📍 Location: EBSCON 2026 in Graz
📅 Dates: October 6th, 2026

The Infineon Startup Challenge 2026 brings together promising startups developing the next generation of humanoid robotics, providing them with access to Infineon technologies, technical expertise, prototyping resources, and business support.

Following a highly competitive selection process, 18 startups from Europe and Asia have advanced through the challenge, transforming their concepts into MVPs and prototypes. The results will be presented during the Infineon Startup Challenge Demo Day, taking place as part of EBSCON 2026 in Graz.

The challenge focuses on key technology areas for humanoid robotics, including:

• Digital Twins – system simulation using platforms such as NVIDIA Isaac Sim and Omniverse
• Artificial Skin – capacitive, inductive and magnetic sensing solutions
• Environmental Sensing – image processing, radar and laser-based sensing
• Motor Control – advanced solutions for precise and efficient robotic movement

Participating startups benefit from:

• Complimentary prototyping kits supporting motor control and sensor data acquisition
• Technical support from Infineon experts
• Guidance throughout the development of their application demonstrator or MVP
• Business coaching and pitch training
• Access to Infineon's latest hardware and software development tools, including DEEPCRAFT™ Studio for Edge AI development

The Demo Day will feature:

• Startup pitches and jury sessions
• A panel discussion
• The Startup Award Ceremony
• An exhibition and networking session
• An exclusive investor dinner

The selected teams began their journey with a kick-off workshop in Dresden on June 18–19, 2026, where they received their hardware and technical introduction. Then, at the Demo Day in Graz, they will present their solutions to Infineon experts and invited venture capital investors. The winners will subsequently be invited to pitch at the Infineon Startup Night in Munich on November 25, 2026.

For the IPCEI ME/CT community, the Infineon Startup Challenge represents an interesting platform at the intersection of semiconductors, artificial intelligence, sensing, advanced electronics and robotics. It highlights how semiconductor technologies can enable emerging applications in humanoid robotics while fostering collaboration between startups, technology providers, investors and research and innovation ecosystems.

The challenge also extends beyond the competition itself: selected startups will be invited to participate in a one-year innovation program with Infineon, creating opportunities for deeper technical and business cooperation.

The event offers a valuable opportunity to discover emerging European and international robotics technologies, meet innovative startups and explore new partnerships around the semiconductor technologies enabling the next generation of intelligent machines.