NEWS

2024.8.28

AWL Collaborates with Qualcomm: Expanding the Edge AI Ecosystem and Leading the Market

• NEWS
• プレスリリース

AWL, Inc., a certified startup originating from Hokkaido University that develops core image recognition technology and provides edge AI camera solutions (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Muneharu Kitade, hereinafter “AWL”), has announced that it has signed an ISV agreement with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., which develops and designs mobile communication technology and semiconductors.

・Background and purpose of this collaboration

AWL is a deep-tech startup that leverages cutting-edge edge AI technology to visualize real spaces beyond what the human eye can see. By doing so, AWL provides solutions that enhance productivity and promote digital transformation (DX) addressing workforce shortages and fostering corporate growth and value creation. Leveraging its extensive experience in retail, including serving a leading drugstore in Hokkaido such as Sapporo Drug Store, AWL has grown to become a leader in the edge AI industry. Currently, in addition to retail and distribution within Japan, AWL is expanding its business into various industries such as restaurants, banks, elevators, and mobility. Furthermore, AWL is also advancing its global expansion, particularly in the ASEAN market.

Through the signing of the ISV agreement between AWL and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., the core technology of AWL’s edge AI, “AWL Engine,” will be eligible to be certified as compatible with the Snapdragon® processors. This collaboration is expected to help AWL to further promote the use of its edge AI camera technology worldwide, particularly in the retail industry, and to expand and evolve the associated IoT ecosystem.

・Synergy AWL expects the combination of AWL’s advanced image recognition technology and Qualcomm Technologies’ powerful intelligent computing platforms to help enhance customer behavior analysis and inventory management efficiency within stores. This should enable the retail industry to operate more intelligently and efficiently, contributing to an improved customer experience.
Furthermore, with the collaboration established between Qualcomm Technologies and AWL, both companies will continue to drive digital transformation across various industries through innovative solutions.

・Joint Exhibition at InnoEX2024 in Vietnam for Business Expansion in the ASEAN Region

InnoEX2024 is an international innovation event held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from August 22 to 23, 2024. This event aims to promote innovation and development within the business community of Vietnam and Southeast Asia. InnoEX2024 featured a variety of activities, including a CEO forum, startup pitches, exhibitions, an investment zone, and business networking, providing participants with valuable business opportunities and networking platforms. AWL and Qualcomm jointly participated InnoEX2024 and demonstrated the cutting-edge technologies of AWL Engine with Snapdragon® for retailers in Vietnam.

・Participation to Qualcomm Advantage Network

The Qualcomm Advantage Network is an ecosystem for companies that drive digital transformation of industries using Qualcomm Technologies’ innovations. By participating in this network, AWL can connect and build collaborative relationships with companies from various industries, including hardware manufacturers, software developers, cloud solution providers, and system integrators. Network members are offered a wide range of benefits, such as joint marketing, the latest technical and industry information, and resources for business growth. This enables AWL to achieve further growth and innovation, thereby enhancing its competitiveness in the global market.

・About AWL, Inc.

A certified startup originating from Hokkaido University, AWL has a proven track record in utilizing and implementing IoT with cutting-edge edge AI (artificial intelligence) video analysis technology, primarily in the retail industry. In Hokkaido, a region at the forefront of addressing various social issues such as an aging population and labor shortages, AWL provides optimal solutions on-site in partnership with the Hokkaido-based drugstore chain “Satudora,” offering high-quality and low-cost services. AWL’s proprietary AI technology supplements “human eyes,” visualizing people and real spaces in real-time across various sites. Together with global clients, AWL continues to tackle social challenges.

Aiming to expand its advanced AI research and development system, AWL has pursued global recruitment since its early days, successfully attracting top talent from around 20 countries worldwide. Currently, about 90% of its engineers are foreign nationals. The company promotes diversity at all levels, including management, regardless of age, gender, or nationality, creating a corporate culture rich in diversity akin to Silicon Valley.

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Qualcomm patented technologies are licensed by Qualcomm Incorporated.
Qualcomm is a trademark or registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated.