NVIDIA and Broadcom Testing Intel’s 18A Process: Optimism Grows for Intel Foundry’s Future

NVIDIA and Broadcom are reportedly exploring the potentials of Intel’s cutting-edge 18A process, indicating a significant advancement for Intel Foundry.

US Tech Giants Express Interest in Intel’s 18A Process, but Third-Party Production Delays Until Mid-2026

The semiconductor industry is increasingly focused on the promising 18A node, with leading companies beginning to show palpable interest. This trend suggests that Intel (Team Blue) may currently hold a pivotal position in the semiconductor landscape. According to a Reuters report, tech powerhouses NVIDIA and Broadcom are actively conducting manufacturing trials with Intel, which could lead to lucrative contracts worth “hundreds of millions of dollars”if successful.

Meanwhile, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) is also rumored to be vying for involvement with the 18A process. However, it remains unclear whether AMD is participating in the testing phase. The outcome of these preliminary tests is crucial, as they will determine the viability of the 18A process for widespread use. It is essential for Intel to align with industry standards, especially given that NVIDIA and Broadcom are known for their uncompromising quality.

One might wonder why Intel has suddenly captured the market’s attention. The answer may lie less with Team Blue’s own initiatives and more with the ongoing efforts of the current U. S.administration to revitalize the nation’s semiconductor industry. As the most prominent American firm in this field, there is a vested interest in ensuring Intel’s success, which explains the heightened focus on its foundry operations.

However, not everything is proceeding smoothly. Reports indicate that Intel’s 18A process is “delayed” for small to mid-sized manufacturing clients, with production pushed back to mid-2026. This postponement is necessary for Intel to ensure that the intellectual property associated with the 18A process meets industry benchmarks. Although the 18A process is set to be featured in Intel’s upcoming Panther Lake system-on-chips (SoCs), expected to launch in the second half of 2025, these will not be available for external clients this year—an important consideration in light of TSMC’s anticipated entrance into the market with its own 2nm products.

As the situation unfolds for Intel Foundry, the growing interest from firms like NVIDIA presents an optimistic outlook for industry adoption. Nevertheless, the real test will come with the performance of Intel’s processes on complete chip designs, where many companies historically face challenges.

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