December 10, 2025 — In a move that signals a new chapter for open CPU architectures and Qualcomm’s broader ambitions in the AI computing landscape, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. has officially acquired Ventana Micro Systems, a Cupertino-based RISC-V chip designer known for developing high-performance, extensible compute architectures for data centers and AI-intensive environments.
The acquisition—announced Wednesday—underscores Qualcomm’s deepening investment in RISC-V, the free and open instruction set architecture increasingly viewed as a competitive alternative to Arm and x86. While financial details remain undisclosed, the strategic intent is clear: elevate Qualcomm’s CPU roadmap and reinforce the evolution of its custom Oryon architecture.
A Transformative Step in Qualcomm’s CPU Expansion
Ventana brings to Qualcomm a sophisticated RISC-V expertise that complements the company’s accelerated CPU ambitions. As pressure intensifies across PC, server, automotive, and edge markets, Qualcomm is positioning RISC-V as a foundational technology in its next-generation chip strategy.
“We believe the RISC-V instruction set architecture has the potential to advance the frontier of CPU technology, enabling innovation across products. The acquisition of Ventana Micro Systems marks a pivotal step in our journey to deliver industry-leading RISC-V-based CPU technology across products,” said Durga Malladi, executive vice president and general manager of technology planning, edge solutions, and data center for Qualcomm Technologies.
This acquisition arrives at a critical moment as Qualcomm ambitiously expands beyond mobile processors. The company is doubling down on PCs, servers, and high-performance computing—largely built around Oryon, the custom CPU technology it gained through the $1.4 billion acquisition of Nuvia in 2021.
After launching Oryon in its Snapdragon X Series processors for PCs last year, Qualcomm revealed plans in May to re-enter the server CPU market, bolstered by a former Intel Xeon chief architect hire and its $2.4 billion acquisition of Alphawave Semi.
Ventana’s RISC-V engineering will now accelerate these ambitions.
Ventana’s RISC-V Innovation: A Perfect Fit for Qualcomm’s Next Move
Founded in 2018, Ventana set out to redefine performance computing with RISC-V-based chiplets delivering capabilities competitive with top Arm and x86 server CPUs. Its technology, licensable as IP or multi-core chiplets, targeted high-growth markets including cloud, hyperscale, 5G, automotive, edge AI, and enterprise data centers.
Earlier this year, the company prepared to ship its Veyron V2 platform, designed for data center AI workloads with:
- a high-performance RISC-V CPU
- an integrated matrix math engine
- a high-performance vector unit
- modular acceleration options for AI and HPC
This platform promised up to 75% cost savings and could accelerate chip development cycles by as much as two years.
“We are thrilled to join the Qualcomm team and contribute our RISC-V expertise in the development of Qualcomm’s leading Oryon CPU technology,” said Balaji Baktha, founder and CEO of Ventana Micro Systems.
A Future Anchored in Open Standards and Legal Clarity
Qualcomm’s RISC-V momentum also comes months after its major legal victory in a dispute with Arm. The lawsuit—centered around Nuvia’s Arm licenses and Qualcomm’s development of Oryon—was dismissed in a Delaware court after a jury sided with Qualcomm on earlier claims. Arm intends to appeal, but the ruling clears the path for Qualcomm’s continued CPU innovation without disruption.
With the Arm dispute behind it and Ventana’s open-standard expertise entering the fold, Qualcomm is poised to build more adaptable and powerful computing platforms for AI-era devices and data infrastructures.
About Ventana Micro Systems
Ventana Micro Systems, founded in 2018 and headquartered in Cupertino, California, is a leading innovator in high-performance RISC-V CPU technology. The company develops extensible, secure, and scalable compute chiplets designed to compete with the latest Arm and x86 CPUs in the data center and AI markets. Ventana’s platforms—most notably its Veyron line—serve a wide range of applications, including cloud computing, hyperscale infrastructure, edge AI, 5G, automotive systems, and high-performance computing. As a member of the RISC-V International Board of Directors and its Technical Steering Committee, Ventana plays a significant role in advancing the global RISC-V ecosystem.
About Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. is a global leader in advanced wireless connectivity, high-performance computing, and intelligent system design. With more than 40 years of technology leadership, Qualcomm develops breakthrough innovations across AI, 5G, edge computing, and mobile platforms. Its Snapdragon® processors power billions of devices worldwide, while its custom Oryon CPU architecture represents the company’s boldest step into the next era of AI-driven computing. Qualcomm’s expanding portfolio—including Snapdragon, Dragonwing™, and now Ventana’s RISC-V innovations—drives digital transformation across industries, from consumer electronics to enterprise infrastructure. Qualcomm Technologies operates most of the company’s engineering, R&D, and semiconductor businesses, while Qualcomm Incorporated oversees licensing and intellectual property.
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