SkyWater Technology SKY130 Open-Source PDK
Free open-source foundry PDK that removes the licensing barrier to chip design.
SkyWater Technology SKY130 Open-Source PDK is a developer tools perk from SkyWater Technology, offering free access to chip design technology, with no funding required.
Inside SkyWater Technology SKY130 Open-Source PDK
SkyWater (with Google) released the industry's first open-source foundry PDK, SKY130, giving students, researchers and startups completely free access to 130nm foundry technology, reference designs, open EDA tools and flows with no license fees, legal agreements or export controls. Affordable low-volume fabrication runs via ChipIgnite shuttles.
Source: The provider's official program page · as of Sep 21, 2026
Who it's for
- Funding / backing
- No funding needed
- Startup stage
- Idea, Pre-seed, Seed
- Geography
- Global
- Recurring / expiry
- Shuttles run several times per year
How to apply for SkyWater Technology SKY130 Open-Source PDK
- A company email on your own website domain (not a personal address)
- 1Access the open PDK docs and community
- 2submit designs via a shuttle partner.
Source: The provider's official program page · as of Sep 21, 2026
SkyWater Technology SKY130 Open-Source PDK: common questions
What do you get with SkyWater Technology SKY130 Open-Source PDK?
SkyWater Technology SKY130 Open-Source PDK offers free access to chip design technology.
Who qualifies for SkyWater Technology SKY130 Open-Source PDK?
SkyWater Technology SKY130 Open-Source PDK is for idea-stage, pre-seed and seed startups, no funding required.
Do I need to be VC-backed or in an accelerator to get SkyWater Technology SKY130 Open-Source PDK?
No. SkyWater Technology SKY130 Open-Source PDK is open to any startup that meets the stated criteria, no investor or accelerator backing required.
How do I apply for SkyWater Technology SKY130 Open-Source PDK?
Access the open PDK docs and community, then submit designs via a shuttle partner.
How long do I have to use SkyWater Technology SKY130 Open-Source PDK, and does it expire?
Shuttles run several times per year
Is SkyWater Technology SKY130 Open-Source PDK available outside the US?
SkyWater Technology SKY130 Open-Source PDK is available globally, subject to the provider's terms.
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