# Install Qualcomm AI Runtime SDK
Qualcomm AI Runtime SDK requires an Ubuntu 22.04 host computer.
Note
If the host computer uses Windows or macOS operating system
software, install a virtual machine following the steps provided
[here](https://docs.qualcomm.com/bundle/publicresource/topics/80-70017-41).
Subsequent steps must be run in the virtual machine running Ubuntu
22.04 LTS.
The Qualcomm AI Runtime 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/v2.29.0.241129.zip) | No prerequisites for download | 2.29.0.241129 (SDK updated every quarter) |
| [Qualcomm Package Manager](https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70017-15B/topic/qairt-install.html#qualcomm-package-manager) |
A valid Qualcomm ID.
Qualcomm Package Manager tool.
| SDK updated every month |
## Direct download
Qualcomm AI Runtime SDK is available for direct download
[here](https://softwarecenter.qualcomm.com/api/download/software/qualcomm_neural_processing_sdk/v2.29.0.241129.zip).
Once downloaded, extract or unzip the SDK.
Note
The SDK version hosted at the above link is updated quarterly.
unzip v2.29.0.241129.zip
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cd qairt/2.29.0.241129
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export QAIRT_ROOT=`pwd`
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Once finished, proceed to [Set up Qualcomm AI Runtime SDK](https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70017-15B/topic/qairt-setup.html)
## Qualcomm Package Manager
Qualcomm AI Runtime SDK is available for download through
Qualcomm Package Manager (QPM). This section demonstrates how to
download Qualcomm AI Runtime SDK using QPM.
To download QPM3, install QPM3 from [https://qpm.qualcomm.com/#/main/tools/details/QPM3](https://qpm.qualcomm.com/#/main/tools/details/QPM3)
Note
To download Qualcomm AI Runtime SDK 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/%23/main/)
and sign in using your Qualcomm ID.
2. Go to the **Tools** tab and search for *AI Stack* in
the left pane. From the filtered results, click the arrow next to
Qualcomm® AI Stack to expand the list of available AI Software SDKs
and select **Qualcomm Neural Processing SDK** from the list.
3. Select **Qualcomm Neural Processing SDK** to go to the next
page. Choose **Linux** and **Version 2.29.0.241129** from the
dropdown lists and then click **Download** to download the Qualcomm
Neural Processing SDK installer.
Note
- These instructions use version 2.29.0.241129 as an example.
- If using the Qualcomm Package Manager desktop tool, the **Extract**
button will be present instead of download. This automatically
installs the SNPE SDK.
4. Install the downloaded installer (.qik) using the QPM CLI tool.
1. Sign in using QPM CLI.
qpm-cli --login
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Password:
[Info] : Login is successful
[Info] : Fetching product catalog ....
[Info] : Product catalog refreshed successfully
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2. Activate your SDK license.
qpm-cli --license-activate qualcomm_neural_processing_sdk
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[Info] : Activating license : qualcomm_ai_engine_direct
[Info] : License activation is successful ActivationId=[f██████████b]
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3. Extract and install the SDK.
qpm-cli --extract
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---------------------------------
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,
company ID, IP address, computer mac address, date, timestamp, or features and functions of our tools
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_neural_processing_sdk.Core at /opt/qcom/aistack/qairt/2.29.0.241129
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Last Published: Jan 21, 2026
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