Qualcomm Adopts Drones for the Summer

Qualcomm is about to change the way we use drones and bring about a revolution in the drone and robotics industry. Just as smartphones have become more versatile and dynamic over the years thanks to their interconnected components, Qualcomm wants to bring about the same change of integration and miniaturization to the drone and robot industry. To have a better sense on how to perfect robotics chipsets, the company has invited 10 start-ups this summer to its headquarters in San Diego.

According to Houman Haghighi, the head of Qualcomm’s Robotics Accelerator team, “Our goal is to kickstart the next wave of innovation by removing points of resistance”. This collaboration and mentorship program between the leading mobile technologies giant and various startups has been termed “Techstars”. Qualcomm intends to invest up to $100,000 and beyond in each startup that’s participating in the program.

Besides the hefty capital to work with, each startup has the ability to use the company’s experts and products, while Qualcomm will get deep insight into the technology it requires for its new generation of products. Even the L.A Dodgers and Walt Disney Co. have unveiled similar startup programs.

To provide a better environment to collaborate in, Qualcomm has converted its orthodox office space into an open-space format. Within this space, 2 companies are constructing drones – Skyfront is focusing on long-range drones while Inova Drone is developing robust models for law enforcement and SkySense is building charging stations for drones.

Ctrl Works is creating machinery to move robots such as a mechanized dolly while Carbon Robotics is developing a mechanical arm. Reach Robotics is focusing on robots that fight each other while Cleverpet is making robots that provide mental exercise to pets by helping them understand which buttons they have to press to receive a treat. Solencia is creating a light powered by solar energy that tracks the sun around a building to receive maximum energy. Sky Robotics is in search of methods to accelerate robot development through new software projects whereas Rational Robotics is going to assist them in painting robots.

40 companies went through Qualcomm’s evaluation and eventually, only 10 were able to make the cut. They will display their products and progress to investors on September 10.

Alan Phillips

Alan is serial entrepreneur, active angel investor, and a drone enthusiast. He co-founded DRONELIFE.com to address the emerging commercial market for drones and drone technology. Prior to DRONELIFE.com, Alan co-founded Where.com, ThinkingScreen Media, and Nurse.com. Recently, Alan has co-founded Crowditz.com,  a leader in Equity Crowdfunding Data, Analytics, and Insights.  Alan can be reached at alan(at)dronelife.com