PR: ChipFlow and ChipFoundry Join Forces to Make IC Development Easier and More Affordable
Barcelona, Spain - August 29th, 2025
ChipFlow today announces a transformative partnership with ChipFoundry, bringing together two open-source champions in chip design to deliver a developer-first, budget-conscious workflow for custom ASIC development.
This integration connects ChipFlow’s open source EDA toolchain directly into ChipFoundry’s fabrication portal—offering an end-to-end design experience that’s refreshingly lightweight, license-free, and radically accessible. From RTL to tapeout, users can now bypass legacy complexities and unlock a full-stack ASIC workflow with minimal overhead.
Crucially, this partnership builds on ChipFlow’s broader Supply Chain collaborations. By enabling access to the SkyWater 130nm node, used for billions of automotive and consumer devices, it opens up a new process option within an expanding ecosystem—without locking teams into any one fab or partner. ChipFlow remains committed to supporting diverse manufacturing routes for its users, tailored to fit academic projects, SME OEMs, and startup needs.
ChipFoundry’s shuttle runs are already making prototyping more affordable. With ChipFlow’s zero-cost tool access layered on top, the combined solution slashes the financial barrier to entry even further—ushering in a new era where agile silicon development is no longer a luxury.
For educators and researchers, this unlocks hands-on chip design with transparent costs.
For lean hardware teams and SMEs, it provides a verified, low-friction route to custom ASICs—without the prohibitive price tags.
Both ChipFlow and ChipFoundry share a belief that custom silicon shouldn’t be off-limits to smaller teams. By combining next-gen design automation with low-cost, open manufacturing flows, we’re opening the door to a more inclusive, developer-led hardware ecosystem.
About ChipFlow:
ChipFlow is a Spanish company and a globally recognised leader in the Open Source EDA movement. It enables OEMs of all sizes to design and produce custom silicon by removing the traditional cost and complexity barriers of ASIC development. The ChipFlow platform combines open source and proprietary tools, pre-verified reference designs and an integrated supply chain to deliver a complete path from design to production. Supported by initiatives such as the EU Chips Act, ChipFlow is building a transparent, scalable and accessible future for custom silicon.
About ChipFoundry:
ChipFoundry is on a mission to democratize silicon chip design and manufacturing, making custom silicon accessible to innovators, researchers, and educators worldwide. The company was founded by the leadership team behind Efabless, continuing the mission of democratizing access to silicon through affordable shuttle programs and open-source flows.
Building on the success of previous open-source silicon programs, which have facilitated the fabrication of more than 600 chip designs, ChipFoundry provides accessible and affordable pathways for a wider audience to bring their silicon designs to life. The company offers two main services:
ChipCreate: A professional prototyping service for startups and product developers, offering a rapid and cost-effective route to custom chip prototypes and small production runs.
ChipDiscover: An education-focused program designed for students and instructors, which includes an FPGA-based learning platform and the option for manufacturing.
ChipFoundry operates as part of Umbralogic Technologies LLC and believes that innovation in silicon should be available to everyone with a great idea, not just those with large budgets and specialized expertise.