Arm Expands AI Licensing Program to Seize Edge AI Device Market

Arm Holdings this week widened its Flexible Access programme, opening its Armv9 edge AI platform to startups and device-makers at low or no cost. This move aims to boost Arm’s standing in the market for on-device artificial intelligence — where chips handle AI tasks directly on phones, laptops or IoT devices rather than relying on the cloud. 

Under the expanded licence scheme, companies such as Raspberry Pi, Hailo and SiMa.ai have already used Arm’s tools to design new chips. The programme now counts more than 300 participating firms and about 400 chip designs completed and ready for manufacture. 

Arm described the initiative as a strategic step to make its architecture the foundation of emerging AI devices. That comes as rivals such as Nvidia and Intel battle for dominance in edge-AI processing. Analysts view Arm’s new offer as a way to lower barriers for innovation and lock in licensees early in the product development cycle. 

Investors responded positively. Arm’s stock jumped about 4% to $172.23 after the announcement, extending its year-to-date rally to more than 30%. 

In essence, Arm’s expanded access plan aims to accelerate the shift of AI from the cloud to the device — and in doing so, strengthen its hold on a market poised for rapid growth.