Novel chip architectures, AI/ML processing units on the edge, low-power IoT sensors… exciting things are happening in the semiconductor space. But for many of the startups working in the semiconductor space, they’re frustrated that they have to raise millions of dollars just to hit “run” on their first prototype.
Berkeley SkyDeck is helping bring the “Silicon” back to Silicon Valley. The Chip Track at SkyDeck features some of the world’s preeminent academic experts in computer architectures and ASIC design, along with key collaborators from key industry leaders.Every six months, two companies will be selected for inclusion in the Chip Track. For these accepted startups, they will receive:
- $200k in equity investment from the Berkeley SkyDeck Fund
- Six months residency at Berkeley SkyDeck
- Access to resources from SkyDeck’s premier partner Synopsys
- Access to cloud-based PDKs and MPW wafer runs from TSMC to reduce tape-out costs
- Credits for access to cloud-based digital / analog / simulation tooling from Cadence
- Access free / discounted IP from a variety of sources, to reduce design costs
- Access UC Berkeley’s campus resources, including Marvell NanoLab, Molecular Foundry
A partial list of advisors for the Chip Track includes luminaries such as:
UC Berkeley Professor David Patterson
Turing Award Winner, Google Brain, RISC-V
UC Berkeley Professor Krste Asanovic
RISC-V, Co-Founder SiFive
UC Berkeley Professor Alberto Sangiovanni-Vincentelli
Co-Founder Cadence, Co-Founder Synopsys
Andrew Waterman
Co-Founder SiFive
Laura Oliphant
Former Investment Director, Intel Capital
Steve Glaser
Former SVP Cadence / Xilinx
Alberto Sangiovanni-Vincentelli
Advisory chair - Chip Track
John Busch
Advisory chair - Chip Track
