Qualcomm to Buy AI Startup Modular in Nearly $4 Billion All-Stock Deal

Qualcomm has agreed to buy AI software startup Modular in an all-stock deal valued at nearly $4 billion, a move aimed at strengthening its push into data-center AI and software tools. Modular’s platform helps AI models run across different chips without rewriting code for each processor, which Qualcomm says will help it build a more open, developer-friendly AI ecosystem from edge devices to cloud and data centers. The deal, expected to close in the second half of 2026 pending approvals, reflects Qualcomm’s effort to expand beyond its smartphone-chip business and compete more directly in the fast-growing AI infrastructure market.