Global chip maker Qualcomm, Inc. plans to invest US$40 million in four Chinese tech companies that develop mobile, wireless and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies.

The Chinese tech companies that will receive investments include 7Invensun, Chukong Technologies, inPlug and Unisound.

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In addition to these tech firms, China Walden Venture Investments LP fund, a Chinese firm that invests in semiconductor companies, will also receive funding from Qualcomm.

The investment is part of Qualcomm's US$150 million fund, which was announced by the company last July, aimed at the Chinese market.

"With a focus on semiconductors, mobile application enablers, smart home and healthcare, this group of startup companies closely complements existing products and services from Qualcomm Incorporated's subsidiaries," said Nagraj Kashya, senior vice president of Qualcomm Ventures.

"We look forward to working with these innovative companies to provide financial, marketing, technology and business support to help propel them forward in the competitive wireless ecosystem."

7Invensun develops eye-tracking technologies used in healthcare and other areas such as virtual reality. Chukong Technologies provides developers and consumers with a mobile entertainment platform.

inPlug focuses on software defined networking used for home connected devices. Unisound is a company that develops voice recognition technology and platforms for wearables, smart appliances and in-car digital systems.

Qualcomm is not the only U.S.-based chip maker company that's heavily investing in China. Intel Corporation announced last October it's investing US$28 million in Chinese tech companies as part of the company's China Smart Device Innovation Fund.

Intel's investment also intends to focus on accelerating development of smart and connected devices for the IoT.

TagsQualcomm, 7Invensun, Chukong Technologies, inPlug, Unisound, IoT, Chinese Firms, fund, Intel