As someone with 0 idea about semiconductors development: How does making your own chip compare to using FPGAs when you need low quantities? What things can you do with your own IC that you cannot do with FPGAs?
It's more of a principle achievement, like, "hey Intel, come cause a shooting spree at my local grocery store while I'm there, because, anybody who did similar DIY things in the automobile-hydrogen space met a similar fate from that industry!" [1]
1. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2022/jun/02/facebook-p...