Qualcomm has acquired the Generated AI division of Vinai, a Hanoi-based AI research company, for undisclosed amounts, the company announced Monday.
This move shows Qualcomm’s continued expansion into the AI tools sector. Founded by former Deepmind research scientist Hung Bui, Vinai develops a variety of generative AI technologies, including computer vision algorithms and language models.
“This acquisition highlights our commitment to dedicating the resources we need to R&D, which drives us behind the next wave of AI innovation,” Engineering SVP said in a press release. “By introducing large caliber talent from Vinai, we are strengthening our ability to provide cutting-edge AI solutions that benefit a wide range of industries and consumers.”
Started by Bui in 2019, Vinai focuses primarily on automotive products equipped with AI, but also conducts high-level AI research. Backed by Vietnamese conglomerate Vingroup, the company creates solutions for car manufacturers and customers in other industries, including in-cabin surveillance, security and “smart parking” systems.
In a 2023 interview with Forbes, Bui said Vinai has around 200 employees in the offices of Hanoi, the US and Australian startups.
Bui said he hopes Vinai will contribute to many Qualcomm product families, including software and chips for smartphones, PCs and vehicles. “The team’s expertise in Generating AI and Machine Learning will help accelerate the development of innovative solutions that can change our lives and jobs,” he added in a statement.
Bui, who serves as CEO of Vinai, will join Qualcomm following the end of the acquisition, according to the aforementioned press release.
This is the second time this year has been acquired since the purchase of Edge Impulse, a German AI and Internet of Things company, in early March. Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon has recently been called Edge AI (AI that can be run on devices without the need for data center infrastructure).
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