# Intel Foundry and 18A: From IDM 2.0 to a Government-Owned Stake

- URL: https://whatledto.com/events/intel-foundry-18a
- Topic: Tech industry · Tags: Tech industry, Intel, Semiconductor manufacturing
- Updated: Sep 9, 2026 · 32 dated entries

## Summary

Intel began its IDM 2.0 strategy in March 2021, retaining in-house manufacturing while creating Intel Foundry Services and funding new Arizona fabs. It set a five-nodes-in-four-years roadmap to Intel 18A, then relaunched the operation as Intel Foundry in 2024, with Microsoft and AWS announcing 18A designs. Intel 18A has since reached high-volume production at Fab 52, shipped in Core Ultra Series 3 products, and gained an 18A-P performance variant in risk production. The company has also cut or delayed expansion plans in Germany, Poland and Ohio, while converting part of its CHIPS Act support into a U.S. government equity purchase and later recommitting to complete 14A development. The central unresolved issue is whether Intel can secure the significant outside 14A customer commitment it had said could determine continued investment in that node, since reported Foundry revenue includes Intel's own wafer demand.

## Key moments

- Mar 23, 2021: Gelsinger announces IDM 2.0: two Arizona fabs for about US$20 billion and a standalone Intel Foundry Services
- Jul 26, 2021: Intel Accelerated: five nodes in four years, ending with Intel 18A in 2025
- Feb 21, 2024: Intel Foundry launched as a systems foundry; Intel 14A unveiled; Microsoft commits a design to 18A
- Aug 6, 2024: Intel 18A powers on first client and server chips; PDK 1.0 released to customers
- Nov 26, 2024: CHIPS award finalised at US$7.86 billion, below the proposed US$8.5 billion
- Jul 24, 2025: Intel cancels Germany and Poland fabs, slows Ohio, and makes 14A conditional on an outside customer
- Aug 22, 2025: US government takes a 9.9 percent stake in Intel for US$8.9 billion, funded from unpaid CHIPS grants
- Oct 9, 2025: Panther Lake unveiled as the first 18A product; high-volume production at Fab 52 in Arizona
- Jan 5, 2026: Intel unveils Core Ultra Series 3 built on Intel 18A
- Jun 2026: Intel commits to complete Intel 14A development
- Jun 16, 2026: Intel 18A-P enters risk production
- Sep 7, 2026: Intel Foundry and ASML report one million High-NA EUV wafers

## CHIPS Act direct funding for Intel

| Date | Value | Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 20, 2024 | $8.5B | Commerce proposes up to US$8.5 billion in CHIPS Act funding for Intel, plus up to US$11 billion in loans |
| Nov 26, 2024 | $7.86B | CHIPS award finalised at US$7.86 billion, below the proposed US$8.5 billion |

## Timeline (newest first)

### Sep 7, 2026 — Intel Foundry and ASML report one million High-NA EUV wafers

Intel Foundry and ASML reported that High-NA EUV had processed more than one million wafers cumulatively. Intel said the total included tool certification, research and development, and production on select Panther Lake layers. Intel said overlay, throughput, and availability met its expectations.

- Entry: https://whatledto.com/events/intel-foundry-18a#n666 (Report)
- Source: Intel Newsroom · Sep 7, 2026 · https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/newsroom/news/intel-foundry/intel-foundry-asml-accelerate-industry-readiness-for-high-na-euv.html — "Overlay, throughput and availability are meeting Intel Foundry's expectations."
- Source: Tom’s Hardware · Sep 8, 2026 · https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/semiconductors/intel-surpasses-one-million-high-na-euv-wafers-processed-outpaces-the-rest-of-the-industry-combined-company-also-trailblazing-giant-6-12-photomasks-to-speed-production-and-lower-costs1 — "Intel's one million wafers figure includes wafers processed during tool installation and certification, R&D, and production."
- Editor's note: The page states that more than one million wafers had been processed across tool certification/testing, R&D, and volume production on select Panther Lake layers. It gives the event date as September 7, 2026 and says overlay, throughput, and availability are meeting Intel Foundry's expectations.

### Aug 12, 2026 — Intel raises US$20 billion in a stock offering priced at US$95 a share

Intel priced an underwritten public offering of 210,526,315 shares at US$95 each, raising US$20 billion after upsizing the deal from the US$15 billion announced two days earlier. The price is more than four times the US$20.47 the U.S. government paid per share in August 2025.

