Acquisition strengthens position in AI research

This acquisition will add a talented team to Qualcomm Technologies’ AI roster. Scyfer has built AI solutions for companies worldwide and in a number of different industries, such as manufacturing, healthcare and finance. Scyfer’s team is led by Professor Max Welling, one of the world’s foremost experts in machine leaning.

In 2007, Qualcomm started exploring spiking neuron approaches to machine learning for computer vision and motion control applications, and later expanded the scope of the research to look not just at biologically inspired approaches but artificial neural networks — primarily deep learning.

“We started fundamental research a decade ago, and our current products now support many AI use cases from computer vision and natural language processing to malware detection on a variety of devices — such as smartphones and cars — and we are researching broader topics, such as AI for wireless connectivity, power management and photography,” said Matt Grob, Executive Vice President, Technology, Qualcomm Incorporated.

Qualcomm Technologies is focused on the implementation of AI on end devices – smartphones, cars, robotics, and the like – to ensure that processing can be done with or without a network or WiFi connection. The benefits of on-device AI include immediate response, enhanced reliability, increased privacy protection and efficient use of network bandwidth.

Dr. Welling will continue his role as a professor at the University of Amsterdam, and the rest of the Scyfer team will continue to be based in Amsterdam. In 2015, Qualcomm Technologies and the University of Amsterdam also established QUVA, a joint research lab focused on advancing the cutting-edge machine learning techniques for mobile and computer vision. Qualcomm Technologies will continue to work with the University of Amsterdam going forward, underscoring the importance of educating future generations in this important field.