University partnerships
We are the partner of choice for universities advancing real-world semiconductor innovation. We work side–by–side with leading academic institutions to turn breakthrough research into industry-ready outcomes and prepare the next generation of talent.
A global academic ecosystem with real industry impact
University partnerships are a cornerstone of our innovation strategy, fostering collaboration with academic institutions worldwide. The program connects more than 100 universities through joint R&D, direct access to our differentiated technologies and multi-project wafer tapeouts and workforce development, translating academic innovation into manufacturable impact.
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110+
university collaborations worldwide
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140+
professors, 650 students, 108 postdocs
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1,500+
top-tier publications
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9
Best Paper awards at in 2025, including 2 at ISSCC
Our partnership approach
Our University Network partners with universities around the world to drive innovation through R&D collaboration, workforce development and talent acquisition opportunities. This allows us to gain early technical insights, diverse academic perspectives and new applications for our technologies. This two-way innovation model benefits universities, GF and the broader industry.
GF partners with professors and research teams on collaborative projects aligned to GF’s technology roadmap, with focus on:
- Circuit design exploration using GF technologies
- Materials, process and device innovation
- Advanced integration and system-level research
- Participation in publicly funded research initiatives
GF enables students and researchers through hands-on experience with fab-validated technologies, bridging academic design and industrial manufacturing. Pathways include:
- Value-added partners
- Open source PDKs for academic design work
- Multi-project wafer shuttles for prototyping and tapeout
GF builds a strong and diverse semiconductor workforce by working directly with universities to shape curriculum, expose students to production-grade technologies and create clear pathways into industry roles.
- Curriculum development and advisory boards
- Guest lectureships from GF technologists
- Internships and co-ops aligned to GF innovation priorities
- Early career pathways into engineering, manufacturing and R&D roles
High-impact research & knowledge sharing
We work with students and faculty to produce high-impact, peer-reviewed research that advances semiconductor design, manufacturing and system-level integration, reflected in publications in top-tier journals and conferences.
Latest news & insights
- Learn more: RPI and GlobalFoundries Partner on Semiconductor Research, Education, and Workforce Development InitiativesNov 24, 2025
RPI and GlobalFoundries Partner on Semiconductor Research, Education, and Workforce Development Initiatives
- Learn more: Synopsys and GlobalFoundries Establish Pilot Program to Bring Chip Design and Manufacturing to University ClassroomsSep 4, 2025
Synopsys and GlobalFoundries Establish Pilot Program to Bring Chip Design and Manufacturing to University Classrooms
- Learn more: GlobalFoundries and MIT Collaborate to Advance Research and Innovation on Essential Chips for AIFeb 27, 2025
GlobalFoundries and MIT Collaborate to Advance Research and Innovation on Essential Chips for AI
- Learn more: Georgia Tech and GlobalFoundries to Collaborate on Joint Semiconductor Research and Workforce DevelopmentMar 31, 2023
Georgia Tech and GlobalFoundries to Collaborate on Joint Semiconductor Research and Workforce Development