- Entry: https://whatledto.com/events/intel-foundry-18a#n99 (Financial)
- Source: Intel Newsroom · Aug 12, 2026 · https://newsroom.intel.com/corporate/intel-announces-upsize-and-pricing-of-20-billion-common-stock-offering — "Intel priced the underwritten public offering of 210,526,315 shares of common stock at a public offering price of $95 per share."
- Source: Intel Newsroom · Aug 10, 2026 · https://newsroom.intel.com/corporate/intel-announces-proposed-15-billion-common-stock-offering — "Intel Corporation (Nasdaq: INTC) today announced a $15 billion underwritten public offering of common stock."
- Editor's note: Both Intel newsroom releases (Aug 10 and Aug 12, 2026) fetched and quoted directly.

### Jul 28, 2026 — Intel Foundry completes the RAMP-C program

Intel Foundry announced completion of the Rapid Assured Microelectronics Prototypes - Commercial program. The announcement identified the program as RAMP-C.

- Entry: https://whatledto.com/events/intel-foundry-18a#n98 (Update)
- Source: Intel Newsroom · Jul 28, 2026 · https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/newsroom/news/intel-foundry/intel-completes-ramp-c-program-accelerating-momentum-for-secure-enclave.html — "Intel Foundry has completed the Rapid Assured Microelectronics Prototypes - Commercial (RAMP-C) program."
- Editor's note: The Intel page states that Intel Foundry completed the Rapid Assured Microelectronics Prototypes - Commercial (RAMP-C) program and contains the quoted sentence. It is dated July 28, 2026.

### Jul 23, 2026 — Intel Foundry segment revenue reaches US$5.8 billion, up 31 percent

Second-quarter 2026 results showed Intel Foundry segment revenue of US$5.8 billion, up 31 percent from a year earlier, against total company revenue of US$16.1 billion. Segment revenue includes wafers made for Intel's own product groups, so the figure measures foundry activity rather than external customer sales.

- Entry: https://whatledto.com/events/intel-foundry-18a#n100 (Financial)
- Source: Intel Q2 2026 results (SEC exhibit) · Jul 23, 2026 · https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/50863/000005086326000155/q226earningsrelease.htm — "Intel Foundry 5.8 billion up 31%"
- Editor's note: Figures taken from the segment table in the Q2 2026 earnings release filed with the SEC on July 23, 2026.

### Jul 21, 2026 — Intel and Fortinet collaborate on Security Processor 6

Intel and Fortinet announced a strategic collaboration to develop Fortinet Security Processor 6. The announcement identified the product as SP6.

- Entry: https://whatledto.com/events/intel-foundry-18a#n97 (Announcement)
- Source: Intel Newsroom · Jul 21, 2026 · https://newsroom.intel.com/manufacturing/intel-and-fortinet-collaborate-to-advance-cybersecurity-innovation-and-strengthen-global-supply-chain-resilience — "Intel Corporation (NASDAQ: INTC) and Fortinet (NASDAQ: FTNT), today announced a strategic collaboration to develop Fortinet Security Processor 6 (SP6)."
- Editor's note: The page states that Intel and Fortinet announced a strategic collaboration to develop Fortinet Security Processor 6 (SP6). It is dated July 21, 2026, matching the node date.

### Jun 18, 2026 — Intel Foundry establishes advanced packaging as a focused business

Intel said it was establishing advanced packaging as a focused Intel Foundry business. The business would have dedicated leadership.

- Entry: https://whatledto.com/events/intel-foundry-18a#n96 (Announcement)
- Source: Intel Newsroom · Jun 18, 2026 · https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/newsroom/news/corporate/intel-announces-leadership-appointment-at-intel-foundry-to-accelerate-development-and-manufacturing.html — "As part of the continued evolution of the Intel Foundry strategy, the company is establishing advanced packaging as a focused business with dedicated leadership."
- Editor's note: The Intel page states that the company is establishing advanced packaging as a focused Intel Foundry business with dedicated leadership. It is dated June 18, 2026.

### Jun 16, 2026 — Intel 18A-P enters risk production

Intel Foundry said Intel 18A-P entered risk production. Intel described 18A-P as the first performance enhancement in the Intel 18A family.

- Entry: https://whatledto.com/events/intel-foundry-18a#n95 (Update)
- Source: Intel Newsroom · Jun 16, 2026 · https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/newsroom/news/corporate/intel-foundry-details-process-milestones-future-innovation-at-vlsi-symposium.html — "It shared that Intel 18A-P, the first performance enhancement in the Intel 18A family, has entered risk production, meeting the timeline first shared with customers and partners last year."
- Editor's note: The Intel page states that Intel 18A-P, described as the first performance enhancement in the Intel 18A family, entered risk production. It is dated June 16, 2026.

