Avnet and Hong Kong Science Park Launch AI Hardware Accelerator for Global Startups
Avnet, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), and the Emerging Microelectronics and Ubiquitous Systems Laboratory (EMUS Lab) opened applications for a 12-month accelerator program designed to move AI hardware startups from prototype to market-ready product. The DfMA Launchpad for AI MMP Programme targets companies working on edge AI, physical AI, and high-performance computing systems.
Applications closed on 29 May 2026. Selected startups will receive funding of up to HKD 100,000, access to lab facilities, technical mentorship, and connections to Avnet's customer and investor networks.
What the Program Covers
The accelerator focuses on three technology areas:
- Edge AI: Real-time processing at the device level for smart cities, industrial automation, retail, and healthcare
- Physical AI: Robotics, autonomous systems, and intelligent machines that integrate software with physical environments
- High-performance computing: Infrastructure for AI model training, simulation, and large-scale data processing
Selected companies get access to EMUS Lab and Hong Kong Science Park facilities, one-on-one mentoring from Avnet engineers and University of Hong Kong researchers, support for hardware-software co-design, and introductions to OEMs and enterprise customers.
Who Can Apply
Eligible startups must have a functional prototype or early-stage product aligned with one of the three focus areas and be ready to enter or expand into the Hong Kong market. International startups selected for the program must establish a local entity.
Interviews for shortlisted applicants were scheduled for 2-3 July 2026, with final results announced on 13 July 2026.
The Partners' Track Record
EMUS Lab, co-established by Avnet and the University of Hong Kong, has published research in Nature family journals and presented at top-tier AI conferences including ICLR and ICML. The lab has engaged more than 260 students through STEM initiatives.
HKSTP operates multiple innovation hubs across Hong Kong and maintains a network of over 2,500 technology companies from 26 countries. The organization has supported the creation of 13 unicorn startups.
Arthur Chung, vice president of sales and supplier management for Avnet in Asia, said the collaboration "brings together global technology expertise, advanced research capabilities, and a strong innovation ecosystem" to move startups "from innovation to scalable, market-ready solutions."
For program details, visit Avnet's program page.
Product developers working on AI hardware commercialization can learn more about AI for Product Development and Generative AI and LLM technologies relevant to next-generation systems.
Your membership also unlocks:
