Silicon Catalyst, an incubator focused exclusively on accelerating solutions in silicon, and STMicroelectronics jointly announce that ST has joined Silicon Catalyst as both a Strategic and In-Kind Partner. 

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 be MEMS sensors and actuators.

“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 fueling the new cycle of semiconductor innovation,” said Kirk Ouellette, VP Strategic Marketing and Strategy Development, STMicroelectronics. "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.” 

Silicon Catalyst has created a unique ecosystem 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 utilize 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 startups can tap into the Silicon Catalyst network of advisors and investors.

“Our combined efforts will focus on delivering innovative solutions across diverse application segments,” said Pete Rodriguez, CEO of Silicon Catalyst. “STMicroelectronics is the second company to join the Silicon Catalyst ecosystem as both a Strategic Partner and In-Kind Partner, following our recent announcement of Arm joining our ecosystem. The addition of ST’s market-leading MEMS capabilities, as the first step of our partnership, will expand our reach into the rapidly evolving innovations in the sensor and actuator markets.”