Note that the product of "tape-out" is just data. That data is then used to produce masks, which are then used in photolithography to define features on a chip

Note that the product of "tape-out" is just data. That data is then used to produce masks, which are then used in photolithography to define features on a chip. Now, I could go off and tape out some test circuits for a 1pm process. That doesn't mean I'm making any progress towards bringing a 1pm fab node to reality.