Intel closes pilot paid Nvidia to test 18A chips

Intel Foundry Services has successfully completed the RAMP-C program, a significant initiative aimed at establishing a secure, domestic ecosystem for leading-edge chip manufacturing on Intel’s 18A process. This achievement marks a crucial step in positioning the company and its partners at the forefront of high-performance computing and defense technology.

The RAMP-C program served as a powerful conduit, channeling funding to commercial and defense partners who could test chips on an advanced design kit, paving the way for future external customers to fabricate real-world products. This collaboration was instrumental in shaping the manufacturing flow for technologies like the Intel Secure Enclave.

While specific customer names remain protected due to the sensitive nature of defense industrial base (DIB) contracts, the program’s roster reveals a powerful alliance. Industry giants including Nvidia, Microsoft, IBM, Qualcomm, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman participated in the testing phase, contributing to the development of a unified, defense-ready domestic chip source.

This collaborative process yielded invaluable data for all stakeholders. As former SVP and GM of Intel Foundry Services Stu Pann noted, the program allowed partners to operate with immature PDKs—design kits that typically require extensive development—while receiving essential performance metrics. This exchange provided critical PPAC data on how 18A performed in terms of power, performance, area, and cost.

The success of RAMP-C directly influenced the follow-on initiative, Secure Enclave. This related program, valued up to $3 billion, was finalized alongside Intel’s commitment under the CHIPS Act and the company’s overall funding commitments. The requirement that CHIPS money cover this critical security infrastructure underscores the national importance placed on securing domestic semiconductor supply chains.

The partnership extended deep into the technological roadmap. Nvidia, for example, participated in early phases of RAMP-C, laying groundwork that led to major agreements, including a substantial common stock deal and ongoing trials involving Intel’s 18A test chips. This relationship highlights how strategic collaboration drives innovation across the entire semiconductor spectrum.

Looking ahead, the focus remains firmly on high-volume production and sustained growth. Despite the significant investment in infrastructure, Intel Foundry Services continues to drive commercial progress, booking substantial external revenue while committing to mass production of its advanced technology, 14A, in 2028. The journey from defense testing to commercial fabrication demonstrates a focused commitment to building a robust and secure future for semiconductor manufacturing.