GlobalFoundries and Renesas strengthen their collaboration to boost U.S.-based chip production, enhance supply chain resilience, and support next-generation semiconductor demand.
GlobalFoundries (Nasdaq: GFS) and Renesas Electronics Corporation (TSE: 6723) have announced a major expansion of their strategic partnership, unveiling a multi-billion-dollar manufacturing agreement aimed at strengthening semiconductor supply chains for automotive, industrial and AI-driven applications. The collaboration reflects a shared focus on long-term capacity planning, advanced technology access and greater resilience in global chip production.
A Strategic Move for a Rapidly Changing Industry
The new agreement comes at a time when the semiconductor content inside vehicles, factories and connected devices is growing rapidly. Modern cars are no longer defined solely by mechanical engineering; instead, they increasingly rely on complex electronics and software. Chips are now responsible for advanced driver-assistance systems, radar processing, battery management in electric vehicles, and secure connectivity for industrial Internet of Things (IoT) systems.
These applications require high reliability, consistent performance and secure supply. Any disruption in semiconductor availability can halt production lines, delay vehicle deliveries or disrupt critical industrial operations. By expanding their partnership, GlobalFoundries and Renesas aim to ensure a stable, diversified and secure supply of essential semiconductor components.
Expanded Access to GF’s Technology Platforms
Under the new agreement, Renesas will gain broader access to GlobalFoundries’ portfolio of differentiated semiconductor technologies. These include:
- FDX™ (FD-SOI) technology, designed for low-power, high-performance and radio-frequency applications.
- BCD (Bipolar-CMOS-DMOS) processes, widely used for power management and automotive electronics.
- Feature-rich CMOS technologies with integrated non-volatile memory, ideal for microcontrollers, system-on-chips and power devices.
These platforms will support a wide range of Renesas products, including automotive and industrial microcontrollers, power management chips and advanced SoCs. Tape-outs for designs under the expanded collaboration are expected to begin in mid-2026, marking the first phase of production ramp-up.
Global Manufacturing Footprint
The partnership will start with manufacturing in the United States and extend across GlobalFoundries’ global network, including facilities in Germany and Singapore, as well as through its manufacturing partnership in China. This geographically distributed approach is designed to give Renesas and its customers greater flexibility and supply assurance.
In addition, both companies are exploring the possibility of porting certain GlobalFoundries process technologies into Renesas’ own fabrication facilities in Japan. If implemented, this move could further enhance manufacturing resilience, expand capacity and reduce dependence on any single region.
Supporting U.S. Semiconductor Priorities
The agreement also aligns with broader U.S. initiatives to strengthen domestic semiconductor production for economic security and national defense. By increasing production capacity in the United States, the collaboration supports efforts to localize the manufacturing of critical chips used in vehicles, infrastructure and industrial systems.
With this expanded partnership, GlobalFoundries now manufactures semiconductors for the world’s top three automotive microcontroller suppliers, reinforcing its role as a key foundry partner in the automotive sector.
Executive Perspectives
Tim Breen, CEO of GlobalFoundries, emphasized the growing importance of semiconductors in modern vehicles and industrial systems. He noted that automotive electronics are rapidly evolving, with chips serving as the foundation for advanced driver assistance, battery management and secure connectivity. According to Breen, these applications require high performance, efficiency and reliability under demanding conditions—areas where GlobalFoundries’ technology platforms are designed to excel.
Renesas CEO Hidetoshi Shibata highlighted the importance of supply flexibility and long-term stability for customers. He explained that access to a broader range of GlobalFoundries technologies will help Renesas meet rising demand driven by electrification, connectivity and the increasing compute requirements associated with artificial intelligence.
Enabling the Next Generation of Automotive and Industrial Systems
The expanded collaboration arrives as the automotive industry moves toward software-defined vehicles, advanced safety features and full electrification. These trends are dramatically increasing the number and complexity of chips required in each vehicle. At the same time, factories and infrastructure are becoming more automated and connected, placing similar demands on industrial electronics.
By combining GlobalFoundries’ manufacturing capabilities with Renesas’ system and microcontroller expertise, the partnership aims to deliver a secure, scalable and high-quality semiconductor supply for these emerging applications.
Looking Ahead
As tape-outs begin in 2026 and production ramps across multiple regions, the partnership is expected to play a key role in meeting global demand for automotive and industrial semiconductors. The collaboration not only strengthens supply chain resilience but also positions both companies to support the next generation of intelligent, connected and electrified systems worldwide.
About GF
GlobalFoundries (GF) is a leading manufacturer of essential semiconductors the world relies on to live, work and connect. We innovate and partner with customers to deliver more power-efficient, high-performance products for the automotive, smart mobile devices, internet of things, communications infrastructure and other high-growth markets. With our global manufacturing footprint spanning the U.S., Europe and Asia, GF is a trusted and reliable source for customers around the world. Every day, our talented global team delivers results with an unwavering focus on security, longevity and sustainability. For more information, visit www.gf.com.
About Renesas Electronics Corporation
Renesas Electronics Corporation (TSE: 6723) empowers a safer, smarter and more sustainable future where technology helps make our lives easier. A leading global provider of microcontrollers, Renesas combines our expertise in embedded processing, analog, power and connectivity to deliver complete semiconductor solutions. These Winning Combinations accelerate time to market for automotive, industrial, infrastructure and IoT applications, enabling billions of connected, intelligent devices that enhance the way people work and live.
