Hong Kong, May 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Avnet (NASDAQ: AVT), a leading global technology distributor and solutions provider, in collaboration with Hong Kong Science and Technology Park Corporation (HKSTP) and the Emerging Microelectronics and Ubiquitous Systems Laboratory (EMUS Lab), today announced the launch of DfMA Launchpad, a 12-month AI MMP program (Design Launchpad for AI Minimum Marketable Product Manufacturing and Assembly). The program is currently accepting applications from startups around the world.
Positioned as a co-incubation program, the initiative aims to support domestic and international startups in accelerating the commercialization of AI innovations with a focus on edge AI, physical AI, and high-performance computing (HPC), as well as exposing startups to global market access and supply chain integration. The program leverages Hong Kong as a strategic gateway to the Greater Bay Area, providing participating startups with global market exposure and direct access to experienced industry partners and supply chains.
By combining Avnet’s global technology expertise and supply chain capabilities, the advanced research infrastructure of EMUS Lab, co-founded by Avnet and the University of Hong Kong (HKU), and HKSTP’s established incubation ecosystem, the program aims to connect startups with relevant industry, research and manufacturing partners with the goal of turning prototype products into market-ready solutions.
“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 to production, we aim to accelerate the transition from innovation to scalable, market-ready solutions across Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, and beyond,” said Arthur Chan, Vice President of Asia Sales and Supplier Management at Avnet.
Derek Chim, Head of Startup Ecosystem & Development at HKSTP, said, “Avnet’s partnership with EMUS Lab, which is strategically located in the HKSTP Data Technology Hub, will provide startups with access to critical infrastructure, technical expertise and industry networks. This will strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a world-leading innovation hub, while accelerating the commercialization of next-generation AI hardware solutions through collaborative ecosystem building and market collaboration.”
Focus areas: Edge AI, Physical AI, High Performance Computing
The program targets three key technology domains that support the deployment of next-generation AI hardware.
- Edge AI: Enable real-time intelligence at the device level across applications such as smart cities, industrial automation, retail, and healthcare.
- physics AI: Powering robotics, autonomous systems, and intelligent machines through the integration of software and physical environments
- High performance computing (HPC): Advanced computing infrastructure to support AI model training, simulation, and large-scale data processing
Startup support: funding, technical expertise, and access to global markets
Selected startups will receive comprehensive support designed to accelerate product development and market readiness, including:
- Possibility of funding up to HK$100,000 (subject to the terms and conditions of the HKSTP Ideas Program)
- Access to EMUS Lab and Hong Kong Science Park facilities
- One-on-one technical guidance from Avnet engineers and HKU experts
- Support for AI model optimization, hardware and software co-design, and system validation
- Access to Avnet’s global ecosystem of OEMs, enterprise customers, and investors
- Access to co-creation opportunities provided through HKSTP’s extensive co-development partner network
EMUS Lab: Promoting AI research and human resource development
Since its founding, EMUS Lab has demonstrated tangible impact in advancing AI research and talent development. The lab’s research, leveraging Avnet-sponsored GPU infrastructure, has led to prestigious publications in the Nature family of journals and presentations at elite conferences at ICLR and ICML. Additionally, the lab employs over 260 students through its STEM initiatives, contributing to the growth of Hong Kong’s innovation talent pool.
These achievements demonstrate EMUS Lab’s ability to translate advanced research into real-world AI innovation and startup results. At our upcoming grand opening, we will further showcase how this four-pronged collaboration model transforms research into innovation, talent development, and startup creation.
Eligibility and application
Applications for the DfMA Launchpad for AI MMP program will open on May 1, 2026 and close on May 29, 2026. Eligible applicants must demonstrate that they have a functional prototype or early-stage product aligned with Edge AI, Physical AI, or HPC and are ready to enter or expand into the Hong Kong market. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview scheduled for July 2-3, 2026. Interviews will be conducted online or on-site. The interview panel will consist of two representatives from Avnet or Avnet partners and two representatives from HKSTP. Final results will be announced on July 13, 2026.
Foreign startups selected for the program will be required to establish a legal entity in Hong Kong to ensure participation and influence in the local ecosystem.
For program details and application guidelines, please visit https://www.avnet.com/apac/resources/hkstp-co-incubation-program/.
About Avnet
Avnet is a leading global technology distributor and solutions provider that has served customers’ evolving needs for more than a century. Through regional and specialized businesses around the world, we support our customers and suppliers at every stage of the product lifecycle. We help companies adapt to change and accelerate the design and supply stages of product development. With a unique perspective from the heart of the technology supply chain, Avnet is your trusted partner to solve complex design and supply chain problems and help customers realize revenue faster. For more information about Avnet, please visit www.avnet.com.
About Hong Kong Science and Technology Park Corporation
The Hong Kong Science and Technology Park Corporation (HKSTP) was established in 2001 to foster 13 unicorns, over 17,000 research professionals, and over 2,500 technology companies from 26 countries and regions, and to build a thriving I&T ecosystem with a focus on developing health technology, AI and robotics, fintech and smart city technology, etc.
Our growing innovation ecosystem provides comprehensive support to attract and develop talent, accelerate innovation and commercialize technology ventures, and our I&T journey extends to Hong Kong Science Park in Pak Shek Koak, Innocentre in Kowloon Tong, and more. It is built around key locations – Tai Po, Tseung Kung O and Yuen Long – and three modern Innoparks, realizing Hong Kong’s vision of new industrialization, with sectors such as advanced manufacturing, microelectronics and biotechnology being reimagined.
Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch, located in Futian, Shenzhen City, plays an active role in closely connecting the world and the mainland, brings the benefits of strengthening cross-border exchanges and attracting global talent, enables the development potential of technology enterprises in seven key areas of medical technology, big data and AI, robotics, new materials, microelectronics, fintech and sustainability, and is equipped with dry and wet laboratories, co-working spaces, conference and exhibition facilities, etc.
HKSTP continues to contribute to establishing I&T as a pillar of Hong Kong’s growth through its R&D infrastructure, start-up support and enterprise services, commercialization and investment expertise, partnership network, and talent development.
For more information about HKSTP, please visit www.hkstp.org.
Source Avnet
