Global Foundries Advances Silicon Photonics with Co-Packaged Optics and Capacity Expansion

Kevin Soukup, Senior VP at Global Foundries, discusses the industrialization of Silicon Photonics. The technology is seen as transformative, overcoming limitations of electrical interconnects. Companies like Broadcom and Meta have demonstrated large-scale reliability, shifting perceptions of Silicon Photonics towards a viable solution. Global Foundries aims to double production capacity in Malta and emphasizes a unique co-integration approach with electrical ICs. The first significant applications of photonic computing in data centers are expected between 2028 and 2030.

Published Mar 21, 2026

Global Foundries is industrializing Silicon Photonics, a technology overcoming electrical interconnect limitations. Companies like Broadcom and Meta have demonstrated its reliability, changing market perceptions.

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Global Foundries plans to double its photonics chip production capacity in Malta this year, focusing on a disciplined scale-up. The technology remains silicon-based, with discussions on alternative materials for interposers.

The company supports hybrid computing approaches and anticipates significant photonic compute applications in data centers by 2028-2030. Its unique position in the market stems from extensive manufacturing capabilities and a focus on co-integration with electrical ICs.