Qualcomm last week announced its acquisition of MovianAI, the generative AI division of VinAI, a leading Vietnamese AI research firm within the Vingroup ecosystem. The acquisition will enhance Qualcomm’s generative AI R&D capabilities by bringing VinAI’s deep expertise in AI, machine learning, computer vision, and natural language processing to its already-strong arsenal.
The move strengthens Qualcomm’s ability to deliver cutting-edge AI solutions across devices and industries. More critically, it brings in Dr. Hung Bui, former Google DeepMind researcher and VinAI CEO, along with his high-caliber team.
Who is MovianAI?
MovianAI, the generative AI division of VinAI, a leading Vietnamese AI research firm within the Vingroup ecosystem. The division focuses on:
- Generative AI Models
- Domain-specific applied machine learning
- Natural Language Processing (NLP)
- Computer Vision
Think of MovianAI as a boutique, high-impact AI lab—like a smaller, more focused version of OpenAI or Anthropic, but embedded in a broader applied research ecosystem.
Analyst’s Take
Qualcomm’s acquisition of MovianAI plays directly to the company’s AI strategy. Integrating MovianAI’s team will bring new expertise in GenAI, machine learning, computer vision, and NLP expertise to Qualcomm. This infusion of talent will accelerate the development of cutting-edge AI solutions across various sectors, including smartphones, PCs, and automotive technologies.
One of the most critical aspects of acquisition is that it brings Dr. Hung Bui, founder and CEO of VinAI and a former researcher at Google DeepMind, to Qualcomm’s team. Dr. Bui’s leadership will drive innovation and expedite the development of cutting-edge AI technologies within Qualcomm.
This acquisition aligns with Qualcomm’s broader AI and edge computing strategy:
- Edge Impulse Acquisition: Last month (March 2025), Qualcomm acquired Edge Impulse, a platform to create, deploy, and monitor AI models for edge applications.
- IBM Partnership: Earlier this year, Qualcomm expanded its collaboration with IBM to drive enterprise-grade generative AI solutions across edge and cloud devices, leveraging Qualcomm’s hardware platforms and IBM’s foundation models.
- Automotive AI Integration: Qualcomm recently announced new partnerships with Google and Palantir to integrate AI capabilities into automotive platforms – collaborations focused on developing intelligent voice assistants and real-time data processing solutions for vehicles, enhancing the driving experience and safety.
The acquisition of MovianAI also plays directly to Qualcomm’s ongoing commitment to the Vietnamese technology ecosystem, with which it has collaborated for over two decades.
Leveraging the capabilities of MovianAI will allow Qualcomm to expand its own AI research and development activities, but it also reinforces its growing position in the overall AI landscape. Qualcomm continues to take a thoughtful, yet aggressive, approach in staying at the forefront of AI innovation. It’s a strategy that’s clearly working for the company.
It’s a nice acquisition.
