GlobalFoundries and IDEMIA Secure Transactions to Enable Next-Generation Smart Card IC on GF 28ESF3 Platform

Partnership will deliver 100% European-manufactured and tested smart card technology for secure and seamless transactions

MALTA, N.Y., November 21, 2024 - Today GlobalFoundries (Nasdaq: GFS) (GF) announced its collaboration with IDEMIA Secure Transactions (IST), a division of IDEMIA Group, to deliver IST's new smart card IC on GF's 28ESF3 process technology platform. This announcement marks a two-year partnership to create a 100% European value chain and efficient one-stop-shop solution for the next generation of IST's smart card technology.

Announced at GF's annual Technology Summit in 2023, GF's 28ESF3 platform integrates ESF3 embedded non-volatile memory (NVM) into the GF 28SLPe foundry process. The platform offers a unique value proposition for smart card solutions, delivering improved data retention, low read latency and enhanced power efficiency. The platform also offers customers significant cost and time savings for developers through a streamlined manufacturing process with 40% less complexity than competitive platforms, readily accessible Smart Card Flash macros and custom macro design that simplify integration and accelerate time to market.

This collaboration also highlights GF's extensive turnkey service offerings, including the availability of wafer sort using Known-Good-Die (KDG) methodology. Through this process, GF will supply die products that meet the high quality and reliability requirements for smart card solutions while streamlining the path to production.

"As digitization continues to modernize our essential financial services, GF recognizes the importance of delivering smart card and digital payment innovations that prioritize security, privacy and convenience," said Kamal Khouri, vice president and general manager of GF's feature-rich CMOS product line. "We are bringing those priorities forward through this partnership with IST and advancing future-ready smart card solutions with key integrations for memory and power that optimize performance and reliability."

"Building the first 100% European value chain for smartcards based on GF's 28ESF3 technology is a major step for IDEMIA Secure Transactions. The collaboration between GF and IST R&D teams has led to the development of the first secure element for payment applications. Our strategy targets banking and connectivity solutions addressing the challenges of the post-quantum cryptography, for which the 28-nanometer chip technology is particularly suited," said Andrea Bonzo, CTO of IDEMIA StarChip, IDEMIA Secure Transactions.

The new smartcard IC is scheduled for mass production by 2026 at GF's high-volume manufacturing facility in Dresden, Germany. As an ISO 15048 EAL6-certified facility, GF's Dresden facility meets the highest standards for manufacturing security products like smart card technologies, ensuring an efficient and secure supply chain that saves customers considerable time and costs.

About GF

GlobalFoundries (GF) is a leading manufacturer of essential semiconductors the world relies on to live, work and connect. We innovate and partner with customers to deliver more power-efficient, high-performance products for the automotive, smart mobile devices, internet of things, communications infrastructure and other high-growth markets. With our global manufacturing footprint spanning the U.S., Europe, and Asia, GF is a trusted and reliable source for customers around the world. Every day, our talented and diverse team delivers results with an unyielding focus on security, longevity, and sustainability. For more information, visit www.gf.com.

About IDEMIA Group

IDEMIA Group unlocks simpler and safer ways to pay, connect, access, identify, travel and protect public places. With its long-standing expertise in biometrics and cryptography, IDEMIA develops technologies of excellence with an impactful, ethical, and socially responsible approach. Every day, IDEMIA secures billions of interactions in the physical and digital worlds.

IDEMIA Group brings together three market-leading businesses that enable mission-critical solutions:

• IDEMIA Secure Transactions is the leading technology provider who unlocks safer and easier ways to pay and connect.
• IDEMIA Public Security is a leading global provider of biometric solutions that unlock convenient and secure travel, access, and protection.
• IDEMIA Smart Identity leverages the power of cryptographic and biometric technologies to unlock a single trusted identity for all.

With a global team of nearly 15,000 employees, IDEMIA Group is trusted by over 600 governmental organizations and more than 2,400 enterprises in over 180 countries. For more information, visit www.idemia.com and follow @IDEMIAGroup on X.

Forward-looking Information

This news release may contain forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. GF undertakes no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news release or to reflect actual outcomes, unless required by law. 

Media Contact:

GlobalFoundries
Stephanie Gonzalez
[email protected]

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