Open MPW Shuttle Programs

01What are Open MPW Programs?

Open MPW shuttle programs democratize access to chip fabrication by providing free or low-cost manufacturing slots for qualifying projects. These programs support open-source hardware, academic research, and semiconductor education.

Democratizing Silicon

Traditionally, custom chip fabrication required $50K-$500K+ investments. Open MPW programs make silicon accessible to individual researchers, students, and small teams.

Open Source Focus

Many programs require designs to be open-sourced, contributing to a growing library of free silicon IP that benefits the entire community.

Education & Research

These programs train the next generation of chip designers and enable research that would otherwise be financially impossible.

02Available Open MPW Programs

Major open shuttle programs currently accepting submissions.

• •
  Google/Efabless Open MPW

  Free fabrication on SkyWater 130nm open-source PDK. Multiple shuttles per year. Designs must be open-sourced. Most accessible program for individuals.

• •
  Europractice (EU)

  Subsidized MPW for European universities and research institutions. Multiple foundries and nodes available. Significant cost reduction vs commercial pricing.

• •
  MOSIS (USA)

  Long-running academic program providing university access to various foundries. Educational pricing for qualifying institutions.

• •
  CMC Microsystems (Canada)

  Canadian academic program offering subsidized access to commercial foundries for research and education.

• •
  CMP (France)

  French multi-project program supporting academic and small business chip fabrication with European foundries.

• •
  Tiny Tapeout

  Ultra-low-cost shared silicon for small digital designs. Great for learning and simple projects. Based on open-source tools.

03Eligibility & Requirements

Open MPW programs have varying requirements. Understanding eligibility helps you find the right program.

Open Source Requirement

Programs like Google Open MPW require designs to be released under open-source licenses. Commercial IP cannot be included.

Academic Affiliation

Programs like MOSIS and Europractice typically require university or research institution affiliation. Students and faculty qualify.

Geographic Restrictions

Some programs are region-specific (Europractice for EU, CMC for Canada). Check geographic eligibility before applying.

Technical Requirements

All programs require design-ready GDSII meeting their specific PDK and design rules. Technical capability is assumed.

04How to Participate

General steps for participating in open MPW shuttle programs.

1. 01
   Select Program

   Choose a program based on your eligibility, technology needs, and timeline. Check current shuttle schedules.
2. 02
   Register & Apply

   Create account on program platform. Submit application with project description and team information.
3. 03
   Get PDK Access

   Once approved, download the Process Design Kit. Sign any required NDAs (some programs use fully open PDKs).
4. 04
   Design Your Chip

   Create your design using provided PDK. Use open-source tools (OpenLane, Magic) or commercial EDA tools.
5. 05
   Submit Design

   Upload completed GDSII before shuttle deadline. Pass automated DRC/LVS checks.
6. 06
   Receive Chips

   After fabrication (3-6 months), receive your manufactured chips for testing.

05Open MPW FAQ

Common questions about open shuttle programs.

What is open MPW shuttle?

Open MPW (Multi-Project Wafer) shuttle programs provide free or subsidized chip fabrication, typically requiring open-source licensing of designs. They democratize access to custom silicon manufacturing.

Is Google Open MPW really free?

Yes, Google sponsors the Efabless Open MPW program providing free fabrication on SkyWater 130nm. Selected designs receive manufactured chips at no cost. Designs must be open-sourced.

Can I use open MPW for commercial products?

It depends on the program. Google Open MPW requires open-source licensing which may complicate commercial use. Academic programs typically restrict commercial applications. Check specific terms.

What technology nodes are available?

Open programs typically offer mature nodes: SkyWater 130nm (Google), various 180nm-65nm (academic programs). Leading-edge nodes are not available in open programs due to cost.

How do I learn chip design for these programs?

Resources include: Zero to ASIC course, Efabless documentation, OpenLane tutorials, university courses. The open-source community provides extensive learning materials.

What if I need commercial MPW?

For commercial projects, proprietary designs, or advanced nodes, use commercial MPW services like VLSIShuttle. We offer competitive pricing across multiple foundries.

Need Commercial MPW?

For proprietary designs or advanced process nodes, VLSIShuttle offers professional MPW services.

1. [1]
   Google Open MPW Shuttle Program

   Efabless
2. [2]
   Europractice IC Service

   Europractice
3. [3]
   MOSIS Service

   The MOSIS Service
4. [4]
   Tiny Tapeout

   Tiny Tapeout Project