Announcing the Arm Silicon Startups Contest for 2025

Since its inception in 2020, the Arm Flexible Access for Startups been empowering the next generation of silicon innovators worldwide. Through zero-cost access to a broad range of Arm’s industry-leading technologies, including processor designs, tools, and support, the program has enabled more than 160 early-stage companies to innovate rapidly while minimizing costs.

To that effect, Arm and Silicon Catalyst are delighted to announce the Arm Silicon Startups Contest for 2025. The contest, which is in its third year, offers early-stage silicon startups an unparalleled opportunity to accelerate the development of their products using Arm’s extensive technology portfolio available in Arm Flexible Access.

The contest is open for applications today (17^th March 2025), with this closing on 25^th April 2025. The winner and runner-up will be announced on 15^th May 2025.

The Arm Silicon Startups Contest 2025 Prizes

Building on the legacy of empowering future silicon innovators, the Arm Silicon Startups Contest aims to further support early-stage startups in bringing their silicon solutions to market quicker. The winner will be awarded $250,000 in Arm technology credit which can be used towards an Arm Flexible Access commercial tape-out. Meanwhile, the runner-up will benefit from $150,000 in Arm technology credit.

Beyond financial support, winners will also receive:

• Access to the Arm ecosystem: Helping to accelerate the time-to-market through access to a vast range of proven Arm IP technologies, tools, and training resources.
• Investment opportunities: Pitch review sessions hosted by the Silicon Catalyst Angel investment group, which offers exposure to potential investors.

Click here to apply

“In a world where we’re seeing AI deployed everywhere from cloud to edge, there has never been a more exciting time to be a silicon startup,” said Paul Williamson, SVP and GM, IoT Line of Business, Arm. “Since its launch, Arm Flexible Access for Startups has enabled more than 160 startups to reach new heights of innovation – we look forward to seeing the creativity this year’s prize inspires.”

“Arm is one of the leading compute platforms in the world and has been both a Silicon Catalyst Strategic Partner and In-Kind Partner since 2020. The Arm Flexible Access program is a game-changer for startups and offers silicon startups simplified access to a broad range of Arm’s leading IP, the ability to experiment with multiple IP before deciding, which is right for their design, and no-cost access to the industry’s leading IP prior to manufacturing. This makes Arm Silicon Startups Contest a highly valuable part of the contest prize,” stated Pete Rodriguez, Silicon Catalyst CEO.

A legacy of empowering silicon innovators

The success of the Arm Flexible Access for Startups is best illustrated by the achievements of past contest winners. In 2024, Agate Sensors, a Finnish startup revolutionizing full-spectrum imaging, secured $250,000 in Arm technology credit, enabling them to push the boundaries of spectral data accessibility.

Similarly, SmartKosh Technologies from India, the 2024 runner-up, received up to $150,000 in Arm technology credit. The company specializes in developing semiconductor solutions for battery-based green energy storage, contributing significantly to the shift towards clean and affordable energy.

“We’re committed to lowering barriers for early-stage silicon startups and helping them innovate with confidence and scale faster,” said Neil Parris, Director Partner Success & Biz Model Enablement at Arm. “Through the Arm Silicon Startups Contest and our collaboration with Silicon Catalyst, we provide not just technology, but also the critical support and ecosystem connections that can accelerate a startup’s journey from concept to commercialization. We’re excited to see what groundbreaking ideas emerge from this year’s contest.”

Chloe Ma, Vice President of China GTM IoT & Embedded at Arm, who joins the judging panel for the first time this year, added, “I’m excited to be part of the Arm Silicon Startups Contest for 2025 and cannot wait to see this year’s innovative entries. Arm’s leadership in AI, IoT, and edge computing is transforming industries worldwide, with the contest empowering early-stage silicon startups to harness these advanced technologies.”

A fast, affordable, trusted path to silicon prototypes

Arm Flexible Access for Startups allows early-stage startups to move fast, experiment with ease, and design with confidence. For qualifying startups, the program gives $0 access to a broad portfolio of extensively verified IP, tools, training and support to develop your SoC prototype.

It also provides clear, predictable pricing upfront with license fees due only at the point of manufacture. The program is backed by industry-leading technical support, an extensive ecosystem, and a broad developer base to help ensure the best chance of success.

Find out more about Arm Flexible Access for Startups

Moreover, Arm’s partnership with Silicon Catalyst enhances the support ecosystem for contest participants. As the world’s only incubator focused exclusively on accelerating semiconductor solutions, Silicon Catalyst offers invaluable resources, including business mentoring and access to essential tools. This collaboration means startups have the support they need at every stage of their development journey.

Join the ranks of innovators with Arm Flexible Access for Startups

The Arm Silicon Startups Contest for 2025 is an opportunity for early-stage startups to transform their ideas into impactful solutions. Using Arm’s advanced technologies and ecosystem, early-stage startups can accelerate their development journey, reduce risks, and increase their chances of business success.

We invite all eligible early-stage silicon startups to seize this opportunity and join the ranks of innovators who are shaping the future of technology. Early-stage startups can apply today and take the next step in their journey towards success.

How to Apply to Arm Silicon Startups Contest 2025

The contest is open to startup companies that have raised a maximum of $20M in funding and no more than $1M of revenue per annum, and are building an SoC utilizing Arm processor technologies.

To apply complete the application form at the Silicon Catalyst Contest Page including:

• Application deck (Concise slides on your team, the problem your solving, introducing your product, business model, market, and funding).
• A short 3 minute elevator pitch video covering the above.