Intel Corp. has announced the launch of Intel Foundry, a new business unit that aims to provide cutting-edge systems for the AI era. Intel Foundry will offer customers access to Intel’s advanced process technologies, packaging solutions and ecosystem partners.
What is Intel Foundry?
Intel Foundry (IF) is the world’s first systems foundry for the AI era, according to Intel. It is a more sustainable and resilient business model that leverages Intel’s expertise in designing, manufacturing and testing complex systems. IF will serve customers across various markets, including cloud, edge, automotive, industrial and consumer.
What are the benefits of Intel Foundry?
Intel Foundry will deliver several benefits to customers, such as:
- Leadership in technology: IF has an expanded process roadmap. It includes Intel 14A, a new leading-edge node. It will be available in 2027. It also has specialized node evolutions. And new IF Advanced System Assembly and Test ASAT capabilities. Intel’s five-nodes-in-four-years roadmap is on track. It will deliver the first backside power solution.
- Resiliency in supply: IF uses Intel’s global manufacturing footprint. It covers four continents and eight countries. It ensures reliable and flexible supply. Intel plans to invest $23.5 billion in three fabs. Two new ones in Arizona. One existing one in New Mexico. It will expand its foundry capacity.
- Sustainability in operations: IF will adhere to Intel’s high standards of environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance, which include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption and waste generation, as well as supporting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and responsible sourcing practices.
Who are the customers and partners of IF?
IF has already secured several design wins from customers, including Microsoft, Amazon, Qualcomm, IBM and Cisco. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella shared that Microsoft has chosen a chip design it plans to produce on the Intel 18A process, which will be ready in 2026.
IF also has the support of various ecosystem partners, such as Synopsys, Cadence, Siemens and Ansys. These partners have announced validated tools, design flows and IP portfolios. They are ready to enable customer designs on Intel’s advanced packaging and Intel 18A process technologies.
How to learn more about IF?
IF hosted its first foundry event, IF Direct Connect, on February 21, 2024, where it gathered customers, ecosystem companies and leaders from across the industry. The event featured U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, Arm CEO Rene Haas and Open AI CEO Sam Altman, among others, who discussed the opportunities and challenges of the AI era and the role of IF in enabling innovation and collaboration.
You can watch the replay of the event and learn more about Intel Foundry on its website1.
