Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), the first technological research university in the United States, and GlobalFoundries (Nasdaq: GFS) (GF), a leading semiconductor manufacturer, today announced a new strategic partnership to foster collaboration on semiconductor research, education, talent, and workforce development. 

By creating and implementing new educational, engagement, and research opportunities for students and faculty, RPI and GF are driving semiconductor innovation and producing the next generation of leaders in the semiconductor industry.  

The agreement builds on and formalizes a longstanding collaboration between the two institutions. GF recently endowed two Dean’s Faculty Fellows in the School of Engineering to recognize outstanding mid-career faculty working in the areas of mutual interest in chips and semiconductors. Additionally, GF has supported RPI students with a strong interest in the semiconductor industry and RPI’s Community College Scholars Program. 

GF and RPI are also engaged in a unique curricular development initiative, bringing modern practical industrial perspectives into the classroom through lectures in RPI’s Microelectronics Manufacturing courses. These courses are led by industry experts from GF and include field trips to GF’s fabs, benefitting graduate and undergraduate students from many disciplines. The program is currently in its fourth year and has engaged nearly 200 students interested in semiconductor manufacturing. 

More than 150 RPI alumni currently work at GF, and each year a sizeable cohort of RPI students are hired for internships and full-time roles at the company. RPI recently opened a 6,000 square-foot facility at NY Creates' Albany NanoTech Complex, where GF maintains a significant presence. RPI professors are also active in GF’s University Partnership Program, a design innovation program that bridges the academia-to-industry gap.  

“RPI has a long history of groundbreaking research and education in semiconductors and microelectronics,” said RPI President Martin Schmidt ‘81, Ph.D. “Formalizing a strategic partnership with GlobalFoundries allows RPI faculty, students, and researchers to collaborate with one of the world’s most innovative and technologically advanced companies to advance solutions that benefit society and foster economic development in New York State, across the country, and globally.”  

“GlobalFoundries is at the forefront of essential innovation, and this new partnership with RPI strengthens our ability to deliver differentiated semiconductor technologies and shape the future of microelectronics,” said Dr. Ted Letavic ‘90, Ph.D., corporate fellow and senior vice president of technology and innovation at GF. “By combining RPI’s world-class research and education with GF’s industry expertise, we are creating opportunities that will accelerate technology development, strengthen the workforce through a robust talent pipeline and drive economic growth in New York and beyond.” 

The strategic partnership recognizes RPI as a GlobalFoundries strategic university partner and incorporates GF into RPI’s Industry Engagement Program (IEP). Formalizing this relationship allows RPI and GF to continue their current collaborations while developing a roadmap to expand the partnership into areas such as joint faculty/engineering exchanges and cutting-edge R&D initiatives.  

For RPI, the relationship will be managed by the Office of Strategic Alliances and Translation (OSAT), RPI’s new portfolio for industry partnerships and research translation.  

About RPI 

Founded in 1824 for the application of science to the common purposes of life, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is the first technological research university in the United States. Today, it is recognized as a premier university, noted for its robust and holistic learning community that connects creativity with science and technology. RPI is dedicated to inventing for the future, from shaping the scientists, engineers, technologists, architects, financiers, managers, and entrepreneurs who will define what’s next for humanity, to research that bridges disciplines to solve the world's toughest problems. Learn more at rpi.edu. 

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 unyielding focus on security, longevity, and sustainability. For more information, visit www.gf.com.   

Forward-looking Information 

This news release may contain forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. GF undertakes no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news release or to reflect actual outcomes, unless required by law.