Qualcomm has announced the acquisition of the generative AI division of VinAI, a Vietnamese AI research company based in Hanoi. The acquisition amount has not been disclosed.
This move continues Qualcomm's expansion into the AI tools sector. VinAI, founded in 2019 by former DeepMind researcher Hung Bui, develops a range of generative AI technologies, including computer vision algorithms and language models.
Jilei Hou, Qualcomm's VP of Engineering, stated, "This acquisition underscores our commitment to investing in the necessary R&D resources that will drive us to be at the forefront of the next AI revolution. By bringing in high-caliber talent from VinAI, we are strengthening our ability to deliver cutting-edge AI solutions for a wide range of industries and consumers."
VinAI, which is primarily focused on AI-powered products for the automotive industry, also conducts high-level AI research. The company is backed by VinGroup, a major Vietnamese conglomerate, and provides solutions like in-cabin monitoring, security, and "smart parking" systems for carmakers.
In a 2023 interview with Forbes, Bui mentioned that VinAI had around 200 employees across its offices in Hanoi, the U.S., and Australia.
Bui added that VinAI will contribute to several of Qualcomm’s product lines, including software and chips for smartphones, PCs, and vehicles. He also emphasized that his team’s expertise in generative AI and machine learning would help accelerate the development of innovative solutions that can transform the way we live and work.
Bui, who serves as VinAI's CEO, will join Qualcomm after the acquisition is finalized.
This acquisition is Qualcomm's second of 2025, following its purchase of the German AI and IoT company, Edge Impulse, in March. Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon recently stated that "edge AI"—AI that can run on devices without the need for data center infrastructure—is a significant "tailwind" for the company.
