Applied Materials and GlobalFoundries Partner to Accelerate AI-Powered Photonics

Rhea-AI Summary

Applied Materials (NASDAQ:AMAT) has announced a strategic partnership with GlobalFoundries to establish a cutting-edge waveguide fabrication facility in Singapore. The collaboration aims to accelerate AI-powered photonics development, focusing on components for augmented reality (AR) glasses and next-generation AI applications.

The partnership leverages Applied Materials' materials engineering expertise and GlobalFoundries' semiconductor manufacturing capabilities to develop and produce high-volume waveguide components. This initiative will support the growing demand for ultra-efficient, lightweight optical systems essential for human-centric digital experiences.

The facility will be part of Singapore's expanding photonics ecosystem, which includes materials, sensors, integration, assembly, test, and applications development.

Positive

• Strategic partnership combines Applied Materials' engineering expertise with GlobalFoundries' manufacturing capabilities
• Positions Applied Materials as a leader in the emerging AI-powered photonics market
• Expansion into high-growth AR and AI applications market
• Integration into Singapore's established photonics ecosystem

Negative

• None.

News Market Reaction

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+0.28% News Effect

On the day this news was published, AMAT gained 0.28%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Applied is leveraging its leadership in materials engineering to provide the highest quality waveguides for augmented reality glasses

SANTA CLARA, Calif. and SINGAPORE, Sept. 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Applied Materials, Inc. today announced a strategic collaboration with GlobalFoundries (GF) to establish a state-of-the-art waveguide fabrication facility at GF Singapore to accelerate the emerging photonics inflection driven by AI.

The collaboration marks a significant milestone in the evolution of photonics as a foundational technology for next-generation AI applications, including augmented reality (AR) and human-centric digital experiences that require ultra-efficient, lightweight and high-performance optical systems. Applied Materials will develop waveguide components with GF as its high-volume manufacturing partner in Singapore, leveraging decades of semiconductor expertise.

“Photonics is rapidly becoming a critical enabler of augmented reality glasses that put humans at the center of the AI experience, and Applied Materials is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation,” said Dr. Paul Meissner, Vice President and General Manager of Applied Materials’ Photonics Platforms Business in the Office of the CTO. “The collaboration with GlobalFoundries allows Applied to extend our leadership in materials engineering and deliver highly integrated display technologies.”

“GlobalFoundries is proud to partner with Applied Materials to advance photonics innovation in Singapore,” said Yew Kong Tan, senior vice president and general manager, APAC Manufacturing and Singapore Site at GF. “By combining our global semiconductor manufacturing expertise with Applied’s cutting-edge materials engineering, we’re delivering innovative technology solutions that will drive and scale adoption of next generation devices.”

The collaboration builds on the emerging and vibrant photonics ecosystem in Singapore, encompassing materials, sensors, integration, assembly, test, and applications.

About Applied Materials
Applied Materials, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMAT) is the leader in materials engineering solutions that are at the foundation of virtually every new semiconductor and advanced display in the world. The technology we create is essential to advancing AI and accelerating the commercialization of next-generation chips. At Applied, we push the boundaries of science and engineering to deliver material innovation that changes the world. Learn more at www.appliedmaterials.com.

Contacts:
Ricky Gradwohl (Media) 408.235.4676
Liz Morali (Financial Community) 408.986.7977

FAQ

What is the partnership between Applied Materials and GlobalFoundries for?

The partnership aims to establish a state-of-the-art waveguide fabrication facility in Singapore to accelerate AI-powered photonics development, particularly for augmented reality glasses and AI applications.

How will AMAT's collaboration with GlobalFoundries impact AR technology?

The collaboration will enable the development of advanced waveguide components for AR glasses, focusing on ultra-efficient, lightweight optical systems that enhance human-centric AI experiences.

What role will GlobalFoundries play in the AMAT partnership?

GlobalFoundries will serve as the high-volume manufacturing partner in Singapore, contributing their global semiconductor manufacturing expertise to produce waveguide components.

Where will the new AMAT and GlobalFoundries facility be located?

The new waveguide fabrication facility will be located in Singapore, leveraging the region's existing photonics ecosystem for materials, sensors, integration, assembly, test, and applications.

What is Applied Materials' role in the photonics partnership?

Applied Materials will develop waveguide components and provide materials engineering expertise to deliver highly integrated display technologies for AR and AI applications.