### Jun 2026 — Intel commits to complete Intel 14A development

Intel committed during the second quarter of 2026 to complete development of Intel 14A. Intel said future products were designed to use the node and manufacturing-expansion projects were underway.

- Entry: https://whatledto.com/events/intel-foundry-18a#n94 (Announcement)
- Source: Intel Form 10-Q for quarter ended 2026-06-27 · Jul 2026 · https://www.intc.com/filings-reports/all-sec-filings/content/0000050863-26-000157/intc-20260627.htm — "During Q2 2026, we committed to completing development of Intel 14A, with a number of future Intel products designed to utilize the node and manufacturing expansion projects underway for production of products on the node."
- Editor's note: The filing states that during Q2 2026 Intel committed to completing development of Intel 14A, with future Intel products designed for the node and manufacturing-expansion projects underway. The reported quarter ended June 27, 2026, which supports the node date of 2026-06.

### Apr 8, 2026 — Intel becomes sole owner of the Fab 34 joint venture

Intel completed the repurchase of Apollo's interest in the Fab 34 joint venture. Intel owned 100% of the joint venture after the repurchase.

- Entry: https://whatledto.com/events/intel-foundry-18a#n93 (Financial)
- Source: Intel Form 8-K · Apr 8, 2026 · https://www.intc.com/filings-reports/all-sec-filings/content/0000050863-26-000072/intc-20260408.htm — "Intel owns 100% of the joint venture following the repurchase."
- Editor's note: The filing states that on April 8, 2026, Intel repurchased Apollo-managed funds' and affiliates' 49% interest in the Fab 34 joint venture. It also states that Intel owns 100% of the joint venture following the repurchase.

### Apr 1, 2026 — Intel agrees to repurchase Apollo's Fab 34 venture stake

Intel and Apollo agreed that Intel would repurchase the 49% interest in the Fab 34 joint venture that Intel did not own. The agreed purchase price was US$14.2 billion.

- Entry: https://whatledto.com/events/intel-foundry-18a#n92 (Announcement)
- Source: Intel Newsroom · Apr 1, 2026 · https://newsroom.intel.com/corporate/intel-repurchase-49-equity-interest-ireland-fab-joint-venture — "Intel Corporation (Nasdaq: INTC) and Apollo (NYSE: APO) today announced a definitive agreement for Intel to repurchase the 49% equity interest in the joint venture related to Intel’s Fab 34 in Ireland not held by Intel for $14.2 billion."
- Editor's note: The Intel newsroom page states that Intel and Apollo agreed for Intel to repurchase Apollo's 49% Fab 34 joint-venture interest for $14.2 billion. It is dated April 1, 2026, and contains the quoted sentence.

### Jan 5, 2026 — Intel unveils Core Ultra Series 3 built on Intel 18A

Intel unveiled Core Ultra Series 3 processors at CES. Intel described the processors as its first AI PC platform built on Intel 18A and designed and manufactured in the United States.

- Entry: https://whatledto.com/events/intel-foundry-18a#n91 (Launch)
- Source: Intel Newsroom · Jan 5, 2026 · https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/newsroom/news/artificial-intelligence/ces-2026-intel-core-ultra-series-3-debut-first-built-on-intel-18a.html — "Today at CES, Intel unveiled Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors, the first AI PC platform built on Intel 18A process technology that was designed and manufactured in the United States."
- Editor's note: The page states that Intel unveiled Intel Core Ultra Series 3 at CES and describes it as the first AI PC platform built on Intel 18A process technology designed and manufactured in the United States. It is dated January 5, 2026.

### Oct 9, 2025 — Panther Lake unveiled as the first 18A product; high-volume production at Fab 52 in Arizona

Intel detailed the Core Ultra series 3 processor, code-named Panther Lake, the first product on Intel
18A, and said it would ramp high-volume production at Fab 52 in Chandler, Arizona, with the first SKU
shipping before the end of 2025 and broad availability from January 2026.

- Entry: https://whatledto.com/events/intel-foundry-18a#n82 (Launch)
- Source: Intel Newsroom · Oct 9, 2025 · https://newsroom.intel.com/client-computing/intel-unveils-panther-lake-architecture-first-ai-pc-platform-built-on-18a — "Panther Lake will begin ramping high-volume production this year, with the first SKU slated to ship before the end of the year and broad market availability starting January 2026."

