GlobalFoundries and MIT Collaborate to Advance Research and Innovation on Essential Chips for AI
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.
GlobalFoundries (GFS) e il Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) hanno annunciato un nuovo accordo di ricerca master per promuovere le tecnologie dei semiconduttori, con un focus sulle applicazioni di intelligenza artificiale. La collaborazione sarà guidata dai Microsystems Technology Laboratories (MTL) del MIT e dai GF Labs.
La ricerca iniziale si concentrerà sulla tecnologia della fotonica al silicio di GF, che integra RF SOI, CMOS e caratteristiche ottiche su un singolo chip per l'efficienza energetica nei datacenter, e sulla piattaforma 22FDX® per un consumo energetico ultra-basso nei dispositivi edge.
L'accordo si basa su partnership esistenti, inclusa la partecipazione di GF al Microsystems Industrial Group del MTL e il coinvolgimento del MIT nel Programma di Partnership Universitaria di GF. La collaborazione si estende anche alle iniziative di sviluppo della forza lavoro attraverso la Northeast Microelectronics Coalition.
GlobalFoundries (GFS) y el Instituto Tecnológico de Massachusetts (MIT) han anunciado un nuevo acuerdo de investigación maestro para avanzar en las tecnologías de semiconductores, con un enfoque en aplicaciones de inteligencia artificial. La colaboración será liderada por los Laboratorios de Tecnología de Microsistemas (MTL) del MIT y los GF Labs.
La investigación inicial se centrará en la tecnología de fotónica de silicio de GF, que integra RF SOI, CMOS y características ópticas en un solo chip para la eficiencia energética en centros de datos, y en la plataforma 22FDX® para un consumo de energía ultra bajo en dispositivos de borde.
El acuerdo se basa en asociaciones existentes, incluida la participación de GF en el Grupo Industrial de Microsistemas del MTL y la participación del MIT en el Programa de Asociación Universitaria de GF. La colaboración también se extiende a iniciativas de desarrollo de la fuerza laboral a través de la Northeast Microelectronics Coalition.
GlobalFoundries (GFS)와 매사추세츠 공과대학교 (MIT)는 인공지능 응용 프로그램에 중점을 두고 반도체 기술을 발전시키기 위한 새로운 마스터 연구 협정을 발표했습니다. 이 협력은 MIT의 마이크로시스템 기술 연구소(MTL)와 GF Labs가 주도합니다.
초기 연구는 GF의 실리콘 포토닉스 기술에 집중될 예정이며, 이는 데이터 센터의 전력 효율성을 위해 RF SOI, CMOS 및 광학 기능을 단일 칩에 통합하고, 엣지 장치에서 초저전력 소비를 위한 22FDX® 플랫폼에 초점을 맞춥니다.
이 협정은 MTL의 마이크로시스템 산업 그룹에 대한 GF의 참여와 GF의 대학 파트너십 프로그램에 대한 MIT의 참여를 포함한 기존 파트너십을 기반으로 합니다. 또한 협력은 노스이스트 마이크로일렉트로닉스 연합을 통한 인력 개발 이니셔티브로 확장됩니다.
GlobalFoundries (GFS) et le Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) ont annoncé un nouvel accord de recherche principal pour faire avancer les technologies des semi-conducteurs, en mettant l'accent sur les applications d'intelligence artificielle. La collaboration sera dirigée par les Microsystems Technology Laboratories (MTL) du MIT et les GF Labs.
La recherche initiale se concentrera sur la technologie de photonique au silicium de GF, qui intègre des fonctionnalités RF SOI, CMOS et optiques sur une seule puce pour l'efficacité énergétique des centres de données, ainsi que sur la plateforme 22FDX® pour une consommation d'énergie ultra-faible dans les dispositifs de périphérie.
L'accord s'appuie sur des partenariats existants, y compris la participation de GF au Microsystems Industrial Group du MTL et l'implication du MIT dans le Programme de Partenariat Universitaire de GF. La collaboration s'étend également aux initiatives de développement des compétences à travers la Northeast Microelectronics Coalition.
GlobalFoundries (GFS) und das Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) haben eine neue Masterforschungsvereinbarung angekündigt, um die Halbleitertechnologien voranzutreiben, mit einem Fokus auf KI-Anwendungen. Die Zusammenarbeit wird von den Microsystems Technology Laboratories (MTL) des MIT und den GF Labs geleitet.
Die anfängliche Forschung wird sich auf die Siliziumphotonik-Technologie von GF konzentrieren, die RF SOI, CMOS und optische Funktionen auf einem einzigen Chip für die Energieeffizienz von Rechenzentren integriert, sowie auf die 22FDX®-Plattform für einen ultra-niedrigen Energieverbrauch in Edge-Geräten.
Die Vereinbarung baut auf bestehenden Partnerschaften auf, einschließlich der Teilnahme von GF an der Microsystems Industrial Group des MTL und der Beteiligung des MIT am University Partnership Program von GF. Die Zusammenarbeit erstreckt sich auch auf Initiativen zur Entwicklung der Arbeitskräfte durch die Northeast Microelectronics Coalition.
- 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
- 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
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