Qualcomm has agreed to acquire Alphawave Semi, a UK-based semiconductor firm specializing in high-speed connectivity solutions for data centers, in a deal valued at approximately $2.4 billion.
Announcing the acquisition, Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon expressed confidence that the move would significantly enhance the company’s position within the data center sector. “The combined teams share the goal of building advanced technology solutions and enabling next-level connected computing performance across a wide range of high-growth areas, including data center infrastructure,” Amon noted.
Alphawave Semi develops a variety of connectivity and computing technologies designed specifically for robust data center applications. This acquisition follows closely on Qualcomm’s recent strategic investments aimed at broadening its technology portfolio beyond smartphones. Earlier this year, Qualcomm purchased the generative AI division of Vietnamese startup VinAI, and it also acquired Edge Impulse, a company specializing in internet-of-things (IoT) solutions.
The move comes as Qualcomm faces challenges from an increasingly sluggish smartphone market—traditionally a major revenue source—as well as potential tariff impacts. Diversifying its product range beyond smartphone components is viewed as a critical step in stabilizing and expanding the company’s revenue sources.
The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of the 2026 calendar year.