### Sep 18, 2025 — Nvidia invests US$5 billion in Intel; the two will build custom x86 CPUs and RTX-based PC chips

Nvidia agreed to buy US$5 billion of Intel stock at US$23.28 a share. Intel will build Nvidia-custom x86
CPUs for Nvidia's data center platforms and x86 system-on-chips with Nvidia RTX GPU chiplets for PCs,
connected with NVLink.

- Entry: https://whatledto.com/events/intel-foundry-18a#n81 (Announcement)
- Source: Intel Newsroom · Sep 18, 2025 · https://newsroom.intel.com/artificial-intelligence/intel-and-nvidia-to-jointly-develop-ai-infrastructure-and-personal-computing-products — "For data centers, Intel will build NVIDIA-custom x86 CPUs that NVIDIA will integrate into its AI infrastructure platforms and offer to the market."

### Aug 22, 2025 — US government takes a 9.9 percent stake in Intel for US$8.9 billion, funded from unpaid CHIPS grants

Intel agreed to sell the U.S. government 433.3 million new shares at US$20.47 each, a 9.9 percent stake,
paid for with US$5.7 billion of CHIPS Act grants that had been awarded but not disbursed and US$3.2
billion from the Secure Enclave program. The stake is passive, with no board seat.

- Entry: https://whatledto.com/events/intel-foundry-18a#n80 (Financial)
- Source: Intel Newsroom · Aug 22, 2025 · https://newsroom.intel.com/corporate/intel-and-trump-administration-reach-historic-agreement — "Under the terms of today’s announcement, the government agrees to purchase 433.3 million primary shares of Intel common stock at a price of $20.47 per share, equivalent to a 9.9 percent stake in the company."

### Jul 24, 2025 — Intel cancels Germany and Poland fabs, slows Ohio, and makes 14A conditional on an outside customer

With second-quarter 2025 results Intel said it would no longer proceed with the planned fabs in Germany
and Poland and would slow construction in Ohio to match demand. Its quarterly filing added that without
a significant external customer for 14A it might pause or discontinue that node and successor nodes.

- Entry: https://whatledto.com/events/intel-foundry-18a#n79 (Announcement)
- Source: Intel Q2 2025 results (SEC exhibit) · Jul 24, 2025 · https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/50863/000005086325000107/q225_earningsrelease.htm — "As part of this effort, Intel will no longer move forward with planned projects in Germany and Poland."

### Apr 29, 2025 — Fab 52 processes its first Intel 18A wafer

Fab 52 in Arizona processed its first wafer through the facility. Intel said the wafer was an Intel 18A wafer.

- Entry: https://whatledto.com/events/intel-foundry-18a#n90 (Update)
- Source: Intel Newsroom · Apr 29, 2025 · https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/newsroom/news/corporate/intel-foundry-gathers-customers-partners-outlines-priorities.html — "Fab 52 in Arizona has successfully “run the lot,” marking the first wafer processed through the facility, demonstrating progress in domestic manufacturing of leading-edge Intel 18A wafers."
- Editor's note: The Intel page states that Fab 52 in Arizona had successfully “run the lot,” marking the first wafer processed through the facility and demonstrating progress for leading-edge Intel 18A wafers. The page is dated April 29, 2025.

### Apr 29, 2025 — Intel Foundry engages lead customers on Intel 14A

Intel Foundry said it had engaged lead customers on its Intel 14A process technology. Intel described 14A as the successor to Intel 18A.

- Entry: https://whatledto.com/events/intel-foundry-18a#n89 (Announcement)
- Source: Intel Newsroom · Apr 29, 2025 · https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/newsroom/news/corporate/intel-foundry-gathers-customers-partners-outlines-priorities.html — "Intel Foundry has engaged with lead customers on the Intel 14A process technology, the successor to Intel 18A."
- Editor's note: The page states that Intel Foundry engaged lead customers on Intel 14A and explicitly calls it the successor to Intel 18A. It is dated April 29, 2025.

### Mar 12, 2025 — Lip-Bu Tan appointed Intel CEO

Intel's board appointed Lip-Bu Tan, former CEO of Cadence Design Systems, as chief executive effective
March 18, 2025, succeeding the interim co-CEOs.

- Entry: https://whatledto.com/events/intel-foundry-18a#n78 (Announcement)
- Source: Intel Newsroom · Mar 12, 2025 · https://newsroom.intel.com/corporate/intel-appoints-lip-bu-tan-chief-executive-officer — "Intel Corporation (Nasdaq: INTC) today announced that its board of directors has appointed Lip-Bu Tan, an accomplished technology leader with deep semiconductor industry experience, as chief executive officer, effective March 18."

