STMicroelectronics joins Silicon Catalyst start-up incubator

Semiconductor company STMicroelectronics has announced that it has joined Silicon Catalyst, a specialist incubator focused exclusively on accelerating solutions in silicon, as both a Strategic and In-Kind Partner — the second company to join in both roles, following chip technology company Arm.

As a Strategic Partner, the collaboration provides STMicroelectronics with early access to review and help select the early-stage silicon start-ups seeking to participate in the Silicon Catalyst Incubator. The initial focus of the In-Kind collaboration will meanwhile be MEMS sensors and actuators.

The Silicon Catalyst ecosystem was created to provide critical support to semiconductor hardware start-ups, including tools and services from a comprehensive network of In-Kind Partners (IKPs) to dramatically reduce the cost of chip development. In its fifth year of operation, Silicon Catalyst has reviewed over 300 early-stage companies and has now admitted a total of 31 start-ups into the incubator. These portfolio companies utilise IKP tools and services including design tools, simulation software, design services, foundry PDK access and MPW runs, test program development and tester access.

Companies accepted into the incubator have two years of no-cost or significantly discounted access to these IKP tools and services during the incubation period. Additionally, the start-ups can tap into the Silicon Catalyst network of advisors and investors.

“Innovation through silicon is driving advancements in technology. Hardware development is challenging, which is why Silicon Catalyst plays a key role in enabling silicon start-ups to develop their technology and fuelling the new cycle of semiconductor innovation,” said Kirk Ouellette, Vice President Strategic Marketing and Strategy Development, STMicroelectronics. “ST has a strong collaborative R&D and industrialisation culture, which makes a perfect fit with Silicon Catalyst. As both a Strategic and In-Kind Partner, ST looks forward to providing guidance and resources for start-up partners as well as gaining access to cutting-edge silicon innovation.”

“We are extremely pleased to welcome STMicroelectronics to further enable our mission of accelerating business growth for start-ups in the semiconductor market,” added Silicon Catalyst CEO Pete Rodriguez. “Our combined efforts will focus on delivering innovative solutions across diverse application segments.

“The addition of ST’s market-leading MEMS capabilities, as a first step of our partnership, will expand our reach into the rapidly evolving innovations in the sensor and actuator markets.”

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