Intel Foundry 2025: A Turning Point in Semiconductor Manufacturing

The semiconductor industry thrives on momentum—and last week, Intel Foundry demonstrated that it is not only gaining ground but is preparing to become a dominant force in global chip manufacturing.

Having attended semiconductor events for over four decades—starting with the Design Automation Conference in 1984—I've seen how the heartbeat of the industry pulses through its foundry ecosystem. These events reveal where innovation is headed, where partnerships are forged, and how strategies are reshaped. And this year’s Intel Foundry Direct Connect 2025 event was one of the most compelling I’ve experienced.

From Technology-First to Customer-First

Last year, Intel Foundry focused on showcasing its manufacturing technology. While impressive, this year’s event pivoted toward something far more critical: customer enablement.

The message was clear—Intel is not just pushing its process nodes; it's building a collaborative, customer-centric foundry ecosystem.

This wasn’t your typical industry conference. Unlike being herded around with the media, I had the opportunity to interact freely with fellow semiconductor professionals and decision-makers. The environment was refreshingly open, and the support from industry partners was undeniable. Many of the same faces I saw at TSMC’s event the week before were also present here, signaling a serious shift in attention toward Intel.

Lip-Bu Tan: Leadership That Inspires Confidence

A standout moment was the keynote by Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan—a seasoned leader best known for turning around Cadence Design Systems during his tenure from 2009 to 2021.

What made his address remarkable was not just his vision for Intel Foundry but the unprecedented collaboration he demonstrated by inviting CEOs from major EDA companies on stage. This included Synopsys, Cadence, Siemens EDA, Ansys, and Keysight, all listed equally in alphabetical order on Intel’s EDA Enablement slide—a symbolic move that signals fairness and openness across the ecosystem.

Lip-Bu’s experience in EDA gives him an edge many executives don’t have. His message was not about playing favorites; it was about ensuring the foundry ecosystem is accessible, inclusive, and high-performing.

Intel 18A and 14A: Technology, Meet Enablement

Another key highlight was the update on Intel’s process technologies—Intel 18A and the upcoming Intel 14A.

During the event, Synopsys CEO Sassine Ghazi emphasized the importance of readiness and enablement alongside technological advancement. Holding a test chip built on Intel 18A, he remarked:

“You cannot only win with technology. You need to have the whole process of enablement ready in order for the customer to see it as viable.”

Synopsys also revealed early-stage DTCO (Design Technology Co-Optimization) work for Intel 14A-E using TCAD simulations—a significant step forward in process development.

Perhaps even more reassuring was Intel’s announcement that High NA EUV will not be required for the first version of 14A. This mirrors TSMC’s strategy and avoids the uncertainty that previously delayed EUV adoption for years. In short, Intel is planning smart and executing lean.

Strong Operational Backbone

Following Lip-Bu’s keynote were addresses by Naga Chandrasekaran, Intel Foundry’s Chief Technology and Operations Officer, and Kevin O’Buckley, General Manager of Foundry Services.

Though I haven’t worked directly with Naga, his reputation from Micron precedes him. He’s known for being a strong and visionary operations leader. Kevin, on the other hand, is someone I’ve collaborated with. His deep understanding of customer needs makes him the ideal complement to Lip-Bu’s strategic vision.

Together, this leadership trio represents a formidable team driving Intel’s foundry transformation.

Looking Ahead: Intel Foundry’s Defining Moment

It’s remarkable how much progress Intel Foundry has made in such a short time under Lip-Bu Tan’s leadership. The shift from being seen as a traditional IDM (Integrated Device Manufacturer) to a world-class foundry partner is well underway.

If this momentum continues, Intel 18A’s tape-out list in 2026 could very well include the biggest names in the semiconductor world.

This is not just a comeback story—it’s a renaissance in the making. And it’s only just begun.

Key Takeaways

• Intel Foundry 2025 marked a strategic shift toward customer enablement and ecosystem collaboration.

• Lip-Bu Tan’s leadership is positioning Intel as a serious contender in the foundry space.

• Key EDA partners—Synopsys, Cadence, Siemens EDA, Ansys, and Keysight—are fully engaged and aligned.

• Intel 18A and 14A are progressing rapidly, with a focus on real-world viability over hype.

• The foundry market is no longer a two-player game. Intel is here to play—and win.

Source - Semiwiki