AVNET x HKSTP co-incubation programme
The AVNET EMUS Lab (AVNET × HKU) x HKSTP Co‑incubation Programme is a 12‑month joint initiative designed to accelerate deep‑tech startups building solutions in Edge AI, Physical AI, and High‑Performance Computing (HPC).
The programme uniquely brings together:
- AVNET’s global semiconductor, system design, and go‑to‑market capabilities
- EMUS Lab, the joint industry–academia lab established by AVNET and the Faculty of Engineering, The University of Hong Kong (HKU)
- HKSTP’s incubation platform and innovation ecosystem
Together, the programme enables startups to progress from prototype → production‑ready system → commercial deployment, with strong technical depth and market relevance.
- Eligibility
- Benefits
- Judging Criteria
- Pitch Deck Requirement
- FAQ
Eligibility
✓ Startups worldwide with functional prototypes or early products
✓ Strong relevance to Edge AI, Physical AI, or HPC
✓ Using or planning to use embedded systems, accelerators, or AI compute platforms
✓ Demonstrated R&D capability and initial market traction
✓ Supports flexible, scalable, and future‑proof manufacturing.
✓ Upon acceptance, startups without a Hong Kong entity must incorporate a Hong Kong limited company
✓ Commitment to programme milestones and reporting requirements
Benefits
Funding & Infrastructure
- Up to HKD 100,000 financial grant under HKSTP Ideation Programme
- Dedicated co working space at HKSTP and EMUS Lab
Technical Enablement (Powered by EMUS Lab)
- 1 to 1 technical mentoring by AVNET engineers and HKU Faculty of Engineering experts via EMUS Lab
- Access to Edge AI, Physical AI, and HPC compute platforms (CPU, GPU, FPGA, AI accelerators)
- Hardware software co design and system architecture reviews
- AI model deployment optimization (latency, power, performance)
- Reference designs, evaluation kits, and solution accelerators
- System validation and pre production readiness support
Product & Engineering Support
- AVNET In house Design Services: concept → design → validation
- Physical AI system integration (sensing, control, actuation)
- Scalability planning for HPC and AI workloads
- Support for pilot and proof of value deployments
Ecosystem & Go to Market
- Induction into AVNET’s AI & Edge Partner Ecosystem
- Direct technical and research linkage with HKU Faculty of Engineering
- Co selling opportunities and customer introductions
- Exposure to global OEMs, enterprises, and solution partners
- Support for commercialization and market entry in Hong Kong and Asia
Judging Criteria
Technology & Innovation
- Depth of AI, compute, or system level innovation
- Effective use of Edge AI, Physical AI, or HPC technologies
- Technical feasibility, robustness, and scalability
Market & Business Impact
- Clarity of problem statement and value proposition
- Market traction and commercialization potential
- Potential impact on customers’ performance, cost, or efficiency
Team & Execution
- Technical and business competency of the team
- Ability to execute product development and deployment
Hong Kong Commitment
- Business plan and roadmap for Hong Kong
- Willingness to build partnerships with AVNET, HKU, and HKSTP
Pitch Deck Requirements
Maximum 20 slides (English or Chinese)
Required Sections
- Project & Company Overview
- Team Introduction
- Problem Statement
- Solution Overview (Edge AI / Physical AI / HPC relevance)
- Technical Architecture & Compute Stack
- Market Size & Target Customers
- Traction & Validation
- Hong Kong Expansion Plan
- Product Roadmap & Scalability
- Demo video url link (Optional)
Contact Information
If the team has any questions, please contact: Co-incubation@hkstp.org
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I apply as an overseas startup?
Yes. You can apply as an overseas startup or an individual as long as you are willing to incorporate a limited company in Hong Kong if you receive a programme offer.
2. Can I apply as a Hong Kong–based startup?
Yes. You are eligible if your company was incorporated in Hong Kong within two years by 30 August 2026.
3. Can I apply if my company is currently in HKSTP Ideation, Incubation, or Acceleration programme?
Yes. You are eligible. If selected, you are entitled to receive support from AVNET; however, the offerings under the HKSTP Ideation Programme will not apply.
4. Do I need to be based in Hong Kong during the programme period?
The programme is designed to support teams in exploring the Hong Kong market. While there is flexibility for teams regarding their physical presence in Hong Kong during the programme period, aspects of local commitment and engagement will be taken into consideration when evaluating teams for potential progression to the HKSTP’s Incubation Programme upon completion of this AVNET EMUS Lab x HKSTP Co-Incubation Programme.
About AVNET, EMUS Lab, HKU and HKSTP
AVNET
Technology enablement, system design, and global go to market
EMUS Lab (AVNET × HKU)
Joint industry–academia lab for advanced AI and compute systems
The University of Hong Kong (HKU), Faculty of Engineering
Research excellence, engineering talent, and technical mentorship
Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP)
Hong Kong’s largest public incubator, supporting over 24,000 professionals and 2,200+ technology companies from more than 26 countries. (www.hkstp.org)