GlobalFoundries Acquires InfiniLink to Accelerate Silicon Photonics and AI Data Center Connectivity

• GlobalFoundries acquired InfiniLink, a startup developing advanced optical-connectivity chips and silicon-photonics IP.
• The deal strengthens GF’s roadmap for AI data centers, telecom networks, and high-bandwidth computing.
• GF also partnered with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to expand semiconductor education, research, and workforce development.
  
  

GlobalFoundries  has taken another major step into high-performance optical connectivity with the acquisition of InfiniLink, a startup known for developing ultra-fast SerDes, optical transceiver chipsets, and monolithic silicon-photonics designs.

A Strategic Push Into the Future of Optical Connectivity

InfiniLink brings design expertise and proven IP in the types of optical-data-connectivity technologies now essential for AI infrastructure. Combined with GF’s foundry capabilities and its recent acquisition of Advanced Micro Foundry (AMF) in Singapore, the company is creating a unified ecosystem for next-generation optical engines.

This integration positions GF to support emerging standards like 400G/λ and advanced solutions such as co-packaged optics , which are rapidly becoming the backbone of faster, more energy-efficient data movement across data centers. With the AI compute race accelerating, having both design IP and manufacturing capability under one roof is expected to reduce time-to-market and help companies deploy optical solutions at scale.

Why Silicon Photonics Matters Right Now

Silicon photonics is increasingly seen as the critical technology for overcoming electrical interconnect bottlenecks, as AI training models grow larger and data centers push for higher throughput. Optical links provide the speed and power efficiency required to keep systems running smoothly.

GF’s expanded photonics portfolio is expected to support multiple industries, including data centers, telecom networks, industrial automation, medical imaging systems, and even emerging applications in quantum computing and automotive LiDAR. With more companies seeking secure, diversified semiconductor sourcing, GF’s multi-region manufacturing footprint offers an additional layer of assurance.

Partnership with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Deepens Industry–Academia Collaboration

Alongside the acquisition, GF also announced their partnership with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to boost semiconductor education, advanced research, and workforce development to support the industry’s rapidly growing talent needs.

It includes expanded curriculum programs, GF-led lectures, on-site manufacturing exposure for students, and new opportunities for joint research. With thousands of U.S. engineering jobs expected to grow alongside domestic semiconductor policies, this will  help build a stronger and more prepared workforce for future photonics and semiconductor manufacturing.

Together, the InfiniLink acquisition and the RPI partnership demonstrate GF’s commitment to shaping the next phase of high-performance connectivity and semiconductor innovation. As demand for faster data movement surges GF is positioning itself as a key player capable of delivering both cutting-edge technology and long-term supply assurance.