Applied Materials and GlobalFoundries Partner to Accelerate AI-Powered Photonics
1. AMAT collaborates with GlobalFoundries for a waveguide fabrication facility in Singapore.
2. This aims to enhance photonics technology for AI applications like augmented reality.
3. Partnership leverages semiconductor expertise to drive next-gen optical systems adoption.
4. AMAT enhances its leadership in materials engineering through this collaboration.
5. Singapore's ecosystem supports integrated photonics solutions for various applications.
The collaboration underlines AMAT's leadership in advanced technologies, akin to successful partnerships previously enjoyed with leading semiconductor firms. Similar collaborations have often led to stock price gains due to enhanced market positioning.
How important is it?
The announcement showcases AMAT's ongoing innovation and strategic direction, which improves investor confidence and aligns with future market trends in AI and photonics.
Why Long Term?
The strategic investments and development in photonics may take time to mature but could greatly benefit AMAT's future revenue streams as demand for advanced optical systems rises.
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.
