In a major strategic move, global chipmaker Qualcomm has announced its plans to acquire UK-based semiconductor company Alphawave Semi for approximately $2.4 billion. The acquisition aims to strengthen Qualcomm’s foothold in the high-speed data center connectivity space.
Alphawave Semi specializes in advanced wired connectivity and computing technologies, critical for enabling faster and more efficient data transfers in modern data centers. By integrating Alphawave’s expertise, Qualcomm intends to scale its data center operations and expand its portfolio beyond its traditional stronghold in mobile processors.
Qualcomm President and CEO Cristiano Amon emphasized the significance of the deal, stating that the two companies share a common vision of delivering cutting-edge connected computing solutions across key growth segments. “This acquisition accelerates our efforts to bring next-generation performance to data center infrastructure,” he said in an official statement.
The move comes as Qualcomm continues to diversify its business in response to evolving global market dynamics. In recent months, the company has acquired the generative AI division of Vietnam-based startup VinAI, along with IoT platform provider Edge Impulse, reflecting a broader strategy to reduce reliance on the smartphone market, which has shown signs of slowing.
The Alphawave deal is anticipated to be finalized in the first quarter of the 2026 calendar year, subject to regulatory approvals and closing conditions.
As the global demand for AI, cloud computing, and data processing surges, this acquisition positions Qualcomm to become a more dominant player in the infrastructure layer of next-gen digital transformation.
