Robot startup challenge | Electronics Weekly

Startups gain access to the latest technologies, expertise, business coaching and a partner network of industry players and investors. Applications are open until May 27th.

Infineon’s Startup Challenge  is a structured innovation programne designed to develop technological concepts into market-ready applications.

“Strategic collaboration with startups creates a win-win situation, combining novel ideas with industrially proven semiconductor technologies and thereby accelerating innovative, market-ready applications in this future-oriented field,” says Sören Jehmlich, Vice President Ventures, Startups & Ecosystems at Infineon.

The 2026 Challenge is aimed at emerging technology companies working on solutions for humanoid robotics, particularly in the following areas:

• Artificial sensing: virtual skin and hand concepts based on advanced sensor technology
• Environmental and situational perception using camera, radar, microphone and sensor fusion solutions
• Virtual feedback and interaction mechanisms, for example using laser beam scanning projectors
• Innovative motor control and motion technologies for precise, dynamic operations

The teams selected will take part in a multi-month technology and development program, gain access to Infineon technologies, prototyping kits as well as hardware and software solutions and will participate in pitch events and workshops.

Additionally, the teams will receive technical support and mentoring for prototype development, as well as business and presentation training. The program concludes with demo and pitch sessions, where results are presented to an expert audience of industry representatives, deep-tech investors and decision-makers.

The programme is being implemented together with a network of technology, industry and financing partners. The jury combines deep technological expertise with entrepreneurial and strategic investment know-how.

A key component of the Challenge is direct interaction with investors and financing partners from the deep-tech and innovation ecosystem.

The goal is to make promising technologies visible at an early stage and support them during growth and scaling.

The programme is supported within the framework of the Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) for microelectronics and computer technology, which promotes the development of European innovation ecosystems, and other sources.

Further information and participation links: www.infineon.com/SUC

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