaborative environment we have fostered between industry, academia and Government.  The Government is proud to support this strategically significant project through IDA Ireland, and I wish the team at Qualcomm the very best for the future."

'Commitment to supporting Ireland's innovation ecosystem'

EVP, chief strategy and corporate development Officer of Qualcomm Incorporated, Colin Ryan said: "Qualcomm's success and ongoing growth in Ireland reflect the strength of our partnerships with the government, IDA Ireland and Irish universities. This investment underscores Cork's importance as a strategic Global R&D hub for Qualcomm and our commitment to supporting Ireland's innovation ecosystem."

Vice president of engineering at QT Technologies Ireland Ltd, Paul Kelleher, said: "Qualcomm is proud of what we’ve achieved in Ireland—and we are even more excited about what’s ahead. We’re not just building technology; we’re shaping the future, right here in Cork.”

IDA Ireland CEO Michael Lohan said: “IThis €125m R&D investment and the future jobs it will create, positions Qualcomm Ireland at the forefront of technological and product development in the AI-era. Today’s event also recognises a decade since Qualcomm hired its first engineer in Ireland, I wish you continued success and assure the team of IDA Ireland’s continued partnership and support.” 

Qualcomm is currently hiring engineers across several business areas. To explore opportunities to join the team in Cork, visit Careers