Qualcomm strengthens AI portfolio with MovianAI acquisition to drive edge computing growth

Qualcomm Incorporated has significantly deepened its artificial intelligence capabilities with the acquisition of MovianAI, the generative AI division formerly belonging to VinAI Application and Research JSC. The deal, unveiled on April 2, 2025, marks a strategic expansion of Qualcomm’s R&D infrastructure, aimed at scaling generative AI innovation across a wide range of platforms, including smartphones, PCs, and software-defined vehicles. As competition intensifies across the global AI landscape, the MovianAI acquisition positions Qualcomm to advance its edge AI agenda and reinforce its long-term AI strategy.

VinAI, a key part of the Vingroup technology ecosystem based in Vietnam, had earned a strong reputation in the international AI community for its cutting-edge work in machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, and generative model development. MovianAI, its now-spun-off division, carried forward that research intensity under the leadership of Dr. Hung Bui, a former scientist at Google DeepMind. By integrating this high-caliber talent pool, Qualcomm is not only enhancing its AI engineering capacity but also signaling its commitment to reshaping how artificial intelligence is developed and deployed on consumer and industrial devices.

How does the MovianAI acquisition strengthen Qualcomm’s generative AI research?

The acquisition plays a crucial role in Qualcomm’s long-term vision to enable fast, secure, and efficient AI processing directly on devices, bypassing the need for constant cloud connectivity. While many of the current generative AI applications rely heavily on data centers for both training and inference, Qualcomm has consistently pursued an alternative route—bringing AI capabilities to the edge. With MovianAI’s expertise in model customization and optimization, Qualcomm aims to accelerate the development of generative AI systems that are lean, responsive, and optimized for the constraints of mobile and embedded environments.

Qualcomm’s generative AI research strategy is particularly focused on making transformer-based architectures and large language models (LLMs) more accessible and functional on-device. MovianAI’s contributions are expected to improve Qualcomm’s ability to deliver AI-driven features like natural language understanding, text-to-image generation, and real-time contextual prediction in next-gen devices. These applications are central to the user experiences being developed in future smartphones, autonomous systems, and next-generation user interfaces.

According to Jilei Hou, senior vice president of engineering at Qualcomm Technologies, the integration of MovianAI underscores the company’s intent to maintain its leadership in edge AI. He noted that recruiting top-tier research talent is vital to ensuring Qualcomm continues to push the limits of what is technically possible in embedded AI.

Why is on-device generative AI critical for Qualcomm’s product ecosystem?

Unlike cloud-first AI companies that prioritize scale and compute resources, Qualcomm is focused on performance-per-watt optimization and localized intelligence. The strategic rationale for acquiring MovianAI lies in its ability to help Qualcomm develop generative AI solutions that run entirely on-device, addressing issues such as latency, connectivity bottlenecks, privacy concerns, and energy efficiency.

The move is especially timely given the accelerating interest in integrating generative AI into consumer hardware. Chipmakers across the semiconductor industry are racing to produce processors tailored for AI workloads. Qualcomm, which supplies key processors for many Android smartphones and vehicle infotainment systems, sees its differentiation in supporting AI models that operate under strict energy and space constraints. MovianAI’s research pedigree is expected to strengthen Qualcomm’s position as it competes against companies like NVIDIA and AMD in the AI accelerator market.

Furthermore, on-device generative AI could unlock significant business value in sectors such as healthcare, automotive, and smart homes, where real-time AI-powered decision-making is vital and data privacy is paramount.

What role does Vietnam play in Qualcomm’s global AI strategy?

The acquisition of MovianAI also highlights Vietnam’s growing importance in the global artificial intelligence ecosystem. Qualcomm has been active in the Vietnamese ICT space for over 20 years, partnering with local firms to co-develop technologies in wireless communication, IoT, and mobile computing. This long-standing collaboration has laid the groundwork for deeper technology transfer and innovation exchange, which is now culminating in high-impact investments like the MovianAI acquisition.

VinAI, under Vingroup, has been instrumental in nurturing a generation of AI researchers in Vietnam. Its research labs have published influential work in peer-reviewed journals and contributed to open-source AI tools used globally. By acquiring MovianAI and integrating its operations, Qualcomm is anchoring part of its global AI infrastructure in Southeast Asia, tapping into a pool of skilled talent and reinforcing Vietnam’s stature as a high-value R&D destination.

Dr. Hung Bui, who now joins Qualcomm as part of the transaction, described the move as a continuation of his team’s mission to develop transformative AI technologies. He indicated that working under Qualcomm’s umbrella would allow the team to scale its innovations and bring them to global markets faster and more effectively.

How is Qualcomm’s stock responding to the AI strategy?

As of April 2, 2025, Qualcomm’s stock (NASDAQ: QCOM) closed at $154.94, reflecting a 1.89% gain on the day. While this uptick is relatively modest, it suggests cautious optimism from investors about the strategic potential of the MovianAI acquisition. The intraday high reached $155.05, with trading volume exceeding 1.8 million shares.

Over the past year, however, Qualcomm has underperformed the broader market, with the stock falling roughly 12% from its 52-week high of $230.63 recorded in June 2024. This decline has been attributed to multiple factors, including weakening smartphone demand, uncertainty in its licensing agreements with Apple and Huawei, and competitive pressures in the AI chipset space.

Despite these challenges, some analysts maintain a positive long-term outlook. Bernstein analyst Stacy Rasgon recently reaffirmed an “Outperform” rating with a $215 price target, citing Qualcomm’s ongoing diversification into AI-enabled markets and robust demand for edge AI processors. Still, others remain wary of Qualcomm’s exposure to shifts in OEM relationships, particularly as Apple pushes forward with its in-house modem development.

Investors are also closely watching Qualcomm’s potential bid for London-based chip design firm Alphawave IP Group, with a final decision expected by April 29. This possible acquisition, combined with the MovianAI deal, reflects Qualcomm’s broader push to expand its technological depth amid intensifying competition.

Given the mixed sentiment and evolving risk factors, market analysts generally recommend a “Hold” stance for now. The financial impact of Qualcomm’s generative AI research initiatives will likely take time to manifest in earnings, and investors are advised to monitor execution milestones in upcoming quarters.

What does this mean for the future of generative AI at Qualcomm?

The acquisition of MovianAI is part of a longer arc in Qualcomm’s evolution as a platform company rather than just a component supplier. While its dominance in smartphone modems and mobile chipsets remains a foundational strength, Qualcomm is aggressively extending its reach into sectors where AI is a critical differentiator.

As generative AI continues to shape digital experiences, Qualcomm’s strategy of investing in foundational research, particularly in edge-friendly architectures, could position it as a pivotal enabler of ubiquitous AI. The ability to run sophisticated generative models directly on user devices without compromising responsiveness or privacy may become a key driver of product differentiation in years to come.

By absorbing MovianAI’s intellectual capital and integrating its researchers, Qualcomm is not just acquiring capabilities—it’s aligning its future with a new paradigm of AI development. In doing so, it sends a clear signal to investors, partners, and competitors alike that it intends to be at the forefront of on-device intelligence.