Qualcomm buys Arduino to expand AI and robotics reach
Qualcomm buys Arduino to advance its AI push. Arduino will operate independently. Analysts say it links Qualcomm’s AI/IoT stack to 33M developers.
Deal overview
Qualcomm has agreed to acquire Arduino, the Italian open-source hardware and software company best known for its programmable microcontroller boards, as it accelerates its push into artificial intelligence. Terms were not disclosed, and Qualcomm said Arduino will continue to operate as an independent subsidiary.
What Arduino brings to Qualcomm
Arduino brings a vast developer base—more than 33 million users spanning hobbyists, startups, and robotics labs—whose projects often begin as prototypes rather than commercial products. That grassroots community could give Qualcomm an early window into emerging ideas at the edge and in robotics, while seeding demand for its chips and software.
Analyst perspectives
Analysts say the deal broadens Qualcomm’s developer footprint. Omdia chief analyst Lian Jye Su noted that the acquisition positions Qualcomm’s full-stack AI and IoT platforms directly in front of maker and developer communities, potentially speeding progress in fragmented robotics use cases by tapping Arduino’s accessible hardware and software.
Forrester analyst Alvin Nguyen added that Arduino’s strong brand and loyal community can help surface new use cases and even new product categories, combining Qualcomm’s communications and chip expertise with a platform many developers already trust.
“You start to move towards prototyping, proof of concepts, and once you’re ready, you can go commercial, which is something we are obviously very familiar with,” said Nakul Duggal, Qualcomm’s general manager for automotive, industrial, and embedded Internet of Things (IoT), in an interview.
The company is also aiming to reduce its reliance on mobile chips and modems, seeking new growth areas as the smartphone market slows and Apple begins shifting to its own modem technology.
Data center ambitions: Alphawave acquisition
The move follows Qualcomm’s recent purchase of U.K.-based semiconductor firm Alphawave for $2.4 billion, aimed at the data center AI market where Nvidia and AMD lead today. While that acquisition doesn’t immediately put Qualcomm on par with the most advanced systems, analysts say it provides a foothold.
Nguyen suggested that if Qualcomm can pair Alphawave technology with an easy-to-use stack for deploying AI, the market response could be positive.
Policy tailwinds and ecosystem positioning
Policy tailwinds may also play a role. U.S. efforts to bolster domestic AI supply chains have intensified, and Qualcomm’s deals target different layers of the AI ecosystem: Arduino strengthens reach among makers and edge developers, while Alphawave signals a deeper push into enterprise AI infrastructure.
Strategy outlook
Together, the acquisitions sketch a broader strategy. Arduino gives Qualcomm closer ties to early-stage innovators and robotics experimentation, and Alphawave expands its presence in data center AI. How Qualcomm integrates the communities, tools, and hardware across these businesses will be key to determining its impact in a market still dominated by a handful of incumbents.
