Qualcomm Launches AI R&D Center in Vietnam to Drive Global Innovation

U.S. semiconductor giant Qualcomm (NASDAQ: QCOM) has opened a new artificial intelligence (AI) research and development center in Vietnam, expanding its global footprint and supporting the country’s digital transformation efforts.

The newly launched center will focus on developing cutting-edge generative and agentic AI technologies for smartphones, personal computers, extended reality (XR), automotive systems, and Internet of Things (IoT) applications, Qualcomm said in a statement on Tuesday.

The initiative aligns with Vietnam’s national strategies in AI, semiconductors, and digital innovation. Qualcomm emphasized that the R&D hub will contribute to local capacity building, facilitate technology transfer, and promote ecosystem collaboration within the region’s fast-evolving tech landscape.

During a meeting in Hanoi with Qualcomm’s President of Global Affairs, Alex Rogers, Vietnam’s newly elected President To Lam expressed support for the company’s expansion and encouraged further investment in semiconductor and digital infrastructure projects. Lam underscored the government’s commitment to fostering high-tech partnerships that drive innovation and economic growth.

Qualcomm’s move positions Vietnam as a strategic location in the global semiconductor supply chain, reflecting growing interest from major tech firms amid shifts in global manufacturing trends and AI development. The company already operates a longstanding presence in Vietnam, and this new center strengthens its role as a key player in the country’s digital future.

The R&D center is expected to accelerate Qualcomm’s development of next-generation AI chips and solutions while supporting local talent and enhancing Vietnam’s status as an emerging tech hub in Southeast Asia.