WiTricity Buys Qualcomm’s Wireless Charging Business
Boston-based WiTricity Corp. has acquired Qualcomm Inc.’s Halo wireless charging business for an unspecified amount.
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Boston-based WiTricity Corp. has acquired Qualcomm Inc.’s Halo wireless charging business for an unspecified amount.
The deal includes more than 1,500 patents and applications related to wireless charging. WiTricity will integrate Qualcomm Halo into its own wireless charging operations.
As part of the agreement, Qualcomm will become a minority owner of WiTricity. Other investors in the tech company include Delta Electronics Capital, Foxconn, Haier, Intel Capital, Schlumberger and Toyota.
WiTricity says the acquisition will speed the commercialization and global interoperability of wireless charging systems. Such technologies allow owners of electrified vehicles to replenish their batteries by parking over an inductive charging pad rather than having to plug into an electric outlet.
San Diego-based Qualcomm acquired HaloIPT’s wireless charging technology and other assets in 2011.
WiTricity was spun off from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2007. In addition to Qualcomm and Toyota, the company has development deals with Aptiv (formerly part of Delphi), Anjie Wireless, BMW, Brusa, Daihen, Honda, IHI, Mahle, Shindengen and Shindengen.
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