GlobalFoundries expands silicon photonics footprint

November 19, 2025 /SemiMedia/ — GlobalFoundries said it has acquired Singapore-based Advanced Micro Foundry (AMF), strengthening its position in silicon photonics manufacturing as demand for high-bandwidth optical interconnects accelerates across AI data centers and advanced telecom networks. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Silicon photonics integrates optical data paths with traditional CMOS chip processes, enabling faster and more energy-efficient data movement. The technology is gaining traction as AI workloads drive unprecedented bandwidth requirements. Companies such as Nvidia have been working with foundry partners to co-package networking chips with optical components.

Startups and AI demand push adoption of optical interconnects

Several well-funded startups—including Ayar Labs, Celestial AI and Lightmatter—also rely on GlobalFoundries for silicon photonics production. The company has previously supported PsiQuantum in developing its photonic quantum computing hardware, making it one of the few commercial foundries with mature capabilities in this segment.

GlobalFoundries said the integration of AMF’s platform will make the combined operation one of the world’s largest manufacturers of silicon photonics devices. The company will also establish a new R&D hub in Singapore to advance optical interconnect and packaging technologies.

New R&D capacity positions Singapore as photonics hub

“Faster data transport with higher accuracy and improved power efficiency is becoming essential as AI models grow and telecom networks evolve,” CEO Tim Breen said in a statement.