Tech incubator leasing EDA tools for chip startups

Silicon Valley-based tech incubator Plug and Play, which launched its semiconductors program in 2023, has joined hands with Synopsys to provide selected startups with access to its design tools and software licenses. The tie-up aims to lower the barrier to next-generation chip design, accelerate time to market, and reduce development costs across various chip-design stages.

Professional-grade EDA tools often represent a significant investment at the early stage, so this partnership will lower the barrier to entry for cutting-edge chip design. “This collaboration with Synopsys brings their trusted and comprehensive chip design software and solutions directly to the startups we support,” said Rouzbeh Borhani, head of Plug and Play Semiconductors.

The partnership also marks a significant move by Synopsys to win over chip startups while helping them innovate at the earliest stages of chip development. Moreover, Plug and Play can provide Synopsys access to deep tech firms beyond semiconductor startups.

Plug and Play has recently welcomed over 150 startups in its first Silicon Valley batch of 2025. These upstarts will gain hands-on support from industry experts, investors, and corporate partners in a 3-month program, which includes mentor-led workshops, private deal-flow sessions, and curated introductions designed to accelerate their business growth.

The program will also allow startups to secure pilots, proofs of concept, and potential investment without equity requirements. In this batch, 13% of startups are based in Silicon Valley, while 61% are from other parts of the United States. The remaining 26% of startups come from Canada, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and several other countries.

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