STMicroelectronics (ST) and Qualcomm Technologies International (QTI), a subsidiary of Qualcomm, announced a new strategic agreement to collaborate on the development of next-generation industrial and consumer IoT solutions based on edge AI. Both parties will fully leverage their complementary advantages, starting from Wi Fi/Bluetooth/Thread multi protocol chip system on chip (SoC), integrating Qualcomm Technologies' advanced AI wireless connectivity technology with STMicroelectronics' advanced microcontroller (MCU) ecosystem in the market. Through this collaboration, developers will enjoy seamless integration of wireless software into STM32 general-purpose MCUs, including software toolkits, while promoting rapid and widespread adoption of the solution in the market through STMicroelectronics' global sales and distribution channels.
Remi El Ouazzane, President of the Microcontrollers, Digital ICs, and RF Products Division (MDRF) at STMicroelectronics, stated, "The application cases of edge AI in enterprise, industrial, and personal devices are constantly emerging, and wireless connectivity is the key to the rapid popularization of edge AI. Therefore, STMicroelectronics has chosen to establish a wireless connectivity strategic cooperation with Qualcomm Technologies, starting with Wi Fi/Bluetooth/Thread multi protocol SoCs. At the same time, we are also considering our next cooperation plan to improve our existing portfolio of low-power Bluetooth, Zigbee, Thread, and sub GHz multi protocol products. We hope to enhance the product strength of each STM32 through Qualcomm Technologies' wireless connectivity technology, bringing tremendous value to our over 100000 STM32 customers worldwide
Rahul Patel, General Manager of Qualcomm Technologies' Connectivity, Broadband, and Networking Business Unit, said, "Qualcomm Technologies leads the industry in technology research and development, driving the development of wireless IoT technology from groundbreaking 4G/5G to high-performance Wi Fi and low-power connectivity solutions. Our collaboration with STMicroelectronics will integrate Qualcomm's advanced wireless connectivity solutions with the STM32 microcontroller ecosystem at the forefront of the ST market, helping feature rich products develop rapidly throughout the IoT industry. Together, we have opened up new experiences in IoT application development, providing developers and end-users with seamless integration, development convenience, and excellent wireless connectivity performance
STMicroelectronics will target a broader market by launching independent modules with Qualcomm's Wi Fi/Bluetooth/Thread multi protocol SoC product portfolio, which can be system level integrated with any STM32 general-purpose microcontroller product. The optimized wireless connectivity solution will be integrated into STMicroelectronics' developer ecosystem, helping developers shorten development time and product launch time. The first batch of products developed through this collaboration is expected to be supplied to OEM manufacturers in the first quarter of 2025, and the supply scope will be expanded thereafter. This is just the first step taken by both parties in their cooperation. The Wi Fi/Bluetooth/Thread multi protocol SoC product roadmap will continue to develop over time and plans to expand into the field of industrial IoT mobile cellular connectivity.
Andrew Zignani, Senior Research Director at ABI Research, said, "It is expected that by 2028, the installed base of consumer, commercial, and industrial IoT devices will exceed 80 billion units. The emergence of products that integrate high-performance wireless connectivity solutions with various microcontrollers will become the foundation for driving the next wave of wireless IoT innovation. Thanks to ST's cutting-edge microcontroller ecosystem and Qualcomm Technologies' significant advantages in wireless connectivity research and development, STMicroelectronics and Qualcomm Technologies' strategic cooperation can be described as a strong alliance. With the increasing popularity of developing integrated solutions together, it will help device manufacturers develop more easily, quickly, and cost effectively in the coming years, thus better responding to the constantly changing IoT market
About Qualcomm
Qualcomm persistently innovates to make intelligent computing ubiquitous, helping the world solve a series of severe challenges. We drive the transformation of major industries with market validated solutions, using Snapdragon ® Brand platforms empower extraordinary consumer experiences. Relying on our company's leadership in setting industry standards and creating groundbreaking technologies for nearly 40 years, we provide advanced edge AI, high-performance low-power computing, and unparalleled connectivity. We work together with ecosystem partners to empower the next generation of digital transformation, enrich people's lives, improve business operations, and drive social progress. At Qualcomm, we use technology to drive everyone forward.
Qualcomm includes technology licensing business (QTL) and the vast majority of our patent portfolio. Qualcomm Technologies Inc. (QTI) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Qualcomm, and together with its subsidiaries, operates all of our engineering, research and development activities, as well as all of our product and service businesses, including the semiconductor business (QCT). Snapdragon and Qualcomm branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies and/or its subsidiaries. Qualcomm's patented technology is licensed by Qualcomm Inc.
