Intel Partners with Microsoft on Major Contract for 18A Process; Google, NVIDIA, and Others Set to Embrace the Technology

Intel Foundry appears to have captured its much-anticipated “iPhone moment”with the announcement of its 18A process. Recent reports suggest that this development has attracted considerable attention from major technology players.

Intel’s 18A Process: A Game-Changer for the Foundry Sector with Rising Interest from Tech Giants

Desperate for a breakthrough, Intel’s semiconductor division is striving to reclaim its position in the industry, influenced not just by financial considerations but by a competitive drive to draw focus away from TSMC, particularly within the U. S.market. Following TSMC’s collaboration with former President Donald Trump, the competitive landscape has shifted significantly, making TSMC’s U. S.facilities an increasingly appealing option for many clients seeking alternatives to Taiwan. In response to this evolving situation, Intel’s 18A node is poised to become a compelling alternative to TSMC’s N2 process, with discussions currently underway involving tech giants such as NVIDIA, Microsoft, and Google, as highlighted by ChosunBiz.

Intel showcased the 18A node at the recent Direct Connect 2025 event, touting it as “the most advanced process manufactured in the U. S.”Notably, this node is considered a direct competitor to TSMC’s N2, promising comparable SRAM density along with efficient performance metrics. In generational terms, the 18A process reportedly vastly surpasses the capabilities of Intel’s 3 node, indicating a significant innovation that has garnered positive reactions from potential clients.

A decisive factor in the growing interest in the 18A process is attributed to Intel’s recent leadership changes, particularly with Lip-Bu Tan stepping in as CEO. His strategic vision emphasizes semiconductor design automation (EDA), innovative packaging, and enhancements in the foundry domain. Should Tan shift away from the previously established “IDM 2.0″model, it might enable Intel to bolster its consumer market presence, significantly impacting its CPU business.

Moreover, the increasing congestion in TSMC’s production lines has compelled many firms to consider alternative options, thereby positioning Intel favorably as a competitive alternative to TSMC’s 2nm node. While competitors such as Samsung Foundry are in pursuit, they have yet to gain a significant advantage in this arena.

Source & Images