# POSE: Phase I:  Enabling Open-source Ecosystem for Rapid System-on-Chip Design and Programming

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Brown University (RI) · $300,000

## Abstract

This Pathways to Enable Open-Source Ecosystems (POSE) project accelerates the adoption of open-source tools to design energy-efficient artificial intelligence (AI) hardware systems. By enabling rapid prototyping and lowering the barriers to system-on-chip design, the project supports innovation across scientific domains that rely on specialized AI hardware. The solution aims to establish a sustainable ecosystem for modular, transparent, and reusable hardware design through collaboration with stakeholders and a shared vision for extensible design flows. These efforts advance semiconductor and computing innovation while expanding access to next-generation hardware design.

This Pathways to Enable Open-Source Ecosystems (POSE) project scopes activities for an open-source ecosystem for customizable AI hardware generation and system-on-chip design. The project’s goals are to: (1) conduct a comprehensive needs assessment via structured surveys and interviews, (2) evaluate the ecosystem through domain-specific pilot deployments, (3) analyze barriers to educational adoption, (4) design community governance models, and (5) promote contributor growth through training and mentorship. The project aims to gather actionable insights to improve usability, documentation, and onboarding, ultimately supporting greater adoption and long-term sustainability. By enabling customizable, efficient hardware generation and fostering a scalable, community-driven governance structure, the project defi

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2518375
- **Awardee organization:** Brown University (RI)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** E3FDXZ6TBHW3
- **PI:** Peipei Zhou
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES
- **Estimated total:** $300,000
- **Funds obligated:** $300,000
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 08/15/2025 → 07/31/2026

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2518375

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2518375, POSE: Phase I:  Enabling Open-source Ecosystem for Rapid System-on-Chip Design and Programming. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-07 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2518375. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NSF Awards dataset](/datasets/nsf-awards) · CC0 1.0*