Qualcomm to add 300 jobs at Cork site in €125m investment

Aims to make the Cork site one of the pillars of its AI strategy

Qualcomm in Cork is based in the city's Penrose Dock. The company is currently recruiting for engineers across several business areas.

Chipmaker Qualcomm is investing €125m in its operations in Cork, which would see the number of employees here rise by 300 to more than 1,000.

The investment is part of the US multinational's plan to make its Cork site one of the pillars of its AI strategy.

Its subsidiary, Qualcomm Technologies, has had a presence in Cork since 2013 and has built strong relationships with UCC, MTU, and Tyndall. The investment is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland and will result in new research projects in Cork as Qualcomm aims to diversify beyond mobile technology into areas such as PC, virtual reality, automotive and data centres.

Founded in 1985 and headquartered in California, Qualcomm specialises in wireless technology and advanced semiconductors. The company develops cellular standards such as 4G, 5G, and now 6G. It is also one of the world’s largest fabless semiconductor companies, which sees it provide advanced semiconductor technology across a variety of sectors and technologies.

Minister for Enterprise Tourism & Employment Peter Burke TD said the €125m investment strengthens Ireland’s position as a hub of deep‑tech innovation, creating hundreds of high-value jobs. "This announcement is also a signal of support for Silicon Island: Ireland’s National Semiconductor Strategy, which aims to make Ireland a world leader in semiconductors through securing long‑term investments, developing a robust talent pipeline and seizing opportunities in technologies of the future such as AI."

Pictured L – R at the announcement by Qualcomm Technologies of a €125m investment in AI transformation is EVP, Chief Strategy and Corporate Development Officer of Qualcomm Incorporated, Colin Ryan, Michael Lohan, CEO IDA Ireland Vice President of Engineering at QT Technologies Ireland Limited, Paul Kelleher. Pic Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision

Qualcomm in Cork is based in the city's Penrose Dock. The company is currently recruiting for engineers across several business areas.

Colin Ryan, Qualcomm's Executive Vice President, said their success and growth in Ireland reflects the strength of its partnerships with the Government, IDA Ireland and Irish universities. "This investment underscores Cork's importance as a strategic Global R&D hub for Qualcomm and our commitment to supporting Ireland's innovation ecosystem," he said.

Vice President of Engineering at Qualcomm Technologies Ireland, Paul Kelleher, said Qualcomm is proud of what it has achieved in Ireland. "We’re not just building technology; we’re shaping the future, right here in Cork.” 

IDA Ireland CEO Michael Lohan said the investment and the future jobs put Qualcomm at the forefront of technological and product development in the AI-era. "Today’s event also recognises a decade since Qualcomm hired its first engineer in Ireland. I wish you continued success and assure the team of IDA Ireland’s continued partnership and support," he said.

Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber, said the investment is a powerful endorsement of Cork’s status as a centre of excellence for complex engineering and next-generation technology. "It is especially significant that Qualcomm is making this commitment as it marks ten years since recruiting its first engineer in Cork, a decade during which the site has grown into a strategically important operation."