Qualcomm acquires generative AI division of Vietnamese startup VinAI to boost on-device AI capabilities

Qualcomm has acquired the generative AI arm of VinAI, a Vietnamese AI startup backed by local conglomerate Vingroup in a quiet push into Vietnam’s tech scene. The deal includes MovianAI, a separate entity that housed VinAI’s generative AI work. Neither company disclosed the price.

VinAI was founded in 2019 by Dr. Hung Bui, a former research scientist at DeepMind. The company is best known for building AI-powered automotive features like in-cabin monitoring, driver alertness detection, and smart parking tools. But it also invested heavily in generative AI, computer vision, and large language models. That’s the part Qualcomm is now bringing in-house.

The acquisition is less about products and more about talent. The generative AI team led by Bui will join Qualcomm, including Bui himself, who will come on board after the deal closes. Qualcomm says the new hires will contribute to its AI work across smartphones, laptops, and vehicles.

“This acquisition underscores our commitment to dedicating the necessary resources to R&D that makes us the driving force behind the next wave of AI innovation,” said Jilei Hou, SVP of engineering at Qualcomm. “By bringing in high-caliber talent from VinAI, we are strengthening our ability to deliver cutting-edge AI solutions that will benefit a wide range of industries and consumers.”

Bui added, “Our team’s expertise in generative AI and machine learning will help accelerate the development of innovative solutions that can transform the way we live and work.”

VinAI had about 200 employees as of last year, with offices in Hanoi, the U.S., and Australia. It will continue operating independently on its automotive and core research products, while the generative AI work transitions to Qualcomm.

This is Qualcomm’s second AI acquisition this year. Back in March, it bought Edge Impulse, a U.S.-based AI and IoT company. Both deals point to Qualcomm’s strategy of doubling down on “edge AI”—that is, AI that runs locally on devices, without relying on the cloud. CEO Cristiano Amon recently called edge AI a “tailwind” for the company’s future.

The VinAI acquisition isn’t massive by Silicon Valley standards, but it’s notable. It shows Qualcomm is quietly building a serious AI bench—this time by tapping into Vietnam’s growing pool of technical talent.