Qualcomm Bolsters Position in Artificial Intelligence Research, Outlines its Vision for the Future

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated (NASDAQ: QCOM), today laid out its vision for ubiquitous on-device artificial intelligence (AI) complementing cloud AI. We envision a world where AI makes devices, machines, automobiles, and things much more intelligent, simplifying and enriching our daily lives. In 2007, Qualcomm started exploring spiking neuron approaches to machine learning for computer vision and motion control applications, and later expanded the scope of the research to look not just at biologically inspired approaches but artificial neural networks — primarily deep learning. Fast forward to today, Qualcomm Technologies is announcing the acquisition of Scyfer B.V., a company affiliated with University of Amsterdam and focused on cutting-edge machine learning techniques, to add a talented team to its roster. Scyfer has built AI solutions for companies worldwide and in a number of different industries, such as manufacturing, healthcare and finance.

The acquisition of Scyfer brings with it a founder and renowned professor at the University of Amsterdam, Dr. Max Welling, which will help to further advance AI research and development at Qualcomm Technologies. Dr. Welling will continue his role as a professor at the University of Amsterdam, and the rest of the Scyfer team will continue to be based in Amsterdam. In 2015, Qualcomm Technologies and the University of Amsterdam also established QUVA, a joint research lab focused on advancing the cutting-edge machine learning techniques for mobile and computer vision. Qualcomm Technologies is excited to continue to work with the University of Amsterdam going forward, underscoring the importance of educating future generations in this important field.