Why Qualcomm Acquired A Machine Learning Startup

Last week, Qualcomm announced that it had acquired Netherlands-based machine learning startup Scyfer for an undisclosed amount. The company also laid out its vision for artificial intelligence, indicating that it would double down on a device-focused AI implementation. Below, we provide a quick run-down of what Qualcomm has been doing in the AI space and what Scyfer could bring to the table. Trefis has a $64 price estimate for Qualcomm, which is about 20% ahead of the current market price. While Qualcomm has been working on AI for about a decade, the company's more recent efforts have centered around deploying artificial intelligence technology at the device level – in smartphones and cars.