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HONG KONG, May 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Avnet (NASDAQ: AVT), a number one world expertise distributor and options supplier, in collaboration with Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) and the Emerging Microelectronics and Ubiquitous Systems Laboratory (EMUS Lab), in the present day introduced the launch of the 12-month DfMA Launchpad for AI MMP Programme (Design for Manufacturing and Assembly Launchpad for AI Minimum Marketable Product). The programme is now open for purposes from startups worldwide.
Positioned as a co-incubation programme, the initiative is designed to assist each native and worldwide startups in accelerating the commercialisation of AI improvements, with a deal with Edge AI, Physical AI, and high-performance computing (HPC), whereas exposing startups to world market entry and provide chain integration. Leveraging Hong Kong as a strategic gateway to Greater Bay Area, the programme gives collaborating startups with world market publicity, direct entry to skilled trade companions and provide chains.
By combining Avnet’s world expertise experience and provide chain capabilities, EMUS Lab’s superior analysis infrastructure, co-established by Avnet and the University of Hong Kong (HKU), and HKSTP’s established incubation ecosystem, the programme goals to join startups with related trade, analysis, and manufacturing companions, with the purpose of turning prototype merchandise into market-ready options.
Arthur Chung, Vice President, Sales and Supplier Management, Asia at Avnet, stated: “Our collaboration with HKSTP, HKU and EMUS Lab brings together global technology expertise, advanced research capabilities, and a strong innovation ecosystem. By supporting startups from development through to production, we aim to accelerate the journey from innovation to scalable, market-ready solutions across Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, and beyond.”
Derek Chim, Head of Startup Ecosystem & Development of HKSTP, stated: “This partnership with Avnet and EMUS Lab, which is strategically located at the HKSTP Data Technology Hub, provides startups with access to critical infrastructure, technical expertise, and industry networks. It strengthens Hong Kong’s position as a leading global innovation hub while accelerating the commercialisation of next-generation AI hardware solutions through collaborative ecosystem building and market linkage.”
Focus Areas: Edge AI, Physical AI and High-Performance Computing
The programme targets three vital expertise domains that underpin next-generation AI {hardware} deployment:
- Edge AI: Enabling real-time intelligence on the system stage throughout purposes resembling sensible cities, industrial automation, retail, and healthcare
- Physical AI: Powering robotics, autonomous programs, and clever machines by means of the combination of software program and bodily environments
- High-performance computing (HPC): Supporting AI mannequin coaching, simulation, and large-scale information processing with superior compute infrastructure
Startup Support: Funding, Technical Expertise and Global Market Access
Selected startups will obtain complete assist designed to speed up product improvement and go-to-market readiness, together with:
- Potential funding of up to HKD 100,000 (topic to HKSTP Ideation Programme phrases)
- Access to EMUS Lab and Hong Kong Science Park services
- One-on-one technical mentorship from Avnet engineers and HKU specialists
- Support in AI mannequin optimisation, {hardware}–software program co-design, and system validation
- Access to Avnet’s world ecosystem of OEMs, enterprise prospects, and traders
- Access to co-creation alternatives provided by means of HKSTP’s intensive co-development companion community
EMUS Lab: Advancing AI Research and Talent Development
Since its institution, EMUS Lab has demonstrated measurable affect in advancing AI analysis and expertise improvement. The lab’s analysis, powered by Avnet-sponsored GPU infrastructure, has resulted in top-tier publications in Nature household journals and elite convention shows at ICLR and ICML. Furthermore, the lab has engaged greater than 260 college students by means of STEM initiatives, contributing to the expansion of Hong Kong’s innovation expertise pool.
These achievements exhibit EMUS Lab’s potential to translate superior analysis into real-world AI innovation and startup outcomes. The upcoming grand opening will additional showcase how this four-pillar collaboration mannequin interprets analysis into innovation, expertise improvement, and startup creation.
Eligibility and Application
Applications for the DfMA Launchpad for AI MMP Programme will open on 1 May 2026 and shut on 29 May 2026. Eligible candidates ought to have a useful prototype or early-stage product aligned with Edge AI, Physical AI, or HPC, and exhibit readiness to enter or broaden into the Hong Kong market. Shortlisted candidates will likely be invited to interviews scheduled for two–3 July 2026, which can be carried out both on-line or on website. The interview panel will comprise two representatives from Avnet or Avnet’s companions, along with two representatives from HKSTP. Final outcomes will likely be introduced on 13 July 2026.
Overseas startups chosen for the programme will likely be required to set up a Hong Kong entity to guarantee native ecosystem participation and affect.
For full programme particulars and software pointers, go to: https://www.avnet.com/apac/resources/hkstp-co-incubation-program/
About Avnet
As a number one world expertise distributor and options supplier, Avnet has served prospects’ evolving wants for greater than a century. Through regional and specialised companies all over the world, we assist prospects and suppliers at each stage of the product lifecycle. We assist firms adapt to change and speed up the design and provide phases of product improvement. With a singular viewpoint from the middle of the expertise provide chain, Avnet is a trusted companion that solves advanced design and provide chain points so prospects can understand income quicker. Learn extra about Avnet at www.avnet.com.
About Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation
Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) was established in 2001 to create a thriving I&T ecosystem grooming 13 unicorns, greater than 17,000 analysis professionals and over 2,500 expertise firms from 26 international locations and areas targeted on creating healthtech, AI and robotics, fintech and sensible metropolis applied sciences, and many others.
Our rising innovation ecosystem gives complete assist to entice and nurture expertise, speed up and commercialise innovation for expertise ventures, with the I&T journey constructed round our key areas of Hong Kong Science Park in Pak Shek Kok, InnoCentre in Kowloon Tong and three trendy InnoParks in Tai Po, Tseung Kwan O and Yuen Long realising a imaginative and prescient of recent industrialisation for Hong Kong, the place sectors together with superior manufacturing, micro-electronics and biotechnology are being reimagined.
Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch in Futian, Shenzhen performs optimistic roles in connecting the world and the mainland with our proximity, strengthening cross-border trade to deliver benefits in attracting world expertise and permitting prospects for the event of expertise firms in seven key areas: Medtech, huge information and AI, robotics, new supplies, microelectronics, fintech and sustainability, with each dry and moist laboratories, co-working house, convention and exhibition services, and extra.
Through our R&D infrastructure, startup assist and enterprise companies, commercialisation and funding experience, partnership networks and expertise traction, HKSTP continues to contribute in establishing I&T as a pillar of progress for Hong Kong.
More details about HKSTP is on the market at www.hkstp.org.
Sumber artikel: http://www.prnasia.com/story/archive/4955804_AE55804_0