Munich-based semiconductor company Infineon Technologies is joining UnternehmerTUM Accelerator, Microsoft and NVIDIA to support young European businesses building artificial intelligence for the physical world. The partners announced the Physical AI Growth Lab on October 22. Its focus is on robotics and industrial AI: systems that use software, sensors and computing hardware to interact with machines, factories and other real-world settings.
The programme is designed as an equity-free accelerator, so participating startups do not give up company shares for the support. It is scheduled to run from January to April 2027 in a hybrid format, with some sessions in Munich. The partners expect to select between 10 and 15 startups. Applications are open until November 13, 2026, giving interested teams a short window to prepare their submissions.
The organisers are looking for companies based in Europe, the Middle East or Africa, or building products for those markets. Applicants should have a working prototype or minimum viable product, at least one technical co-founder, no more than 20 team members and a founding date within the previous three years. The programme is specifically aimed at physical AI, robotics and industrial AI rather than general-purpose software alone.
Each partner brings a different part of the technology stack. Infineon says it will provide access to semiconductor expertise and hardware such as power components, microcontrollers, sensors and connectivity tools. Microsoft and NVIDIA will offer cloud, AI and development resources, while UnternehmerTUM brings mentors, investor contacts and business support. The programme’s stated goal is to help teams move from a working prototype toward customer trials and commercial growth.
For Infineon, the initiative highlights how chipmakers can play a direct role in the growth of robotics and AI businesses, not just sell components after products are designed. The programme also gives smaller teams a way to meet technology suppliers, potential customers and investors in one place. It is an accelerator opportunity rather than a new product launch, and its results will depend on which startups are selected and how they use the support.
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