Arm extends free access to core designs for startups

Arm has put together a program based on its existing Flexible Access model that is intended to provide early-state startups with a broader list of cores they can prototype before needing to take out a full licence.

For access to the program, Arm defines “early stage” as startups with no more than $5m 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, as well as a number of Arm Mali GPUs, and other SoC building blocks.

“In today’s challenging business landscape, enabling innovation is critical – now more than ever, startups with brilliant ideas need the fastest, most trusted route to success and scale,” said Dipti Vachani, senior vice president and general manager of the automotive and IoT line of business at Arm. “Arm Flexible Access for Startups offers new silicon entrants a faster, more cost-efficient path to working prototypes, resulting in strengthened investor confidence for future funding.”

As part of the introduction of Flexible Access for Startups, Arm also unveiled a 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, helping to cut costs for these startups.