Multi-project wafer (MPW)
Beginner
Many teams or students sharing one set of stencils and one batch of chips, like carpooling, so each pays only a share.
Novice
A shared manufacturing run, also called a shuttle, in which many designs are placed side by side on the same masks and wafers. Each customer pays for its area and gets a small number of chips back.
Expert
Trades cost for flexibility: fixed submission dates, area sold in set sizes, few parts, the provider’s rules and tools, and usually no volume production from the same masks. Ideal for prototypes, test chips, research and teaching.