# Install AI Engine Direct
Source: [https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70015-15B/topic/qnn-download.html](https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70015-15B/topic/qnn-download.html)
Qualcomm AI Engine Direct SDK requires an Ubuntu 22.04 host machine.
Note: If the host machine uses Windows or macOS operating system software, install a virtual
machine following the steps provided [here](https://docs.qualcomm.com/bundle/publicresource/topics/80-70015-41). Subsequent steps must be run in the
virtual machine running Ubuntu 22.04 LTS.
The Qualcomm AI Engine Direct SDK workflow has been validated with Ubuntu 22.04 running
on bare metal or inside a Virtual Machine in the following configurations.
Note: Ubuntu 22.04 running inside a VM on macOS on Arm architecture is not supported.
| Download Method | Prerequisites | Version available |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [Direct Download](https://softwarecenter.qualcomm.com/api/download/software/qualcomm_neural_processing_sdk/v2.26.2.240911.zip) | No prerequisites for download. | v2.26.2 (SDK updated every quarter) |
| [Qualcomm Package
Manager](https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70015-15B/topic/qnn-download.html#concept_owl_1qt_pbc__section_fyw_1qt_pbc_spyrz_06-03-24-1259-9-228) | A valid Qualcomm ID is needed.
Qualcomm Package Manager tool. | SDK updated every month. |
## Direct Download
AI Engine Direct SDK is available for direct download [here](https://softwarecenter.qualcomm.com/api/download/software/qualcomm_neural_processing_sdk/v2.26.2.240911.zip). Once downloaded, unzip the
package.
Note: The SDK version hosted at the above link is updated quarterly.
unzip 2.26.2.240911.zipCopy to clipboard
cd qairt/2.26.2.240911Copy to clipboard
export SNPE_ROOT=`pwd`Copy to clipboard
## Qualcomm Package Manager
AI Engine Direct SDK is available for download via Qualcomm Package Manager (QPM).
This section demonstrates how to download AI Engine Direct SDK using QPM.
Note: In order to download Qualcomm AI Engine Direct from Qualcomm Package
Manager, ensure that you have registered for a Qualcomm ID. If you do not have a
Qualcomm ID, you will be prompted to register. Then follow the instructions below to
download and install the SDK.
1. Go to [Qualcomm Package Manager](https://qpm.qualcomm.com/#/main/) and log in using your
Qualcomm ID. 
2. Click on **AI Engine Direct SDK** to navigate to the next page. Choose
**Linux** and **Version 2.26.2.240911** from the drop-down lists
and then click **Download** to download the AI Engine Direct SDK
installer.
Note:
- These instructions use version 2.26.2.240911 as an example.
- If using the Qualcomm Package Manager desktop tool, the
**Extract** button will be present instead of download. This
automatically installs the QNN SDK.
3. Install the downloaded installer (.qik) using the QPM CLI tool.
1. Log in using QPM CLI.
qpm-cli --login Copy to clipboard
Password:
[Info] : Login is successful
[Info] : Fetching product catalog ....
[Info] : Product catalog refreshed successfullyCopy to clipboard
2. Activate your SDK
license.
qpm-cli --license-activate qualcomm_ai_engine_directCopy to clipboard
[Info] : Activating license : qualcomm_ai_engine_direct
[Info] : License activation is successful ActivationId=[7██████████1]Copy to clipboard
3. Extract and install the SDK.
qpm-cli --extract Copy to clipboard
---------------------------------
Access to and use of tools managed by the Qualcomm Package Manager are subject to the terms and
conditions of the corresponding agreement(s) in place with Qualcomm Technologies, In. or its affliates.
Unauthorized access or use is prohibited. Information such as tool version, operating system, user ID,
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that you use may be collected for internal business purposes or tool improvements and is subject to
the Qualcomm Privacy Policy [http://www.qualcomm.com/site/privacy].
By accessing or using this tool, you agree to the foregoing.
Copyright (c) 2018-2024 Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Accept and continue with installation [y/n]: y
[Info] : Config File Present
[Info] : Checking environment
[Info] : Checking previous version
[Info] : Checking dependencies
[Info] : Preparing system
[Info] : Extracting files
[Info] : Configuring system
[Info] : Finishing
[Info] : SUCCESS: Installed qualcomm_ai_engine_direct.Core at /opt/qcom/aistack/qairt/2.26.2.240911Copy to clipboard
Last Published: Jan 21, 2026
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