Qualcomm announced an agreement to acquire Arduino on October 7, 2025. By December 2, Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon said the deal had recently closed, and Arduino’s current FAQ confirms the acquisition. Arduino says its brand, tools, multi-vendor support, and open-source foundation will continue. The clearest product example of the companies’ combined direction is UNO Q, which pairs Linux-capable computing with a microcontroller for real-time control.
What happened—and when?
Qualcomm Technologies announced the agreement on October 7, 2025. At the time, the transaction was subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions. On December 2, 2025, Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon said at the UBS Global Technology and AI Conference that Qualcomm had recently closed the acquisition. Arduino’s current acquisition FAQ also states that Qualcomm Technologies has acquired Arduino.
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The official materials cited here do not identify the precise closing date or disclose financial terms. Qualcomm’s announcement also reported “33M+ active users,” but did not provide a counting methodology; treat that as Qualcomm’s company-reported figure, not an independently verified count.
Why did Qualcomm acquire Arduino?
Qualcomm presents the deal as a way to connect its processing, graphics, computer-vision, and AI technologies with Arduino’s accessible tools and developer community. It described the acquisition alongside integrations with Edge Impulse and Foundries.io as part of a full-stack edge platform spanning hardware, software, and cloud services. Arduino’s FAQ similarly frames the goal as building an edge-computing stack from hardware to cloud.
#1 Best Overall
- 35+ Guided Electronics Projects: Progress from LEDs and buttons to RFID access, real-time clocks, motion and distance sensing, environmental monitoring, motor control and interactive displays for STEM learning, coding clubs and maker projects
- More I/O and Memory for Larger Builds: The MEGA 2560 R3 provides 54 digital I/O pins, including 15 PWM outputs, 16 analog inputs, 4 hardware serial ports and 256 KB flash for projects that combine more sensors, controls and displays
- 200+ Components for Prototyping: Includes LCD1602, RC522 RFID, RTC, DHT11, HC-SR501 PIR, ultrasonic and water-level sensors, GY-521, MAX7219, keypad, joystick, rotary encoder, relay, SG90 servo, stepper motor, DC motor, breadboard and more
- Learn, Modify and Create: Follow 35+ guided lessons with example code, then adjust sensor thresholds, timing, display text, motor behavior and control logic to turn structured exercises into access systems, monitors, alarms and interactive projects
- Organized for Repeatable Learning: Pre-soldered modules, a solderless breadboard, storage case and small-parts box reduce setup time and keep sensors, LEDs, ICs, wires and other components easy to find between projects
Those are the companies’ stated strategic aims, not proof that developers will gain particular commercial outcomes. Qualcomm’s Nakul Duggal said the combination could offer developers “a path towards global commercialization” by using Qualcomm’s ecosystem. That describes an intended opportunity, not a guarantee of market access or sales.
What changes for Arduino users?
Arduino says it will retain its independent brand, tools, and mission; continue supporting microcontrollers and microprocessors from multiple vendors; and keep supporting existing boards. So the announced acquisition does not, by itself, mean Arduino projects must move to Qualcomm chips.
Rank #2
- TURN CODE INTO REAL-WORLD RESULTS — Follow 22+ guided lessons to make LEDs blink, read temperature and distance, move servo and stepper motors, control an LCD and respond to joystick or IR input; ideal for a family weekend build, homeschool unit, coding club or STEM classroom
- MORE PROJECT VARIETY IN ONE ORGANIZED KIT — Includes the UNO R3 controller, LCD1602 with pre-soldered header, breadboard power module, ultrasonic and DHT11 sensors, joystick, IR receiver and remote, SG90 servo, stepper motor, relay, DC motor, fan blade, displays, LEDs, buttons, resistors and jumper wires
- START WITHOUT SOLDERING — Plug-in modules, a solderless breadboard and the pre-soldered LCD help beginners focus on wiring, code and testing; the illustrated component list makes it easier to find each part and move from one lesson to the next
- LEARN THE LOGIC, THEN CREATE YOUR OWN — Use Arduino IDE and the included example code to understand digital input and output, analog sensing, timing, motor control and display functions, then change thresholds, speeds and sequences for alarms, environmental monitors, reaction games and motion projects
- CLEAR SETUP SUPPORT FOR FIRST-TIME BUILDERS — Download the latest tutorial and code, select the UNO board and correct computer port, check component polarity and breadboard rows, and keep power-module input at 9V or below; younger learners should work with an experienced adult
Open-source hardware and software
Arduino says its open-source foundation will remain, including hardware schematics, SDKs, libraries, and IDEs released under open-source licenses. That commitment does not mean every Arduino-related service is open source: Arduino says reverse-engineering restrictions continue to apply to software-as-a-service cloud applications. Check the license or service terms for the specific component you use.
Data and terms
In a November 21, 2025 post, Arduino said the acquisition did not change how it handled user data or applied its open-source principles. It said the terms update clarified data practices, optional AI features, paid-service billing and refunds, and legal compliance. These are Arduino’s descriptions of its policies; consult its live legal documents for the terms currently in force.
