The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and GlobalFoundries (GF) have announced a Master Research Collaboration Agreement (MRCA) to propel advancements in silicon photonics technologies. This partnership aims to enhance Singapore’s standing as a pivotal hub in the global semiconductor supply chain, leveraging the nation’s early investments in this sector.
Silicon photonics, crucial for ultra-fast and energy-efficient data transfer, is foundational for next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) systems. A*STAR’s Institute of Microelectronics (IME) initiated Singapore’s silicon photonics research and development programme in 2007. This was followed by the National Research Foundation’s backing of the Lux Photonics Consortium in 2015, which united industry, academia, and research institutions in photonics.
The collaboration between A*STAR and GF is set to deepen with the MRCA, highlighting GF’s commitment to expanding its production and research operations in Singapore. The recent acquisition of Advanced Micro Foundry (AMF) by GF is expected to accelerate the development of Singapore’s silicon photonics operations, enhancing supply chain resilience and aligning with the country’s ambition to be a leader in advanced semiconductor manufacturing.
Beh Kian Teik, CEO of A*STAR, stated, “Impactful innovation is about how ideas take shape in A*STAR’s labs, and scale to meet real industry needs.” Gregg Bartlett, CTO at GlobalFoundries, added, “Singapore’s strong semiconductor ecosystem makes it an ideal place for us to further develop our silicon photonics platform.”
This strategic move is part of Singapore’s broader investment of over $730m (S$1b) in semiconductor research and development, focusing on areas such as silicon photonics, advanced packaging, and silicon carbide. The collaboration promises to deliver new economic opportunities and reinforce Singapore’s position in the global semiconductor landscape.
