Manufacturing & Supply Chain

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc, a wholly owned subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, has announced a €125 million investment that will see the transformation of the Cork site  into a strategic AI pillar in the global chip maker’s organisation over the next three years. Founded in 1985 and headquartered in San Diego in the US, Qualcomm is a global leader in wireless technology and advanced semiconductors. The company 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.

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.

This flagship 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.

Minister for Enterprise Tourism & Employment Peter Burke TD said: “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.

“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.”

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.”

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