### Feb 28, 2025 — Intel delays Ohio One Mod 1 completion to 2030

Intel said it planned to complete Ohio One Mod 1 construction in 2030. It said operations would begin between 2030 and 2031.

- Entry: https://whatledto.com/events/intel-foundry-18a#n88 (Delay)
- Source: Intel Newsroom · Feb 28, 2025 · https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/newsroom/news/corporate/ohio-one-construction-timeline-update.html — "Specifically, we now plan to complete construction of Mod 1 in 2030 and begin operations between 2030 and 2031."
- Editor's note: The Intel page is dated February 28, 2025, and states that Mod 1 construction is planned for completion in 2030, with operations beginning between 2030 and 2031. The quoted sentence appears on the page.

### Jan 17, 2025 — Intel Foundry adds two customers to RAMP-C phase three

Intel Foundry added Trusted Semiconductor Solutions and Reliable MicroSystems to the third phase of RAMP-C. The customers were added under the Trusted & Assured Microelectronics Program.

- Entry: https://whatledto.com/events/intel-foundry-18a#n87 (Announcement)
- Source: Intel Newsroom · Jan 17, 2025 · https://newsroom.intel.com/intel-foundry/intel-foundry-adds-customers-ramp-c-project-us-defense — "Intel Foundry has announced the onboarding of new defense industrial base (DIB) customers, Trusted Semiconductor Solutions and Reliable MicroSystems, as part of the third phase of the Rapid Assured Microelectronics Prototypes - Commercial (RAMP-C) efforts under the Trusted & Assured Microelectronics (T&AM) Program in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E))."
- Editor's note: The Intel Newsroom page states that Trusted Semiconductor Solutions and Reliable MicroSystems were onboarded as new DIB customers in the third phase of RAMP-C under the T&AM Program. It is dated January 17, 2025, and the quoted text appears on the page.

### Dec 2, 2024 — Pat Gelsinger retires; two interim co-CEOs take over

Intel said Gelsinger had retired and left the board effective December 1, 2024, and named CFO David
Zinsner and product chief Michelle Johnston Holthaus as interim co-chief executives while the board
searched for a successor.

- Entry: https://whatledto.com/events/intel-foundry-18a#n77 (Announcement)
- Source: Intel Newsroom · Dec 2, 2024 · https://newsroom.intel.com/corporate/intel-ceo-news-dec-2024 — "Intel has named two senior leaders, David Zinsner and Michelle (MJ) Johnston Holthaus, as interim co-chief executive officers while the board of directors conducts a search for a new CEO."

### Nov 26, 2024 — CHIPS award finalised at US$7.86 billion, below the proposed US$8.5 billion

Intel and the Commerce Department finalised the CHIPS Act award at up to US$7.86 billion in direct
funding for the Arizona, New Mexico, Ohio and Oregon projects, reduced from the March preliminary figure.

- Entry: https://whatledto.com/events/intel-foundry-18a#n76 (Regulatory)
- Source: Intel Newsroom (archive) · Nov 26, 2024 · https://download.intel.com/newsroom/archive/2025/en-us-2024-11-26-intel-biden-harris-administration-finalize-786-billion-funding-award-under-us-chips-act.pdf — "has awarded Intel up to $7.86 billion in direct funding"

### Sep 16, 2024 — Intel Foundry to become an independent subsidiary; AWS signs on for 18A; Germany and Poland paused two years

After a loss-making quarter and job cuts, Gelsinger said Intel would set up Intel Foundry as an
independent subsidiary inside Intel, expand its collaboration with Amazon Web Services including an AI
fabric chip on 18A, and pause its planned fabs in Germany and Poland by about two years.

- Entry: https://whatledto.com/events/intel-foundry-18a#n75 (Announcement)
- Source: Intel Newsroom · Sep 16, 2024 · https://newsroom.intel.com/corporate/foundry-momentum-progress-plan — "To build on our progress, we plan to establish Intel Foundry as an independent subsidiary inside of Intel."

### Aug 6, 2024 — Intel 18A powers on first client and server chips; PDK 1.0 released to customers

Intel said the first 18A products, the Panther Lake client chip and Clearwater Forest server chip, had
powered on and were healthy, that 18A remained on track for production in 2025, and that the 18A Process
Design Kit 1.0 had been released in July so outside customers could start designs.

- Entry: https://whatledto.com/events/intel-foundry-18a#n74 (Announcement)
- Source: Intel Newsroom · Aug 6, 2024 · https://newsroom.intel.com/intel-foundry/intel-foundry-achieves-major-milestones — "Intel 18A powered on and healthy, on track for next-gen client and server chip production next year."

