Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. has announced the acquisition of Arduino, the global leader in open source hardware and software. The strategic acquisition is designed to make it easier for developers to access Qualcomm’s powerful edge computing and AI portfolio while preserving Arduino’s proven community and open development model.
- Combination of Qualcomm’s high-end technology and Arduino’s open source ecosystem
- First milestone: Arduino UNO Q with dual-processor architecture
- New Arduino App Lab combines development for real-time OS, Linux, Python and AI
- Broad support for rapid prototype development and commercial implementation
Technology synergy with global impact
Combining Qualcomm’s expertise in processing power, graphics, computer vision and artificial intelligence with the affordability, simplicity and community nature of Arduino creates a complete development ecosystem for all audiences – from enterprises and start-ups to educational institutions and hobbyists.
Arduino will maintain its brand, tools and mission and will continue to support a wide range of microcontrollers and processors from multiple vendors. Over 33 million active community members will have direct access to Qualcomm’s technology stack and global reach, making it easier to bring innovative ideas to market.
The acquisition builds on Qualcomm’s recent integrations of Edge Impulse and Foundries.io and is part of a strategy to offer a comprehensive full-stack edge ecosystem – from hardware to software to cloud services. The closing is still subject to regulatory approvals.
UNO Q: A “dual-brain” milestone for developers
The first product of this new partnership is the Arduino UNO Q, a versatile single-board solution with dual processor architecture: a Linux Debian-enabled microprocessor based on the Qualcomm Dragonwing™ QRB2210 and a real-time microcontroller for precise control.
This combination makes it possible to create AI-driven vision and audio applications in real time – from complex smart home solutions to industrial automation and innovative IoT devices. The UNO Q remains fully compatible with the classic Arduino ecosystem while bringing new developer tools into play.
The Arduino App Lab is the first integrated development environment that unites projects across Real-Time OS, Linux, Python and AI workflows. The open platform enables rapid ideation, prototyping and scalable AI development and works seamlessly with Edge Impulse to optimize AI models for object detection, anomaly detection, image classification and speech processing.
Focus on open innovation
Leaders from both companies emphasize the importance of the open development philosophy: Arduino wants to continue to stand for accessibility, affordability and community engagement despite the integration into Qualcomm. Qualcomm, on the other hand, sees the opportunity to equip millions of developers with powerful tools and facilitate global commercialization.
The “From Blink to Think” event on October 7, 2025 marks the official launch of the collaboration and presents the UNO Q and the App Lab to the developer community worldwide.
Conclusion
With the acquisition of Arduino, Qualcomm is entering a new chapter in its edge and AI strategy. The synergy of high-performance technology and one of the largest developer ecosystems promises considerable innovation potential – from the rapid implementation of new ideas to the scaling of market-ready solutions. Pricing for the UNO Q and dates for broad availability will be announced in the coming months.
