GlobalFoundries, Silicon Catalyst Partner to Accelerate Differentiated Technology Solutions for Semiconductor Startups

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GlobalFoundries (GF) and Silicon Catalyst, the world’s only incubator+accelerator focused exclusively on semiconductor solutions, today announced that GF has joined the incubator’s semiconductor startup ecosystem as a Strategic Partner and an In-Kind Partner (IKP). The partnership will provide innovative startups with access to GF’s differentiated platforms to speed the development and commercialization of next generation IoT, automotive and generative AI applications while anticipating future growth markets such as medical and quantum compute.

As a Strategic Partner, GF will work closely with Silicon Catalyst to recruit, evaluate and select early-stage startups seeking to participate in their program. As a member of the IKP ecosystem, GF will provide access to PDKs, MPWs, Foundation IP, and Reference Designs to accelerate time to market for approved, early-stage companies on GF’s 22FDX®, Silicon Photonics, and Gallium Nitride (GaN) platforms.

“Our long-standing partnership with GlobalFoundries has been instrumental in bringing our groundbreaking optical I/O solution to market,” said Mark Wade, CEO and Co-Founder at Ayar Labs, a Silicon Catalyst alumnus. “Collaborating with programs like Silicon Catalyst, combined with access to GlobalFoundries’ platforms, enables companies like Ayar Labs to focus on what we do best – pushing the boundaries of AI infrastructure to handle the growing size and complexity of AI models.”

“GlobalFoundries’ market leading differentiated essential chip technologies are rooted in innovation and collaboration,” said Gregg Bartlett, chief technology officer at GF. “By partnering with Silicon Catalyst, we will work with early-stage start-ups, giving us a first-hand view into emerging innovations, to push the boundaries of our differentiated technologies and deliver customized solutions that will give these companies a competitive edge as they go to market.”

“GlobalFoundries is committed to driving innovation and delivering differentiated technology solutions to their customers. We are delighted to have them join the Silicon Catalyst ecosystem,” said Pete Rodriguez, CEO at Silicon Catalyst. “Our partnership provides startups a unique opportunity to engage with GF and gain access to their differentiated, cost-effective solutions. This valuable collaboration promises to fuel a new cycle of semiconductor innovation, while helping new companies address the challenges in moving from idea to realization.”

Silicon Catalyst’s ecosystem includes over 350 semiconductor industry advisors, 14 Strategic Partners, seventy In-Kind Partners, an extensive investor network, and strong connections to major domestic and international academic institutions. The collaboration will provide GF access to deep and broad semiconductor industry insight.

Join the Silicon Catalyst team at the AI Hardware and Edge AI Summit, September 9 – 12 in San Jose, California, where three of Silicon Catalyst Portfolio Company CEO’s will be presenting during the technical sessions. Attendees are invited to visit the Silicon Catalyst booth at the AI Innovation exhibition area to learn more about the GF and Silicon Catalyst partnership and how it will enable semiconductor startups to build foundational solutions that support transformative sectors like AI, quantum compute, auto, and IoT.