Intel has rarely opened its Atom processor technology to startups, and the company co-invested by CEO Chen Liwu stands to benefit.

According to Reuters, Intel has opened up partial Atom processor technology to chip startup Rosaic Labs, in a rare move for the company to license core x86 architecture-related technology to external parties. The report states that Intel plans to provide Rosaic with the register transfer level (RTL) code for its Atom processor, enabling the firm to develop custom chip designs based on Intel’s intellectual property. Sources familiar with the matter noted that this is a relatively uncommon step in Intel’s history, as the company has rarely licensed x86 architecture or Atom technology in the past. Founded in May this year, Rosaic is led by CEO Amarjit Gill, with its core team including multiple former Rivos employees. Gill has long-standing investment partnerships with Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan; the two previously co-invested in chip startup Nuvia and co-founded Rivos. According to public filings, Rosaic is positioned to launch a $10 million seed round financing.