U.S. semiconductor giant Qualcomm announced on Tuesday, June 11, 2025, the launch of a new artificial intelligence (AI) research and development center in Hanoi, Vietnam. This facility, which officially opened on June 10, marks Qualcomm's first dedicated AI R&D center in Southeast Asia. The establishment of this center follows Qualcomm's strategic acquisition of Movian AI, an AI research unit previously part of the Vietnamese conglomerate Vingroup.

The newly inaugurated Hanoi center will become an integral part of Qualcomm's global AI research team. Its researchers, numbering over 100 staff, will spearhead efforts in advancing cutting-edge generative and agentic AI solutions. These advancements are targeted for integration across a wide array of applications, including next-generation smartphones, personal computers, extended reality (XR) devices, automotive technologies, and various Internet of Things (IoT) applications.

Qualcomm stated that this significant investment and initiative are closely aligned with Vietnam's national strategies focused on artificial intelligence, the semiconductor industry, and broader digital transformation. The company emphasized that the center's operations will prioritize key areas such as the transfer of advanced technology to Vietnam, fostering robust collaboration within the local and regional tech ecosystem, and actively contributing to capacity building within the country's burgeoning tech talent pool.

Underscoring the importance of this development, Alex Rogers, Qualcomm's President of Global Affairs, met with Vietnam's top leader, To Lam, in Hanoi on Tuesday. During the meeting, To Lam encouraged Qualcomm to continue expanding its operational footprint and investments in Vietnam. Specific encouragement was given for Qualcomm to further develop its semiconductor business and contribute to the nation's digital infrastructure projects.