On May 12, 2026, Avnet (NASDAQ: AVT), a global leading technology distributor and solutions provider, partnered with Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) and the Emerging Microelectronics and Ubiquitous Computing Systems Lab (EMUS Lab) to launch the 12-month 'DfMA Launchpad Program for AI MMP.' This program is specifically designed to provide Design for Manufacture and Assembly Launchpad (DfMA) expertise for Artificial Intelligence Minimum Marketable Products (AI MMP). Applications are now open to startups worldwide.

Positioned as a joint incubation program, it aims to support local and global startups in accelerating the commercialization of their AI innovations, with a focus on Edge AI, Physical AI, and High-Performance Computing (HPC), while helping startups connect to global markets and integrate into supply chain systems. Leveraging Hong Kong's strategic hub (hub) position in the Greater Bay Area market, the program offers participating startups global market exposure and supports direct access to senior industry partners and mature supply chain resources.

The program integrates Avnet's global technical expertise and supply chain capabilities, the advanced research infrastructure of EMUS Lab—co-established by Avnet and the University of Hong Kong (HKU)—and HKSTP's mature incubation ecosystem. It aims to help startups connect with relevant industry, research, and manufacturing partners to transform prototype products into market-ready solutions.

Chung Kiu Hoi, Vice President of Sales and Supplier Management at Avnet Asia, said, 'Our collaboration with HKSTP, the University of Hong Kong, and EMUS Lab brings together global technical expertise, advanced research capabilities, and a strong innovation ecosystem. By providing end-to-end support from development to mass production, we hope to accelerate the transformation of innovations into scalable, market-ready solutions, supporting Hong Kong, the entire Greater Bay Area, and broader markets.'

Tsim Ching Chak, Director of Startup Ecosystem Cultivation and Development at Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, said, 'This collaboration with Avnet and EMUS Lab provides startups with critical infrastructure, technical expertise, and industry network resources. EMUS Lab is strategically located at HKSTP's Data Technology Hub. By building a collaborative ecosystem and establishing market connections, this partnership solidifies Hong Kong's position as a leading global innovation hub while accelerating the commercialization of next-generation AI hardware solutions.'

Three Key Focus Areas: Edge AI, Physical AI, and High-Performance Computing

The program focuses on three key technology areas supporting the deployment of next-generation AI hardware:

● Edge AI: Enabling real-time intelligence at the device level in applications such as smart cities, industrial automation, retail, and healthcare

● Physical AI: Driving robots, autonomous systems, and intelligent machines through the integration of software and physical environments

● High-Performance Computing (HPC): Supporting AI model training, simulation, and large-scale data processing with advanced computing infrastructure

Startup Support: Funding, Technical, and Global Market Resources

Selected startups will receive comprehensive support aimed at accelerating product development and market entry, including:

● Up to HK$100,000 in funding (subject to HKSTP's Ideation Program terms)

● Access to EMUS Lab and Hong Kong Science Park facilities

● One-on-one technical guidance from Avnet engineers and University of Hong Kong experts

● Support in AI model optimization, hardware-software co-design, and system verification

● Access to Avnet's global ecosystem, including OEMs, enterprise clients, and investors

● Opportunities for co-innovation through HKSTP's extensive network of joint development partners

EMUS Lab: Advancing AI Research and Talent Development

Since its inception, EMUS Lab has achieved significant results in advancing AI research and talent development. Leveraging GPU infrastructure sponsored by Avnet, the lab has published research in top-tier journals such as the Nature series and presented at leading conferences like ICLR and ICML. Additionally, the lab has engaged over 260 students through various STEM programs, contributing to the development of Hong Kong's innovative talent pool.

These achievements highlight EMUS Lab's ability to translate cutting-edge research into practical AI innovations and startup outcomes. The upcoming inauguration ceremony will further demonstrate how its 'Four Pillars' collaboration model drives research translation into innovation, talent development, and startup cultivation.

Eligibility and Application Process

The 'DfMA Launchpad Program for AI MMP' opens for applications on May 1, 2026, with a deadline of May 29, 2026. Applicants should possess a functional prototype or early-stage product aligned with Edge AI, Physical AI, or High-Performance Computing and demonstrate readiness to enter or expand in the Hong Kong market. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interviews on July 2-3, 2026, which can be conducted online or in person. The interview panel will consist of two representatives from Avnet or its partners and two from HKSTP. Final results will be announced on July 13, 2026.

Overseas startups selected for the program must establish a physical presence in Hong Kong to ensure participation in the local ecosystem and value creation.

For more program details and application guidelines, please visit: http://avnet.me/897411.