Qualcomm is a leading American multinational semiconductor and telecommunications equipment company that designs and markets wireless telecommunications products and services. The company was founded in 1985 by Irwin Jacobs, Andrew Viterbi, and six other co-founders. Qualcomm is headquartered in San Diego, California, and has operations in over 40 countries worldwide.
Qualcomm is best known for its Snapdragon system-on-chip (SoC) processors, which are used in a wide range of smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. The company also provides wireless communication technologies and services, including 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS. Qualcomm's products and services are used by a variety of industries, including automotive, healthcare, and Internet of Things (IoT).
One of Qualcomm's key strengths is its focus on research and development. The company invests heavily in R&D, with over $5 billion spent on R&D in 2020 alone. This investment has led to numerous breakthroughs in wireless technology, including the development of 5G technology, which is set to revolutionize the way we connect and communicate.
Qualcomm is also committed to sustainability and corporate responsibility. The company has set ambitious goals to reduce its environmental impact, including a commitment to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2025. Qualcomm also supports a range of social and community initiatives, including STEM education programs and disaster relief efforts.
In recent years, Qualcomm has faced some challenges, including legal disputes with Apple and antitrust investigations by regulators in several countries. However, the company has continued to innovate and grow, with revenue of $23.5 billion in 2020 and a market capitalization of over $150 billion.
Overall, Qualcomm is a highly respected and innovative company that has played a key role in shaping the wireless technology landscape. With its focus on R&D, sustainability, and corporate responsibility, Qualcomm is well-positioned to continue driving innovation and growth in the years to come.