CIQ, the founding support partner of Rocky Linux and provider of high-performance software infrastructure, is debuting the CIQ Startup Program—enabling eligible startups to get six months free, then up to 80% off CIQ's AI infrastructure stack for up to two years.
Designed for VC-backed startups from seed through Series C, the program prioritizes companies running production AI workloads, building performance-intensive applications, or preparing to enter regulated markets, the company said.
Through the CIQ Startup Program, startups can deploy and scale CIQ’s stack for AI workloads, which includes:
- Rocky Linux from CIQ – AI (RLC-AI): RLC-AI includes integrated frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, Hugging Face, ONNX), immediate accelerator support and kernel-level optimizations that eliminate weeks of manual configuration.
- CIQ Fuzzball: Container-first orchestration platform that enables startups to dramatically scale AI pipeline throughput while accelerating deployment across cloud, on-prem, and hybrid environments without requiring deep HPC expertise.
- Rocky Linux from CIQ – Hardened (RLC-H): Ready-to-deploy hardened images that unlock access to federal and government sectors by meeting compliance standards including FIPS 140-3, CIS, and DISA STIG out of the box.
- Direct engineering support: Architecture design, performance tuning, and deployment guidance from CIQ's team.
"Infrastructure complexity shouldn't slow down innovation," said Bjorn Hovland, president of CIQ. "The CIQ Startup Program gives early-stage companies access to the same battle-tested stack that enterprises and research institutions depend on, without the enterprise costs. We're a startup too, we understand what it takes to move fast and scale smart."
Startups in the program have reported significant improvements in deployment speed and infrastructure efficiency, the company said.
Eligible startups can apply at https://ciq.com/startups.
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