Rank #3
- 30+ Guided Electronics Projects: Start with LEDs and build toward LCD1602 displays, RFID access, motion detection, distance sensing, motor control and environmental monitoring for STEM learning, coding clubs, classrooms and hobby projects
- 200+ Components Across 63 Types: Includes an ELEGOO UNO R3 controller, LCD1602, RC522 RFID, RTC, HC-SR501 PIR sensor, ultrasonic sensor, DHT11, GY-521, MAX7219, keypad, joystick, relay, SG90 servo, stepper motor, breadboard and more
- Begin Without Soldering: Pre-soldered modules, a solderless breadboard, organized storage case and small-parts box reduce setup time and help beginners move from lesson to lesson while keeping LEDs, ICs, wires and sensors easy to find
- Learn, Modify and Create: Program the ELEGOO UNO R3 board with Arduino IDE using the included PDF tutorial and example code, then adjust sensor thresholds, timing, display text and motor behavior to turn guided lessons into original projects
- Flexible Power and Project Setup: Includes a 9 V, 1 A power supply, breadboard power module, 9 V battery and USB cable to support controller, breadboard and module experiments without sourcing basic setup accessories separately
What products show the companies’ direction?
UNO Q: Linux computing plus real-time control
Introduced alongside the acquisition announcement, UNO Q is Arduino’s first “dual-brain” board. Arduino identifies a Qualcomm Dragonwing QRB2210 microprocessor and an STM32U585 microcontroller. In practical terms, the processor supports Linux-capable computing while the microcontroller handles real-time control. The companies describe Arduino App Lab as a unified environment for real-time OS, Linux, Python, and AI workflows.
This architecture may suit a project that needs both higher-level computing and predictable microcontroller control. It is not automatically the best fit for a conventional microcontroller project; choose based on the workload, required software, peripherals, connectivity, and verified board compatibility. Arduino said in October 2025 that UNO Q could be ordered through its store and named distributors, but that announcement does not establish current stock or price.
Rank #4
- All-in-One Starter Kit for Beginners: Part of the Powered by Arduino program, this kit includes an original Arduino UNO R4 WiFi, 300+ high-quality components, 50+ hands-on projects (30 basic, 13 fun, and 8 IoT), and 100+ free video lessons co-created with renowned educator Paul McWhorter. Designed for beginners ages 8+, it provides a complete, step-by-step path to learn Arduino, electronics, coding, and IoT. RoHS compliant for added safety and quality, it also makes a thoughtful gift for tech enthusiasts, students, and aspiring makers for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions
- Powerful Arduino Uno R4 WiFi Board: Upgraded from the Arduino Uno R3, the Arduino Uno R4 WiFi features a 32-bit processor, more memory, and built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, enabling connection to third-party apps for more interactive and practical projects.
- 300+ Components for Endless Possibilities: With 300+ components and sensors, this kit is perfect for portable projects. It features step-by-step tutorials, open-source code, and compatibility with other Arduino boards like Uno R3 and Nano, offering endless customization and learning opportunities.
- Engaging Projects for Every Skill Level: Featuring 50 projects (30 basic, 13 fun, 8 IoT) with IoT app integration like Arduino IoT Cloud , this kit supports Arduino C++ programming, making it perfect for students, teachers, and engineers to learn, code, and create at any skill level.
- Dedicated Support for Beginners: Alongside online resources and video tutorials, SunFounder provides technical support and troubleshooting forums to help beginners solve programming challenges with ease.
VENTUNO Q: a later AI-and-robotics example
Arduino’s March 9, 2026 announcement described VENTUNO Q with a Dragonwing IQ8 Series processor, a dedicated STM32H5 microcontroller, integrated AI and robotics workflows, and compatibility with Arduino and third-party expansion hardware. Arduino claims NPU acceleration of “up to 40 dense TOPS”; that is a vendor specification claim, not an independent benchmark. The post said the product would be available soon at that time, which does not establish current availability.
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Best Value
- The most economical kit comes with everything compatible with Arduino to starting programming for beginners .
- This is the upgraded starter kits come with a 9V 1A Power Adapter (At least $5.99 on amazon) to replace a 9V Battery , and the Lcd1602 module come with pin header(not need to be soldered by yourself).
- Include High Quality Base Board base on Arduino UNO R3 compatible with Arduino IED and Sensors, Servo, Motor, ULN2003 driver board, lcds, etc.
- Free PDF Tutorial and Datasheet are available to download from our official website or you can contact our customer service.
- All of the Components and Integrated Circuits are individually packaged and labeled, and packing in a plastic box which is bigger enough for you.
What should readers take away?
- The acquisition is completed, though the exact closing date and financial terms are not stated in the official materials cited here.
- Qualcomm’s rationale is to pair its edge-computing and AI portfolio with Arduino’s tools and community; the anticipated benefits remain company goals.
- Arduino says it will preserve its brand, multi-vendor support, and open-source hardware and software resources, while cloud applications remain subject to separate terms.
- UNO Q gives developers a concrete option combining Linux-capable computing with real-time microcontroller control; verify current availability and pricing before buying.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
