:

US AWARDS GLOBALFOUNDRIES $300M FOR AI CHIP R&D

AI DESK1 MIN READ
WED, JUL 29, 2026

■ AI-SUMMARIZED FROM 2 SOURCES ▸ TIMELINE

GlobalFoundries will receive $300 million in CHIPS Act funding from the U.S. government to advance silicon photonics research. The investment aims to develop more efficient semiconductor technology for AI data centers.

The funding will support GlobalFoundries' research and development efforts in silicon photonics, a technology that uses light to transmit data within computer chips. This approach promises to reduce power consumption and heat generation in data center applications, addressing key challenges as AI infrastructure scales. Silicon photonics replaces traditional electrical interconnects with optical ones, enabling faster data transfer with lower energy requirements. This is critical for AI data centers, which consume significant power to manage data movement between processors. The $300 million grant represents part of the broader CHIPS and Science Act, which allocates federal funding to strengthen U.S. semiconductor manufacturing and research capabilities. The program aims to reduce reliance on foreign chip production while maintaining technological leadership. GlobalFoundries operates fabrication plants across the U.S. and internationally. The investment underscores the government's focus on emerging technologies essential for competitive AI infrastructure.

■ SOURCES

TechmemeTechmeme

■ SUMMARY WRITTEN BY AI FROM THE LINKS ABOVE

■ MORE FROM THE HARDWARE DESK

Both wired and wireless CarPlay connections offer distinct trade-offs. Understanding their differences helps you choose the setup that best fits your driving needs.

3H AGOIndustry Desk

Amazon's first-generation Kindle Scribe is available refurbished for $149.99 through August 8th, making the large e-reader and digital notebook more accessible for students and note-takers.

4H AGOIndustry Desk

Your phone's USB-C port serves multiple functions beyond basic charging. The standard enables data transfer, display connectivity, and accessory support through a single port.

5H AGOIndustry Desk

A $450 laptop from Chinese brand Chu is challenging the MacBook Neo's dominance in the sub-$500 market. The device promises build quality and performance that previously required spending $599 or more.

8H AGOIndustry Desk

■ SUBSCRIBE TO THE DAILY BRIEF

ONE EMAIL, 5 STORIES, 06:00 UTC. UNSUBSCRIBE ANYTIME.