Qualcomm Technologies has announced a €125m investment which it said will transform its Cork site into a strategic AI pillar in the global chipmaker's organisation over the next three years.
The company said the investment is expected to see its headcount at Penrose and Horgan's Quay facilities increase to over 1,000 people.
Qualcomm Technologies has had a presence in Cork since 2013. Since then, the company has built strong relationships with UCC, MTU and Tyndall, helping support the next generation of Irish engineers through internships and graduate role opportunities.
The company's latest investment, which is supported by IDA Ireland, will see the setting up of a new RD&I project in Cork, which will leverage the company's current capabilities to align with its diversification strategy beyond mobile technology into areas such as PC, XR/VR, IoT, automotive and data centres.
EVP, Chief Strategy and Corporate Development Officer of Qualcomm Incorporated, Colin Ryan, said the company's success and ongoing growth in Ireland reflect the strength of its 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," he added.
IDA Ireland CEO Michael Lohan said the landmark investment marks a substantial and complex project in both its scale and scope, reflecting its strategic and transformative nature.
"This €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," Mr Lohan said.
"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," he added.
Minister for Enterprise Tourism & Employment Peter Burke TD 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," the Minister said.
"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," Mr Burke said.
"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," he added.
Founded in 1985 and headquartered in San Diego, Qualcomm develops cellular standards such as 4G, 5G, and now 6G. It is also one of the world’s largest fabless semiconductor companies, which sees it provide critical advanced semiconductor technology across mobile, wearables, PC, XR, IoT, automotive and data centres.
