ELECTRONIC NEWS HIGHLIGHT W25.2025

1. Intel to Cut Up to 20% of Workforce in Its Foundry Operations Amidst Manufacturing Restructuring

Intel plans to lay off up to 20% of its workforce in its manufacturing operations, signaling a major shift in the company’s chip fabrication strategy as it grapples with ongoing financial challenges and increasing competition in the semiconductor industry.

Naga Chandrasekaran, Intel’s Vice President of Manufacturing, confirmed that the company will begin these job cuts starting in July 2025. While the decision is difficult, Intel sees it as necessary to adjust its resources in line with its financial capabilities.

The layoffs are part of a broader cost-control effort. With Intel employing around 109,000 people at the end of 2024, and estimates suggesting that nearly half of them are involved in manufacturing operations, the move will affect more than 10,000 workers globally.

The foundry division includes a variety of roles, from technicians on the production floor to researchers working on next-generation microprocessors. The division plays a central role in Intel’s efforts to regain competitiveness in advanced node technologies and AI chips.

In addition to the foundry cuts, Intel is also planning to reduce its workforce in other departments, though no further details have been disclosed. Last year, Intel laid off 15,000 jobs globally, including 3,000 positions in Oregon.

Facing weaker sales in computer and server chips, along with delays in developing advanced products, Intel is adjusting its investment priorities. Unlike previous layoffs, these will not include voluntary buyouts, and decisions will be made based on business needs and individual performance.

Learn more: Intel to Cut Up to 20% of Workforce in Its Foundry Operations Amidst Manufacturing Restructuring

2. DDR4 Prices Rise Over 20% in Three Trading Days

DDR4 spot prices have surged in recent days due to tightening supply and strong buying sentiment. According to DRAMeXchange, the price of the DDR4 3200 16Gb (1G×16) chip increased by 6.32% on June 17, reaching an average price of $9.25, while DDR4 3200 8Gb (512M×16) jumped 8.77% to $4.441.

Compared to Friday’s closing prices, both specifications increased by more than 12% and 16%, respectively, in just two trading days. In total, the market has risen over 20% since June 13, 2025.

Industry insiders note that the DRAM market is highly responsive to upward trends. As major suppliers cut DDR4 production and some manufacturers temporarily halt pricing, downstream buyers are scrambling to secure inventory, fearing future shortages. This “panic-buying” momentum is growing, with some market watchers predicting that the price increase could last until the end of 2025.

Suppliers acknowledge that while stock is still available, the growing panic-buying presents a challenge. The rising prices make inventory management more difficult and prompt buyers to quickly adjust their purchasing strategies.

Learn more: DDR4 Prices Rise Over 20% in Three Trading Days

3. Nordic Acquires TinyML from Neuton.AI to Boost Ultra-Low-Power Edge AI on Chip

Nordic Semiconductor has acquired the intellectual property and core assets of Neuton.AI, a developer of autonomous TinyML solutions, to enhance the company’s capabilities in edge AI and machine learning across its entire portfolio of wireless system-on-chip (SoC) products.

Neuton.AI specializes in a highly compact neural network framework that can automatically generate machine learning models under 5 KB, allowing them to run efficiently on 8, 16, and 32-bit microcontrollers without the need for manual optimization or data science expertise. These features align with Nordic’s focus on ultra-low-power devices in markets such as consumer electronics, industrial IoT, and healthcare.

This acquisition is expected to significantly enhance Nordic’s next-generation wireless SoC, the nRF54 Series, combining high performance with energy efficiency. Vegard Wollan, CEO and President of Nordic Semiconductor, said: “By integrating Neuton’s advanced TinyML technology, we are creating a new breed of always-on AI applications.”

The agreement includes all intellectual property and selected assets of Neuton.AI, along with the transfer of 13 engineers and data scientists. Neuton.AI’s brand and platform will continue to operate during the integration phase to ensure service continuity.