Qualcomm Technologies, the US semiconductor giant, has agreed to acquire Arduino, the open-source hardware and software company, in a move aimed at accelerating developer access to its portfolio of Edge computing and AI technologies.
The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions, will bring together Qualcomm’s high-performance processors, graphics, computer vision, and AI capabilities with Arduino’s widely used development boards and global community of more than 33 million users.
Qualcomm said the deal would “supercharge developer productivity across industries” while allowing Arduino to retain its independent brand and open-source ethos.
As a first step under Qualcomm’s ownership, Arduino will launch the Arduino UNO Q, a “dual brain” single-board computer that combines a Linux Debian-capable microprocessor with a real-time microcontroller, powered by Qualcomm’s Dragonwing QRB2210 processor. The board is designed to support AI-driven vision and audio applications, from smart home devices to industrial automation.
At the same time, Arduino will introduce Arduino App Lab, a new integrated development environment that unifies programming across Linux, Real-Time Operating Systems, Python, and AI workflows. The platform aims to simplify the process of building, testing, and deploying AI-powered applications. Integration with Qualcomm-backed Edge Impulse technology is intended to help developers accelerate model training and deployment using real-world data.
Qualcomm has previously acquired Foundries.io and Edge Impulse, signalling its broader strategy to deliver a full-stack edge computing platform spanning hardware, software, and cloud services. Nakul Duggal, Group General Manager at Qualcomm, said the Arduino acquisition “democratizes access to our leading-edge AI and computing products for the global developer community.”
Arduino’s CEO, Fabio Violante, said the partnership would “supercharge our commitment to accessibility and innovation,” while co-founder Massimo Banzi emphasised that the company would maintain its community-driven approach while introducing cutting-edge AI tools.
Qualcomm said the acquisition positioned the company to deepen its engagement with hobbyists, students, educators, and entrepreneurs, providing a pathway from prototyping to global commercialisation using its extensive technology ecosystem.
