Applied And GlobalFoundries Team Up On AI Photonics

Applied Materials AMAT and GlobalFoundries GFS are teaming up to bring photonics closer to everyday AI and digital experiences. The two companies said they'll build a new waveguide fabrication facility at GF's Singapore campus a move aimed at making next-gen tech like augmented reality lighter, faster, and more immersive.

Applied will handle the design and development of the waveguide components, the tiny parts that direct light in photonic systems. GlobalFoundries will step in as the high-volume manufacturing partner, giving the project the scale it needs to move from lab concepts to real-world products.

Both sides say the partnership will also give Singapore's photonics ecosystem a boost, reinforcing its role as a growing hub for advanced tech manufacturing.

By combining Applied's design chops with GF's production muscle, the companies want to speed up how quickly photonics moves from theory to mainstream AI and AR applications a step that could reshape everything from smart glasses to immersive digital platforms.