Qualcomm Targets Vietnam as Its Third-Largest Global AI R&D Hub

Qualcomm is working to make Vietnam its third-largest global artificial-intelligence research and development hub, CEO Cristiano Amon said during an August 27 meeting with Vietnam’s General Secretary and State President To Lam in Hanoi. The announcement signals an effort to expand Qualcomm’s existing Vietnamese R&D presence, although the meeting report did not specify a new investment amount. 6

What Qualcomm announced

Amon presented Vietnam as an increasingly important Asian market and technology center as Qualcomm develops technologies in AI, semiconductors and connected computing. The company’s stated goal is to scale Vietnam into its third-largest global AI R&D center. 36

The wording matters because Qualcomm already has a significant AI operation in Hanoi. Earlier reporting described the Hanoi AI R&D center as the company’s third-largest globally, while the August 27 account described making Vietnam the third-largest center as an objective Qualcomm is working toward. The safest interpretation is that Qualcomm intends to further expand an established Vietnamese AI base rather than announce an entirely new presence. 613

Planned areas of cooperation

The proposed cooperation spans several strategic technology fields:

• Artificial intelligence and advanced technology training
• Semiconductors and connected computing
• 5G and 6G networks
• Robotics and data centers
• Next-generation connectivity and technology infrastructure 36

These priorities align Qualcomm’s product and research interests with Vietnam’s effort to build stronger domestic capabilities in semiconductors, AI and the digital economy. To Lam specifically called for additional long-term investment across these areas, including robotics, data centers and next-generation connectivity. 6

Qualcomm’s existing footprint in Vietnam

Qualcomm has operated in Vietnam for more than 20 years and established an R&D center in Hanoi. Its reported cooperation has included Vietnamese technology companies such as Viettel and VinSmart. 46

The company has also described Vietnam as an important regional technology hub. In 2025, reporting linked Qualcomm’s Hanoi AI R&D expansion to its acquisition of MovianAI and identified the center as one of Qualcomm’s largest AI operations globally. 913

Qualcomm says it has invested more than $100 billion in research and development worldwide, underscoring the scale of the company’s broader technology base. 6

What Vietnam wants from the partnership

To Lam’s requests went beyond attracting capital. Vietnam asked Qualcomm to:

• Maintain and expand long-term investment
• Transfer technology and share management and governance expertise
• Work more closely with Vietnamese companies, universities and research institutes
• Help local companies develop capabilities and participate more deeply in global technology value chains and supply chains
• Support high-quality talent and workforce development 6

That agenda reflects Vietnam’s goal of turning foreign technology investment into broader domestic capacity. The emphasis is not only on hosting R&D facilities, but also on building skills, research links and local firms that can move higher in the technology ecosystem.

The wider Vietnam–U.S. technology relationship

The meeting was framed within the Vietnam–U.S. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, particularly its focus on science, technology and innovation. Vietnam’s preferred model combines international investment with technology transfer, talent development and cooperation among businesses, universities and research institutes. 6

For Qualcomm, that could create a larger regional base for AI and connected technologies. For Vietnam, the intended benefit is a stronger semiconductor, AI and digital-economy ecosystem with more opportunities for domestic companies and researchers. The August 27 announcement therefore describes a direction for expanded cooperation, not a fully detailed investment plan with a disclosed budget or timeline.