Arm launched Arm Flexible Access for Startups, an extension of its Flexible Access programme. This new initiative offers early-stage silicon startups zero-cost access to a huge range of Arm’s IP, along with global support and training resources, enabling them to start on their journey to commercial silicon and business scale.
Early-stage silicon startups can now access a wide range of Arm IP at no cost, allowing them to experiment, design and prototype with various Arm products throughout the product development cycle. Arm defines “early-stage” as startups with up to USD 5 million in funding. Startups meeting these criteria will have access to a broad portfolio of Arm-based processors, including IP from the Arm Cortex-A, -R and -M processor families, select Arm Mali GPUs, ISPs, and other foundational SoC building blocks. Startups will also be able to supplement their in-house skills and experience with access to Arm’s ecosystem of silicon designers, software developers, support, training and tools.
As part of the introduction of Arm Flexible Access for Startups, Arm also announced a strategic partnership with Silicon Catalyst, an incubator focused exclusively on helping startups accelerate silicon solutions. Silicon Catalyst members can now access Arm IP, EDA tools and prototype silicon for free, significantly reducing costs at the critical stage of the business.
Arm Flexible Access exceeding expectations
The announcement builds on the early success of the Arm Flexible Access programme launched in 2019, which enables partners to pay an annual fee for immediate access to a broad portfolio of technology. The programme has seen significant momentum, with more than 40 customers now registered, covering areas such as IoT, AI at the edge, autonomous vehicles and medical wearables. Arm already has a successful track record in driving engagements with innovative smaller customers, hundreds of which have seen significant success using Arm technology, such as AI chip vendor, Hailo, and fabless semiconductor company, Atmosic. This new programme will enable further engagements with emerging silicon startups.
