diff --git a/.github/workflows/ci.yml b/.github/workflows/ci.yml
index 45e8c5bbcb..6a99efee55 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/ci.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/ci.yml
@@ -32,7 +32,17 @@ jobs:
         if: steps.cache-toolchain.outputs.cache-hit != 'true'
         run: make arm_sdk_install
 
+      - name: Hydrate the PICO sdk
+        description: Hydration is required to build the PICO tool
+        if: steps.cache-toolchain.outputs.cache-hit != 'true'
+        run: make pico_sdk
+
+      - name: Build pico tool and install
+        if: steps.cache-toolchain.outputs.cache-hit != 'true'
+        run: make picotool_install
+
       - name: Hydrate configuration
+        description: Load the configuration sub-module as it is needed to ensure the build target list is successful
         id: get-config
         run: make configs
 
diff --git a/mk/tools.mk b/mk/tools.mk
index 0b53aedecb..a4d5022665 100644
--- a/mk/tools.mk
+++ b/mk/tools.mk
@@ -8,6 +8,8 @@
 #
 # Release date: July 04, 2024
 #
+# PICO SDK Version: 2.X - July 03, 2025
+#
 ###############################################################
 
 ##############################