### Mar 20, 2024 — Commerce proposes up to US$8.5 billion in CHIPS Act funding for Intel, plus up to US$11 billion in loans

Intel and the Biden administration announced preliminary terms for up to US$8.5 billion in direct CHIPS
Act funding for projects in Arizona, New Mexico, Ohio and Oregon, eligibility for federal loans of up to
US$11 billion, and an investment tax credit on more than US$100 billion of qualified investment.

- Entry: https://whatledto.com/events/intel-foundry-18a#n73 (Regulatory)
- Source: Intel Newsroom · Mar 20, 2024 · https://newsroom.intel.com/corporate/intel-and-biden-admin-announce-up-to-8-5-billion-in-direct-funding-under-the-chips-act — "has proposed up to $8.5 billion in direct funding through the CHIPS and Science Act to advance Intel’s commercial semiconductor projects in Arizona, New Mexico, Ohio and Oregon."

### Feb 21, 2024 — Intel Foundry launched as a systems foundry; Intel 14A unveiled; Microsoft commits a design to 18A

At its first Foundry Direct Connect event Intel relaunched the business as Intel Foundry, combining
technology development, manufacturing and foundry services, unveiled the 14A node beyond 18A, and had
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella say Microsoft had chosen a design to be built on Intel 18A.

- Entry: https://whatledto.com/events/intel-foundry-18a#n72 (Announcement)
- Source: Intel Newsroom (archive) · Feb 21, 2024 · https://download.intel.com/newsroom/archive/2025/en-us-2024-02-21-intel-foundry-direct-connect.pdf — "Intel also unveiled its new process roadmap featuring Intel 14A, an all-new process node, and a range of process node evolutions designed for foundry customers."

### Jun 21, 2023 — Intel sets internal-foundry model for first quarter of 2024

Intel said a new manufacturing group segment would be included in reportable P&Ls beginning in the first quarter of 2024. The segment would include manufacturing, technology development, and Intel Foundry Services.

- Entry: https://whatledto.com/events/intel-foundry-18a#n86 (Financial)
- Source: Intel Newsroom · Jun 21, 2023 · https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/newsroom/news/intel-update-internal-foundry-model.html — "Beginning in Q1 2024, the reportable P&Ls will include a new manufacturing group segment – inclusive of manufacturing, technology development and Intel Foundry Services (IFS) – along with the company’s product groups – Client Computing, Data Center and AI, Network and Edge, and All Other."
- Editor's note: The Intel page is dated June 21, 2023 and states that, beginning in Q1 2024, reportable P&Ls would include a new manufacturing group segment covering manufacturing, technology development, and Intel Foundry Services. The quoted text appears on the page.

### Jun 19, 2023 — Intel and Germany agree expanded Magdeburg fab investment

Intel and the German federal government signed a revised letter of intent for two fabs in Magdeburg. Intel said the investment was expected to exceed €30 billion and would receive increased government incentives.

- Entry: https://whatledto.com/events/intel-foundry-18a#n85 (Announcement)
- Source: Intel Newsroom · Jun 19, 2023 · https://newsroom.intel.com/corporate/intel-german-government-agree-magdeburg — "The agreement encompasses Intel’s expanded investment in the site, now expected to be more than 30 billion euros for two first-of-a-kind semiconductor facilities (also known as “fabs”) in Europe, along with increased government support that includes incentives, reflecting the expanded scope and change in economic conditions since the site was first announced."
- Editor's note: The Intel Newsroom page states that Intel and the German federal government signed a revised letter of intent for the Magdeburg site, with investment expected to exceed €30 billion and increased government incentives. It is dated June 19, 2023, and the quoted text appears on the page.

### Sep 24, 2021 — Intel breaks ground on Fab 52 and Fab 62 in Arizona

Intel held a groundbreaking ceremony for Fab 52 and Fab 62 at its Ocotillo campus in Chandler, Arizona. Intel put the two-fab project cost at $20 billion.

- Entry: https://whatledto.com/events/intel-foundry-18a#n84 (Update)
- Source: Intel Newsroom · Nov 26, 2024 · https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/newsroom/resources/press-kit-intel-builds-arizona.html — "Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger was joined by government and community leaders on Sept. 24, 2021, for a groundbreaking ceremony on the factories: Fab 52 and Fab 62."
- Editor's note: The page states that Pat Gelsinger joined government and community leaders on Sept. 24, 2021, for the Fab 52 and Fab 62 groundbreaking at Intel's Ocotillo campus in Chandler, Arizona. It also states the project price tag was $20 billion.

