Physical AI Growth Lab

About

A zero-cost, equity-free accelerator led by UnternehmerTUM Accelerator with Microsoft, Infineon Technologies, and NVIDIA will support 10–15 EMEA-based or EMEA-focused physical AI, robotics, and industrial AI startups from January to April 2027, with applications due 13 November 2026.

Benefits

• ☁️ Microsoft Azure credits
  Selected startups can receive up to USD 350,000 in Microsoft Azure credits through Microsoft for Startups; the official program page also lists up to €350K, so the exact currency should be confirmed.
• 🧠NVIDIA tools and Inception benefits
  Selected startups gain access to NVIDIA Physical AI SDKs and open models, plus benefits from the NVIDIA Inception program for startups.
• 🔌Infineon hardware foundation
  Selected startups access Infineon’s semiconductor stack, power semiconductors, microcontrollers, sensors, and connectivity solutions for physical AI systems.
• 🧑‍🏫 Mentoring and expert consulting
  Selected startups access consulting from 170+ deep tech mentors and industry experts, including Microsoft Cloud Solution Architects, NVIDIA physical AI and robotics experts, and Infineon semiconductor experts.
• 🤝Enterprise customer access
  Selected startups receive introductions to enterprise customers at in-person events and direct industry exposure at Microsoft’s Multi Customer Briefing Centers and Physical AI Day 2027.
• 💰Investor network
  Selected startups connect with 200+ investors and NVIDIA’s VC Alliance throughout the program and at Demo Day.
• 🚀Post-program momentum
  Selected startups may receive an invitation to Microsoft’s 2027 Hackathon, a spot on the Recruit Partner List, a chance to pitch and demo at Infineon’s Startup Night, continued access to NVIDIA’s VC Alliance, and co-marketing opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria

• Mandatory: based in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) or actively building for EMEA markets
• Mandatory: working prototype or minimum viable product (MVP)
• Mandatory: at least one technical co-founder
• Mandatory: team of up to 20 people
• Mandatory: founded within the last three years
• Preferred: MVP with early customers, pilots, or signed LOIs
• Preferred: physical AI, robotics, or industrial AI focus with a real software or AI layer
• Preferred: initial traction, rapid-growth potential, and an experienced team

Participation Commitments

• Application requirements include an EMEA-based or EMEA-focused startup with a working prototype or MVP, at least one technical co-founder, a team of up to 20 people, and founding within the last three years
• Apply via the official Physical AI Growth Lab program page by 13 November 2026
• Selected startups participate at zero cost and do not give up equity
• The program runs from January to April 2027 in a hybrid format
• Founders must commit to traveling to Munich, Germany for specific in-person sessions
• In-person dates include January 18-20 Kick-off, February 24 Physical Showcase & Customer Matchmaking, and April 15 Demo Day

Target Region

Startups based in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) or actively building for EMEA markets are eligible.

Target Sector

Agriculture & Food, Defense & Security, Education, Energy & Utilities, Financial Services, Government & Public Sector, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Manufacturing, Media & Entertainment, Real Estate & Construction, Retail & Consumer, Semiconductors & Electronics, Sports & Fitness, Telecommunications, Transportation & Logistics, Travel & Hospitality, Other