--- markdown_generated_at: "2026-11-04" title: "We invent to break the mold, time and again." url: "https://www.qualcomm.com/company/about/invention-leadership" --- # We invent to break the mold, time and again. ## Invention isn’t just what we do. It’s in our DNA. Qualcomm is an invention company that solves fundamental technology problems at the heart of everyday life. Did you know virtually every cell phone on earth utilizes our technology? We make our connected world—and future—possible by pushing the boundaries of connectivity, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and more. ## Meet the inventors behind Qualcomm’s innovative breakthroughs. Qualcomm is a team composed of inquisitive minds, of doers, of people who are driven to always look forward. It is that insatiable drive to create that has made Qualcomm a global leader in invention, creating technologies that have redefined how we connect, compute, and communicate. Qualcomm inventions power our day-to-day lives: from 5G to video streaming to location-finding, Qualcomm is at the forefront of the technologies we rely upon the most. Meet the Qualcomm inventors behind the groundbreaking innovations that have transformed our world. ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/tao-inventor-leadership?$QC_Responsive$&fmt=png-alpha) #### Tao Luo’s inventions paved the way from 3G to 4G to 5G. Next up? 6G. Tao Luo is a Senior Director of Engineering and worked with Qualcomm for almost 20 years. He invented thousands of different patented technologies that shepherded the world through the different “G” generations of connectivity technology. Currently he is the systems lead for wireless research and development on Qualcomm Technologies’ 5G mmWave project. - [Read more about Tao Luo](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2022/09/qualcomm-inventor-tao-luo-on-how-your-5g-phone-connects-to-a-cel) - [Read more about Qualcomm Technologies’ 5G mmWave project](https://www.qualcomm.com/research/5g/5g-nr/mmwave) ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/qc-innovator-kiran?$QC_Responsive$&fmt=png-alpha) #### Kiran Mukkavilli’s contributions to OFDM radio waveform technology changed the world. Kiran Mukkavilli—Senior Director of Engineering (Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.)—came up with fundamental ideas related to the orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) radio waveform critical to 4G and 5G. His technological contributions help enable the high-speed wireless data we rely upon in our everyday modern world. - [Read more about Kiran Mukkavilli](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2022/09/how-qualcomm-inventor-dr--kiran-mukkavilli-helped-hash-out-the-f) - [Explore OFDM radio waveform technology](https://www.qualcomm.com/content/dam/qcomm-martech/dm-assets/documents/5g_research_on_waveform_and_multiple_access_techniques.pdf) ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/qc-innvator-yeliz?$QC_Responsive$&fmt=png-alpha) #### Yeliz Tokgoz is dedicated to solving fundamental cellular technology problems. Yeliz Tokgoz is the Principal Engineer (Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.) in the Wireless R&D Division who participates in the major efforts that go into making your phone connect smoothly and quickly to the cellular network. Her work focuses on providing high-speed, reliable, and consistent wireless coverage wherever customers are operating. - [Read more about Yeliz Tokgoz](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2022/09/how-qualcomm-inventor-dr--yeliz-tokgoz-s-ideas-improve-coverage-) - [Read more about 5G wireless coverage](https://www.qualcomm.com/research/5g) ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/qc-innvator-xiaoxia?$QC_Responsive$&fmt=png-alpha) #### Xiaoxia Zhang is an inventor on over 2,500 granted patents across 3G/4G/5G, industrial IoT, and other technologies. Xiaoxia Zhang is one of Qualcomm’s most prolific inventors whose work enables technologies we use every day, from calling friends and family to streaming video on our smartphones. She is now a Senior Director of Technology (Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.) and leads industrial IoT development, shared/unlicensed spectrum, and RAN disaggregation on 5G technology development. - [Read more about Xiaoxia Zhang](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2022/09/qualcomm-inventor-dr--xiaoxia-zhang-on-how-your-phone-finds-the-) - [Explore industrial IoT](https://www.qualcomm.com/products/internet-of-things/industrial/industrial-automation) ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/vanitha?$QC_Responsive$&fmt=png-alpha) #### Vanitha Kumar’s work on modem software helped make 5G a reality. Vanitha Kumar—Senior Vice President of Software Engineering (Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.) —has 25 years of experience in the wireless telecommunications industry and is passionate about the future of technology. Her professional mission pushes the envelope on seamless mobile user experiences, and she is an inventor on over 200 patents in the US and abroad. - [Read more about Vanitha Kumar](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2022/03/meet-vanitha-kumar-qualcomm-inventor-whose-work-modem-software-helped-make-5g) - [Explore 5G challenges and our solutions](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2021/05/riding-wave-5g-millimeter-time) ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/stephen?