### Aug 23, 2021 — Defense Department awards Intel phase-one RAMP-C agreement

The U.S. Department of Defense awarded Intel an agreement for the first phase of the RAMP-C program. Intel Foundry Services was designated to lead the work.

- Entry: https://whatledto.com/events/intel-foundry-18a#n83 (Regulatory)
- Source: Intel Newsroom · Aug 23, 2021 · https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/newsroom/news/intel-wins-us-project-develop-foundry-ecosystem.html — "The U.S. Department of Defense, through the NSTXL consortium-based S2MARTS OTA, has awarded Intel an agreement to provide commercial foundry services in the first phase of its multi-phase Rapid Assured Microelectronics Prototypes - Commercial (RAMP-C) program."
- Editor's note: The Intel page states that the Department of Defense awarded Intel an agreement for the first phase of RAMP-C and that Intel Foundry Services would lead the work. It is dated August 23, 2021, and contains the quoted text.

### Jul 26, 2021 — Intel Accelerated: five nodes in four years, ending with Intel 18A in 2025

Intel published a process roadmap renaming its nodes Intel 7, Intel 4, Intel 3, Intel 20A and Intel 18A,
introducing RibbonFET gate-all-around transistors and PowerVia backside power at 20A, and targeting
18A for 2025, the plan later summarised as five nodes in four years.

- Entry: https://whatledto.com/events/intel-foundry-18a#n71 (Announcement)
- Source: Intel Newsroom (fact sheet) · Jul 26, 2021 · https://download.intel.com/newsroom/2021/client-computing/accelerating-process-innovation.pdf — "Intel today unveiled one of the most detailed process technology roadmaps that the company has ever provided, showcasing breakthrough technologies that will power its products through 2025 and beyond."

### Mar 23, 2021 — Gelsinger announces IDM 2.0: two Arizona fabs for about US$20 billion and a standalone Intel Foundry Services

In his first strategy event as CEO, Pat Gelsinger said Intel would keep manufacturing in house, expand
capacity starting with roughly US$20 billion for two new fabs in Arizona, use outside foundries for some
products, and create Intel Foundry Services as a standalone unit to make chips for others.

- Entry: https://whatledto.com/events/intel-foundry-18a#n70 (Announcement)
- Source: Intel press release (SEC exhibit) · Mar 23, 2021 · https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/50863/000119312521091374/d153275dex991.htm — "Announcing manufacturing expansion plans; beginning with ~$20 billion investment to build two new fabs in Arizona"

## Cause and effect

- Intel Foundry to become an independent subsidiary; AWS signs on for 18A; Germany and Poland paused two years is contradicted by Intel cancels Germany and Poland fabs, slows Ohio, and makes 14A conditional on an outside customer (A two-year pause on Germany and Poland became a cancellation.)
- Lip-Bu Tan appointed Intel CEO led to Intel cancels Germany and Poland fabs, slows Ohio, and makes 14A conditional on an outside customer (Tan's first full quarter brought the cancellations and the 14A condition.)
- Intel cancels Germany and Poland fabs, slows Ohio, and makes 14A conditional on an outside customer was answered by Intel commits to complete Intel 14A development (After Intel made 14A conditional on an external customer in July 2025, Intel said it committed during Q2 2026 to complete 14A development.)

## Where sources disagree or fall silent

- Has Intel secured a significant external customer or design commitment for 14A, and what threshold would Intel treat as sufficient to support continued investment?
- How much of Intel Foundry's reported revenue comes from external customers rather than wafers made for Intel's own product groups?
- Which manufacturing-expansion projects Intel referred to as underway in its June 2026 filing, and what their schedules and capacities will be after the Germany and Poland cancellations and Ohio delay?
- What is the U.S. government's current percentage ownership after Intel's August 2026 public share offering, which issued additional shares after the government acquired its 9.9% stake?

## What to watch next

- Jan 2027: Intel 14A external design commitments expand — A significant external 14A customer commitment is central to Intel's stated basis for continued investment in the node. (https://download.intel.com/newsroom/2026/earnings/1Q2026-Earnings-Call.pdf)

