IBM 2nm chip might put Intel back on track

IBM’s unveiling of the world’s first 2nm-node chip might be just what the doctor ordered for Intel. Having embarked on a mission to regain leadership in the semiconductor industry, the processor maker desperately needs to catch up to TSMC in process technology. Thanks to the recently announced research collaboration with Big Blue, the 2nm chip could help to make up ground.

IBM bowed out of semiconductor manufacturing in 2014, paying Globalfoundries 1.5 billion dollars to take the ailing chipmaking unit off its hands. The company, however, didn’t stop developing advanced semiconductor technologies. On the contrary: partnering with public and private parties at its R&D facilities in Albany, New York, it continues to work at the forefront of semiconductor innovation. Samsung has been a long-standing partner in this ecosystem, while former rival Intel joined last March.