A programmable integrated circuit performs an initial partial configuration of the programmable integrated circuit in response to receiving an activation signal. In this way, the programmable integrated circuit enables an initial functionality of the programmable integrated circuit. The programmable integrated circuit then performs a subsequent partial configuration of the programmable integrated circuit for enabling additional functionality of the programmable integrated circuit. In some embodiments, the programmable integrated circuit receives an input signal indicating a stimulus in an environment of the programmable integrated circuit and determines based on the input signal whether to perform the subsequent partial configuration of the programmable integrated circuit or generate a power down signal for powering down the programmable integrated circuit without performing the subsequent partial configuration. In some embodiments, the programmable integrated circuit performs a sequence of partial subsequent configurations for enabling a sequence of additional functionalities of the programmable integrated circuit.