Pune: Arm, in partnership with Silicon Catalyst, has announced the launch of the Arm Silicon Startups Contest 2025, offering early-stage silicon startups an exclusive opportunity to fast-track their product development and commercialization journey using Arm’s industry-leading IP through the Arm Flexible Access for Startups program.
The Arm Silicon Startups Contest 2025 —now in its third edition—is designed to empower emerging semiconductor innovators by offering access to Arm’s extensive IP portfolio, expert support, and strategic investor networks. Applications are open until April 25, 2025, with winners to be announced on May 15, 2025.
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What’s at Stake
The Arm Silicon Startups Contest 2025 winner will receive $250,000 in Arm technology credits, which can be applied toward a commercial tape-out using Arm Flexible Access. The runner-up will be awarded $150,000 in credits. In addition to financial support, the top applicants will benefit from:
- Zero-cost access to Arm’s Flexible Access IP portfolio, including processor designs, tools, and software.
- Mentorship and investment exposure through Silicon Catalyst’s angel network and ecosystem partners.
- Training and support to accelerate time-to-market and optimize product performance.
- Ecosystem connections to global partners and potential collaborators.
Arm Silicon Startups Contest 2025
Launched in 2020, Arm Flexible Access for Startups has supported over 160 early-stage companies worldwide, offering a unique, no-cost model that allows startups to explore and experiment with a wide array of Arm IP before committing to production. The program removes traditional cost barriers and provides predictable pricing structures, enabling startups to prototype quickly and build confidently.
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“In a world increasingly driven by AI and edge computing, there’s never been a more exciting time to be a silicon startup,” said Paul Williamson, SVP and GM of Arm’s IoT Line of Business. “Arm Flexible Access has already helped more than 160 startups accelerate innovation, and we’re excited to see how this year’s contest inspires the next wave of groundbreaking ideas.”
Pete Rodriguez, CEO of Silicon Catalyst, added: “Arm’s Flexible Access program has been a game-changer for semiconductor startups. The ability to explore multiple IP options without upfront costs makes it uniquely valuable. This contest adds a powerful incentive for the next generation of SoC innovators.”
The Arm Silicon Startups Contest 2025 is open to startups building an SoC with Arm processor technology, with less than $20 million in funding raised and less than $1 million in annual revenue. Applications must include a concise pitch deck and a three-minute elevator pitch video.
The 2024 winners of the Arm Silicon Startups Contest illustrate the transformative power of the initiative: Agate Sensors (Finland), winner of the 2024 contest, received $250,000 in Arm credits to accelerate their work in full-spectrum imaging. SmartKosh Technologies (India), 2024 runner-up, secured $150,000 in credits to support their innovations in semiconductor solutions for battery-based green energy storage.
“We are committed to lowering the barriers for early-stage silicon innovators,” said Neil Parris, Director of Partner Success & Business Model Enablement at Arm. “Through this contest and our collaboration with Silicon Catalyst, we’re offering more than just technology—we’re offering a launchpad for global impact.”
Chloe Ma, Vice President, China GTM IoT & Embedded at Arm, and a Arm Silicon Startups Contest 2025 contest judge, emphasized the importance of the initiative: “Arm’s leadership in AI, IoT, and embedded systems continues to reshape industries. I’m thrilled to be part of this year’s judging panel and look forward to the next generation of innovative ideas.”
