GlobalFoundries and MIT Collaborate to Advance Research and Innovation on Essential Chips for AI
Rhea-AI Summary
GlobalFoundries (GFS) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have announced a new master research agreement to advance semiconductor technologies, with a focus on AI applications. The collaboration will be led by MIT's Microsystems Technology Laboratories (MTL) and GF Labs.
The initial research will concentrate on GF's silicon photonics technology, which integrates RF SOI, CMOS, and optical features on a single chip for datacenter power efficiency, and the 22FDX® platform for ultra-low power consumption in edge devices.
The agreement builds upon existing partnerships, including GF's participation in MTL's Microsystems Industrial Group and MIT's involvement in GF's University Partnership Program. The collaboration also extends to workforce development initiatives through the Northeast Microelectronics Coalition.
Positive
- Strategic research partnership with top-tier academic institution (MIT)
- Development of advanced AI chip technologies
- Focus on power-efficient solutions for datacenters
- Enhancement of 22FDX® platform capabilities
Negative
- None.
Insights
GlobalFoundries' new master research agreement with MIT represents a strategic move to enhance its specialized semiconductor technologies for AI applications, focusing on two key differentiated platforms: silicon photonics for power-efficient datacenters and 22FDX for ultra-low power edge devices. This collaboration aligns perfectly with GF's strategy of focusing on specialized, high-value manufacturing processes rather than competing with TSMC and Samsung in leading-edge nodes.
The partnership comes at a critical time for the U.S. semiconductor industry, as CHIPS Act funding begins flowing to strengthen domestic capabilities. By formalizing this relationship with MIT—one of the world's premier semiconductor research institutions—GF gains privileged access to cutting-edge research and emerging talent in a highly competitive labor market.
For investors, while this agreement won't directly impact near-term financials, it signals GF's commitment to strengthening its technological moat in specialized processes. The focus on power efficiency for AI applications is particularly noteworthy, as energy consumption has become a critical constraint in AI deployment both in datacenters and at the edge.
The collaboration builds upon existing engagements and aligns with broader industry trends of deeper academia-industry partnerships to accelerate innovation cycles. By leveraging MIT's research capabilities alongside its manufacturing expertise, GF is positioning itself to develop differentiated solutions that could command premium pricing and potentially expand its addressable market in AI-specific applications, which continue to grow at rates exceeding the broader semiconductor industry.
Expanded collaboration includes joint research on GF’s leading semiconductor platforms
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. and MALTA, N.Y., Feb. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GlobalFoundries (Nasdaq: GFS) (GF) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) today announced a new master research agreement to jointly pursue advancements and innovations for enhancing the performance and efficiency of critical semiconductor technologies. The collaboration will be led by MIT’s Microsystems Technology Laboratories (MTL) and GF’s research and development team, GF Labs.
With an initial research focus on AI and other applications, the first projects are expected to leverage GF’s differentiated silicon photonics technology, which monolithically integrates RF SOI, CMOS, and optical features on a single chip to realize power efficiencies for datacenters, and GF’s 22FDX® platform, which delivers ultra-low power consumption for intelligent devices at the edge.
“The collaboration between MIT MTL and GF exemplifies the power of academia-industry cooperation in tackling the most pressing challenges in semiconductor research,” said Tomás Palacios, MTL Director and Clarence J. LeBel Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Palacios will serve as the MIT faculty lead for this research initiative.
“By bringing together MIT's world-renowned capabilities with GF's leading semiconductor platforms, we are positioned to drive significant research advancements in GF’s essential chip technologies for AI,” said Gregg Bartlett, chief technology officer at GF. “This collaboration underscores our commitment to innovation and highlights our dedication to developing the next generation of talent in the semiconductor industry. Together, we will research transformative solutions in the industry.”
“Integrated circuit technologies are the core driving a broad spectrum of applications ranging from mobile computing and communication devices to automotive, energy, and cloud computing,” said Anantha P. Chandrakasan, dean of MIT's School of Engineering, chief innovation and strategy officer, and the Vannevar Bush Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. “This collaboration allows MIT’s exceptional research community to leverage GlobalFoundries’s wide range of industry domain experts and advanced process technologies to drive exciting innovations in microelectronics across domains—while preparing our students to take on leading roles in the workforce of the future.”
The new master research agreement was formalized at a signing ceremony on campus at MIT. It builds upon GF’s successful past and ongoing engagements with the university. GF serves on MTL’s Microsystems Industrial Group (MIG), which brings together industry and academia to engage in research. MIT faculty are active participants in GF’s University Partnership Program focused on joint semiconductor research and prototyping. Additionally, GF and MIT collaborate on several workforce development initiatives, including through the Northeast Microelectronics Coalition, a U.S. Department of Defense Microelectronics Commons Hub.
About MTL
The Microsystems Technology Laboratories (MTL) at MIT is a premier research facility driving advancements in microelectronics, nanotechnology, and semiconductor technology. MTL provides state-of-the-art infrastructure for interdisciplinary research and innovation, fostering collaborations between academia, industry, and government. With a focus on enabling transformative solutions, MTL supports a broad range of research, from foundational science to advanced applications in AI, communications, and beyond. For more information, visit mtl.mit.edu.
About GF
GlobalFoundries (GF) is a leading manufacturer of essential semiconductors the world relies on to live, work and connect. We innovate and partner with customers to deliver more power-efficient, high-performance products for the automotive, smart mobile devices, internet of things, communications infrastructure and other high-growth markets. With our global manufacturing footprint spanning the U.S., Europe, and Asia, GF is a trusted and reliable source for customers around the world. Every day, our talented and diverse team delivers results with an unyielding focus on security, longevity, and sustainability. For more information, visit www.gf.com.
©GlobalFoundries Inc., GF, GlobalFoundries, the GF logos and other GF marks are trademarks of GlobalFoundries Inc. or its subsidiaries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Forward-looking Information
This news release may contain forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. GF undertakes no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news release or to reflect actual outcomes, unless required by law.
Media Contacts:
MIT | Meghan Melvin | mbrowncu@mit.edu
GlobalFoundries | Michael Mullaney michael.mullaney@gf.com
FAQ
What are the main technologies GFS and MIT will focus on in their research collaboration?
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What existing partnerships are there between GFS and MIT?
What is the role of GFS's 22FDX® platform in the MIT collaboration?