$QC_Responsive$&fmt=png-alpha) #### Stephen Edge’s work contributes to location technologies we use every day. Stephen Edge—Principal Engineer (Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.) —hails from England where he specialized in packet switching networks and ran simulations on the early TCP/IP protocol for ARPANET, the predecessor of the internet. Now with Qualcomm since 2005, he invents technological foundations for location services and coordinates standardization efforts for 5G satellite communications. - [Read more about Stephen Edge](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2022/03/qa-qualcomm-technologies-inventor-stephen-edge-development-location-services-and) - [Learn more about location technologies](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2021/12/5g-bringing-precise-positioning-connected-intelligent-edge) ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/lin?$QC_Responsive$&fmt=png-alpha) #### Lin Lu invents breakthrough tech to optimize 5G uplink speeds. Lin Lu—Vice President of Technology (Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.) —is a key inventor behind Qualcomm® Smart Transmit™, a breakthrough technology that optimizes uplink speed and coverage for 5G. Her tech utilizes advanced techniques to intelligently manage device transmit power across multiple antenna groups (2G to 5g, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth) to help unlock 5G's true potential. - [Read more about Lin Lu](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2022/02/meet-inventor-behind-qualcomm-smart-transmit-breakthrough-technology-optimizes) - [Learn more about Smart Transmit technology](https://www.qualcomm.com/videos/fierce-webinar-why-and-what-you-need-to-know-about-6g-in-2022/what-s-next-in-5g--smart-transmit) ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/ananth?$QC_Responsive$&fmt=png-alpha) #### Ananth Kandhadai envisions a new era of computer vision advances. Ananth Kandhadai—Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. Senior Director of Engineering in Multimedia Research and Development—is a pioneer in speech coding, image processing, computer vision, deep learning, vision hardware acceleration, power-constrained system design, and AR/VR system solutions. Currently, he leads a group of R&D engineers focused on computer vision and camera systems. - [Read more about Ananth Kandhadai](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2022/02/meet-ananth-kandhadai-qualcomm-inventor-whose-expertise-signal-processing-and) - [Learn more about the new era of XR](https://www.qualcomm.com/research/extended-reality) ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/dr-tingfang-ji?$QC_Responsive$&fmt=png-alpha) #### Dr. Tingfang Ji helped connect the world. Literally. Dr. Tingfang Ji's—VP, Engineering, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.—invention of scalable numerology is pivotal to helping make 5G work with a wide range of devices, not just phones. Thanks to Tingfang's work, 5G can connect countless new devices that were previously unconnected, setting the stage for our hyperconnected future. - [Read more about Dr. Tingfang Ji](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2021/06/invention-scalable-numerology-how-dr-tingfang-ji-helped-bring-5g-more-just) - [Learn more about 5G](https://www.qualcomm.com/5g/what-is-5g) ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/dr-marta-karczewicz?$QC_Responsive$&fmt=png-alpha) #### Meet Dr. Marta Karczewicz, an inventor who made video sharing possible. Conducting business and education during the COVID-19 pandemic without video conferencing seems unimaginable. Luckily, we have Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. innovator and our Vice President of Technology Dr. Marta Karczewicz, a foundational pioneer of video compression. Marta's work makes things like streaming TV, video chatting, and even video sharing possible. - [Read more about Dr. Marta Karczewicz](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2021/05/meet-dr-marta-karczewicz-qualcomm-inventor-who-helped-make-it-possible-stream) - [Learn more about Dr. Marta's lifetime achievement award](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2019/05/meet-dr-marta-karczewicz-qualcomm-technologies-inventor) ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/dr-simone-merlin?$QC_Responsive$&fmt=png-alpha) #### Inventor Dr. Simone Merlin works with medium access control revolutionized Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi is one of the most critical inventions of the modern day. Meet Dr. Simone Merlin, Engineer, Principal/Mgr at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and a master of blazing-fast Wi-Fi. Through his innovations in the Wi-Fi medium access control (MAC) layer and his pioneering work in Mesh Networks, Simone has helped make Wi-Fi faster and more reliable, despite an ever-growing number of connected devices. - [Read more about Dr. Simone Merlin](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2021/07/qualcomm-inventor-who-helped-make-wi-fi-faster-and-more-efficient-high-traffic) ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/dr-lola-awoniyi-oteri?