Intel Bets Big on Panther Lake AI Chips as Foundry Division Bleeds Billions

Intel is banking its turnaround on the upcoming Panther Lake series of AI-oriented chips, built on its 18A manufacturing process.

The new architecture introduces innovations like RibbonFET transistors and backside power delivery (PowerVia), which Intel claims provide better performance per watt and improved density. The bet comes as Intel’s foundry arm continues to struggle. In Q2 2025 alone, the foundry business recorded a $3.2 billion operating loss on $4.4 billion revenue. Meanwhile, rivals are gaining market share, with AMD now capturing over 32 percent of desktop CPU units and nearly 40 percent of revenue.

Intel sees Panther Lake as a pivotal product not just for its client lineups but as a signal of relevance in the AI and high-end computing era. The company is depending on it to reclaim momentum as it balances heavy foundry losses with ambitious R&D and manufacturing investments.

Clever Robot News Desk 13^th October 2025