10 years on since hiring its first engineer in Cork city, global leader in wireless technology and advanced semiconductors, Qualcomm has announced a €125m investment that will see the transformation of the Cork site into a strategic AI pillar in the global chipmaker’s organisation over the next three years.
Founded in 1985 and headquartered in San Diego, CA, Qualcomm, the company develops cellular standards such as 4G, 5G, and now 6G. It is also one of the world’s largest fabless semiconductor companies, which sees it provide critical advanced semiconductor technology across mobile, wearables, PC, XR, IoT, automotive and data centres.
With a presence in Cork since 2013, Qualcomm Technologies has embedded itself in the community and has built strong relationships with UCC, MTU, and Tyndall, helping support the next generation of Irish engineers through internships and graduate role opportunities. It is expected to see headcount at Penrose and Horgan’s Quay facilities increase to more than 1,000 people.
This flagship project, which is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland, plans to undertake a new RD&I project in the city, leveraging current capabilities to align with Qualcomm’s diversification strategy beyond mobile technology into areas such as PC, XR/VR, IoT, automotive, and data centres.
Vice president of Engineering at QT Technologies Ireland Limited, Paul Kelleher said: “Qualcomm is proud of what we’ve achieved in Ireland – and we are even more excited about what’s ahead. We’re not just building technology; we’re shaping the future, right here in Cork.”
This investment, which will support the creation of approximately 300 additional roles, will further support Qualcomm’s aim of advancing AI to make its core capabilities – perception, reasoning and action – ubiquitous across devices.
Welcoming the announcement, Rob Horgan, president of Cork Chamber, said that such investments are built on a thriving ecosystem and access to talent.
“The depth of skills available in the region, supported by strong collaboration with UCC, MTU and Tyndall, plays a critical role in enabling companies like Qualcomm to grow and evolve their operations here. These long-standing connections between industry, education and research are central to developing the next generation of engineers and ensuring Cork remains competitive on a global stage.”
The company is currently hiring engineers across several business areas.
