The collaboration will bring Ubuntu and Ubuntu Core to devices powered by Qualcomm® processors

Today Canonical, the publisher of Ubuntu, announced a collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., the latest major System-on-Chip manufacturer and designer to join Canonical’s silicon partner program.

Through the partner program, Qualcomm Technologies will have access to a secure, open source operating system, and optimised flavour of Ubuntu for Qualcomm Technologies’ software.  In addition, optimised Ubuntu and Ubuntu Core images will be available for Qualcomm SoCs, enabling enterprises to meet their regulatory, compliance and security demands for AI at the edge and the broader IoT market with a secure operating system that is supported for 10 years. 

Security-first and AI ready

The massive growth in AI and edge computing is exciting for device manufacturers. However, it also brings considerable challenges due to cybersecurity regulations which place increased security demands on embedded devices. On top of this, devices have to be easy to adopt and use by developers, and need to remain performant. 

To help meet these challenges, Qualcomm Technologies chose to partner with Canonical to create an optimised Ubuntu for Qualcomm IoT chipsets,  giving developers an easy path to create safe, compliant, security-focused, and high-performing applications for multiple industries including industrial, robotics and edge automation.

“The combination of Qualcomm Technologies’ processors with the popularity of Ubuntu among AI and IoT developers is a game changer for the industry,” commented Dev Singh, Vice President, Business Development and Head of Building, Enterprise & Industrial Automation, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “The collaboration was a natural fit, with Qualcomm Technologies’s Product Longevity program complementing the 10-year enterprise security and support commitments made by Canonical.”

Ideal to speed up time to market

Canonical and Ubuntu offer Qualcomm Technologies the tools and peace of mind to meet new IoT, AI and edge computing market challenges head on. 

By placing Ubuntu and Ubuntu Core at the centre of its devices and products, Qualcomm Technologies is creating a generation of devices that will be easy for developers to use and adopt.

The collaboration between Qualcomm Technologies and Canonical will provide options to the industry to accelerate time to market and reduce development costs.  Developers and enterprises can benefit from the Ubuntu Certified Hardware program, which features a growing list of certified ODM boards and devices based on Qualcomm SoCs. These certified devices deliver an optimised Ubuntu experience out-of-the-box, enabling developers to focus on developing applications and bringing products to market. 

“Canonical’s partner programs, in conjunction with Canonical’s expertise in guiding customers navigate their AI and IoT journey, help set the industry bar for performance with robustness, security and compliance. The work to integrate and optimise Qualcomm Technologies’ software with Ubuntu will enable channel partners and manufacturers to bring Ubuntu and Ubuntu Core platforms to a wide range of devices“, said Olivier Philippe, VP for Devices Engineering at Canonical.

Join Canonical and Qualcomm at Embedded World

The collaboration between Canonical and Qualcomm Technologies kicks off at the Embedded World conference, held at the exhibition centre in Nuremberg, Germany, on 9 to 11 April 2024. 

• Visit Canonical booth at [4-354]
• Visit Qualcomm booth at [5-161]

To find out more about Canonical’s partnership and optimised services for IoT, edge and AI products, stop by Canonical’s booth , or visit https://ubuntu.com/internet-of-things

About Canonical 

Canonical, the publisher of Ubuntu, provides open source security, support and services. Our portfolio covers critical systems, from the smallest devices to the largest clouds, from the kernel to containers, from databases to AI. With customers that include top tech brands, emerging startups, governments and home users, Canonical delivers trusted open source for everyone. Learn more at https://canonical.com/

Qualcomm branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. Qualcomm patented technologies are licensed by Qualcomm Incorporated.

Qualcomm is a trademark or registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated.