'We’re shaping the future, right here in Cork'
A €125m investment will see the transformation of Qualcomm’s Cork site into what it described as a strategic AI pillar in the global chipmaker’s organisation over the next three years.
Founded in 1985 and headquartered in San Diego, California, Qualcomm develops wireless technology and advanced semiconductors. 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.
This project, which is supported by the Irish 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. It’s hoped this latest investment will help to create hundreds of highly skilled new R&D roles.
Minister for Enterprise Tourism & Employment Peter Burke TD said: “(This) announcement by Qualcomm is a powerful endorsement of Ireland’s ambition to lead globally in advanced research, next‑generation computing and AI. This €125 million 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.”
Minister of State and Cork TD Jerry Buttimer said this investment is a strong vote of confidence in Cork, in Ireland’s technology ecosystem, and most importantly in the highly skilled workforce based in Cork.
“Qualcomm’s continued expansion demonstrates Ireland’s ability to compete internationally for high-value, future-focused investment,” he added.
EVP, Chief Strategy and Corporate Development Officer of Qualcomm Incorporated, Colin Ryan said: “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 Limited, 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: “€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.”
Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber added: “This new investment is a powerful endorsement of Cork’s status as a centre of excellence for complex engineering and next-generation technology.
“It is especially significant that Qualcomm is making this commitment as it marks ten years since recruiting its first engineer in Cork, a decade during which the site has grown into a strategically important operation,” Mr Healy added.