## Who is involved

- Intel (company): The chipmaker pursuing an internal-manufacturing and external-foundry strategy while funding and reshaping its fab network.
- Intel 18A (product): Intel's leading-edge process node, now in high-volume production at Fab 52 and used for the Core Ultra Series 3 platform.
- Intel Foundry (company): Intel's manufacturing and contract-chipmaking business, relaunched in 2024 and responsible for the 18A and 14A foundry roadmaps.
- Lip-Bu Tan (person): Intel's CEO since March 2025, during the company’s capacity cancellations and subsequent commitment to finish 14A development.
- Pat Gelsinger (person): Intel CEO who launched IDM 2.0 and Intel Foundry Services before retiring in December 2024.
- Intel 14A (product): The planned successor to 18A; Intel has committed to complete it, but had tied continued investment to a significant external customer.
- Intel Foundry Services (company): Was included in Intel's RAMP-C award and manufacturing reporting segment.
- Fab 52 (other): Intel's Arizona fab where 18A wafers began processing in 2025 and where 18A entered high-volume production.
- RAMP-C (product): Defense-linked Rapid Assured Microelectronics Prototypes - Commercial program that Intel Foundry completed in July 2026.
- U.S. Department of Commerce (regulator): Negotiated and finalized Intel's CHIPS Act direct-funding award for U.S. projects.
- Apollo (company): Held a 49% interest in the Fab 34 joint venture until Intel repurchased it in April 2026.
- David Zinsner (person): Intel named its CFO as an interim co-chief executive after Pat Gelsinger retired.
- Fab 34 (other): Intel's Ireland fab joint venture, whose remaining 49% Apollo interest Intel repurchased for $14.2 billion in 2026.
- Ireland (other): Location of Fab 34 and its joint venture.
- U.S. Department of Defense (regulator): Awarded Intel the first phase of the RAMP-C trusted-microelectronics program.
- Amazon Web Services (company): Expanded its Intel collaboration to include an AI fabric chip on Intel 18A.
- ASML (company): Intel's lithography partner in the reported processing of more than one million High-NA EUV wafers.
- Fab 62 (other): Arizona fab included in Intel's 2021 groundbreaking.
- Fortinet (company): Collaborated with Intel on development of Fortinet Security Processor 6.
- Fortinet Security Processor 6 (product): Security processor, also called SP6, targeted by the Intel-Fortinet collaboration.
- German federal government (regulator): Agreed incentives for Intel's planned Magdeburg fabs, which Intel later cancelled.
- High-NA EUV (product): Lithography technology reported to have processed more than one million wafers.
- Intel 18A-P (product): The first performance enhancement to the 18A family, which entered risk production in June 2026.
- Intel Core Ultra Series 3 (product): Intel processor platform unveiled as built on Intel 18A.
- Michelle Johnston Holthaus (person): Intel named its product chief as an interim co-chief executive after Pat Gelsinger retired.
- Microsoft (company): Selected a chip design to be manufactured on Intel 18A, providing an early named external foundry customer commitment.
- Nvidia (company): Invested $5 billion in Intel and agreed to jointly develop custom x86 and RTX-chiplet products, though the announcement did not identify a foundry-node order.
- Ohio One (other): Intel's Ohio fab project, whose first module is now planned for completion in 2030 and whose construction was later slowed to match demand.
- Panther Lake / Core Ultra Series 3 (product): Intel's first announced product platform built on 18A, manufactured at Fab 52 in Arizona.
- Reliable MicroSystems (company): Added as an Intel Foundry customer in phase three of the Defense Department's RAMP-C program.
- Secure Enclave (other): Program referenced in connection with the RAMP-C work.
- Trusted Semiconductor Solutions (company): Added as an Intel Foundry customer in phase three of the Defense Department's RAMP-C program.
- U.S. Department of War (regulator): Government department identified in the report as associated with the RAMP-C program.

## Changelog

- Sep 9, 2026: Chart data refreshed: 2 point(s) across 1 metric(s).
- Sep 9, 2026: Summary, key players and catalysts refreshed.
- Sep 9, 2026: Added 1 node(s): 2026-09-07 Intel Foundry and ASML report one million High-NA EUV wafers.
- Sep 9, 2026: Research run found 1 candidate node(s).
- Sep 7, 2026: Chart data refreshed: 2 point(s) across 1 metric(s).
- Sep 7, 2026: Summary, key players and catalysts refreshed.
- Sep 2, 2026: Summary, key players and catalysts refreshed.
- Sep 2, 2026: Added 18 node(s): 2021-08-23 Defense Department awards Intel phase-one RAMP-C agreement; 2021-09-24 Intel breaks ground on Fab 52 and Fab 62 in Arizona; 2023-06-19 Intel and Germany agree expanded Magdeburg fab investment; 2023-06-21 Intel sets internal-foundry model for first quarter of 2024 and 14 more.
- Sep 2, 2026: Research run found 7 candidate node(s).
- Sep 2, 2026: Research run found 9 candidate node(s).
- Sep 2, 2026: Seeded 13 hand-verified node(s) from intel-foundry-18a.yaml.

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