Qualcomm to buy chip start-up Nuvia for $1.4bn

Qualcomm has agreed to buy chip start-up Nuvia for around $1.4bn.

The acquisition builds on Qualcomm Technologies' Snapdragon technology leadership, delivering step-function improvements in CPU (central processing unit) performance and power efficiency to meet the demands of next-generation 5G computing, the company said on Wednesday.

Nuvia CPUs are expected to be integrated across Qualcomm Technologies' broad portfolio of products, powering flagship smartphones, next-generation laptops, and digital cockpits, as well as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, extended reality and infrastructure networking solutions.

Qualcomm president and CEO-elect Cristiano Amon said: "5G, the convergence of computing and mobile architectures, and the expansion of mobile technologies into other industries are significant opportunities for Qualcomm.

"The Nuvia team are proven innovators, and like Qualcomm, have a strong heritage in creating leading technology and products. I am very excited to have them join our team. Together, we are very well positioned to redefine computing and enable our ecosystem of partners to drive innovation and deliver a new class of products and experiences for the 5G era."

Headquartered in Santa Clara, Nuvia was founded by ex-Apple engineers.