$QC_Responsive$&fmt=png-alpha) #### Thank Dr. Lola Awoniyi-Oteri for your device’s long battery life. Not many people can say their name is on over 300 patents and wire communication application technologies that help 5G operate efficiently and effectively, but then again not many people are like Dr. Lola Awoniyi-Oteri, Engineer, Principal/Manager, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. Thanks to Lola's innovations in mobility management and power efficiency, users can experience the benefits of 5G without sacrificing battery life. Battery life varies significantly with settings, usage, and other factors. - [Read more about Dr. Lola Awoniyi-Oteri](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2021/07/how-dr-lola-awoniyi-oteri-optimizes-5g-through-power-savings-and-mobility) - [Learn more about 5G mmWave](https://www.qualcomm.com/5g/mmwave) ## Game-changing inventions. Qualcomm has a long history of making the impossible possible. Our unparalleled invention leadership has been changing the world for more than three decades. From the foundations of modern cellular technology and 5G, to Wi-Fi and video streaming, location-finding technologies, to AI, Qualcomm is at the forefront of technological innovation. ### Wi-Fi and Mesh Networks Qualcomm’s inventions enable faster, more reliable Wi-Fi access to customers. ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/6282524969001) ### Location-Finding Technologies Location-finding technologies are an invaluable part of our daily lives. Our engineers spent years of intensive research, inventing, and testing to make location-finding on your phone second nature. ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/6282525889001) ### Multimedia Technologies Today’s sophisticated multimedia technologies like video calls, TV streaming, and HD image captures are built on the bedrock of Qualcomm inventions. ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/6282524906001) ### Optimized 5G Qualcomm invented underlying technologies critical to making 5G work. We continue to pave the way for future breakthroughs by utilizing the limitless potential of 5G technology. - [See how 5G is making the world more connected](https://www.qualcomm.com/) - [Learn about Qualcomm’s role in making 5G reality](https://www.qualcomm.com/5g) ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/6294916619001) ## Qualcomm is built on a spirit of invention. ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/about-qualcomm?$QC_Responsive$&fmt=png-alpha) #### Learn about Qualcomm’s ongoing invention leadership across technologies, decades, and people. - [About Qualcomm](https://www.qualcomm.com/company) ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/qualcomm-research?$QC_Responsive$&fmt=png-alpha) #### Learn how Qualcomm’s R&D is driving the wireless industry forward. - [Qualcomm Research](https://www.qualcomm.com/research) ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/qualcomm-licensing?$QC_Responsive$&fmt=png-alpha) #### Learn how Qualcomm Licensing is empowering invention across the mobile ecosystem. - [Qualcomm Licensing](https://www.qualcomm.com/licensing) ### Keep reading about Qualcomm inventors and inventions. - OnQ Blog - [Introducing CD Lossless Bluetooth Audio: Learn about our latest breakthrough audio tech and what’s driving consumer demand for premium sound experiences](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2021/09/introducing-cd-lossless-bluetooth-audio-learn-about-our-latest-breakthrough) - Aug 31, 2021 - Tags: [Snapdragon Sound](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=Snapdragon%20Sound), [Audio](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=Audio), [aptX](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=aptX) - OnQ Blog - [How Qualcomm Technologies is collaborating to transform connected spaces and smart cities](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2021/07/how-qualcomm-technologies-collaborating-transform-connected-spaces-and-smart) - Jul 26, 2021 - Tags: [Smart Cities](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=Smart%20Cities), [5G](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=5G), [AI](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=AI) - OnQ Blog - [What key technology inventions will drive the 5G expansion?](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2020/07/what-key-technology-inventions-will-drive-5g-expansion) - Jul 2, 2020 - Tags: [5G](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=5G), [Spectrum Sharing](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=Spectrum%20Sharing), [Cellular-V2X](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=Cellular-V2X) - OnQ Blog - [Qualcomm Exclusive: Interview with Inventor Dean Kamen [video]](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2018/02/qualcomm-interview-inventor-dean-kamen) - Feb 11, 2018 - Tags: [First Robotics](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=First%20Robotics) - OnQ Blog - [Inventing the Future Starts with the "Impossible"](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2016/09/inventing-future-starts-impossible) - Sep 12, 2016 - Tags: [Internet of Things](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=Internet%20of%20Things), [5G](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq?tags=5G) ## Sign up to hear about the latest Qualcomm innovations. - [Newsletter sign-up](https://assets.qualcomm.com/subscription-center-sign-up.html) Qualcomm Smart Transmit is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.