QUALCOMM (NASDAQ:QCOM) is a leading global semiconductor and telecommunications equipment company headquartered in San Diego, California. The company specializes in the design, development and supply of digital communications products and services, with a focus on advancing wireless technologies and enabling seamless connectivity. Qualcomm’s core mission centers on the creation of innovations that power smartphones, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, automotive systems and network infrastructure around the world.
At the heart of Qualcomm’s offering is its portfolio of system-on-chip (SoC) solutions, most notably the Snapdragon brand of processors, which integrate high-performance application CPUs, graphics processors, artificial intelligence engines and advanced modems. In addition to mobile platforms, Qualcomm provides RF front-end components, power management integrated circuits and reference designs that support applications ranging from wearables and smart home devices to industrial automation and edge computing.
Complementing its chipset business, Qualcomm operates a substantial technology licensing segment that generates royalties from patents essential to cellular communications standards such as CDMA, LTE and 5G. This licensing model underpins the company’s investment in research and development, enabling ongoing contributions to next-generation wireless standards and fostering partnerships with device manufacturers, network operators and ecosystem players worldwide.
Founded in 1985 by Irwin Jacobs and Andrew Viterbi, Qualcomm has evolved into a multinational organization serving customers across the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Under the leadership of President and Chief Executive Officer Cristiano Amon and Chairman Paul Jacobs, the company continues to drive innovation in wireless technology, pursue new growth opportunities in automotive and IoT markets, and maintain a strategic focus on expanding global 5G deployments.
