Infineon Startup Challenge 2026: Humanoid robotics
BUILD WHAT COMES NEXT.
Humanoid robots are no longer a vision of the future. They are being created right now – in labs, workshops, and startups ready to redefine the technical limits of what is possible.
The Infineon Startup Challenge 2026 is aimed precisely at these startups: teams working on real hardware, solving complex problems, and ready to take the next step together with one of the world’s leading semiconductor companies.
What is it about?
The challenge focuses on five technology areas that together form the backbone of modern humanoid robotics:
- Digital Twins – the simulation of complex robotic systems, for example with Isaac Sim or Omniverse, to virtually test real hardware at an early stage and shorten development cycles.
- Artificial Skin & Hand – sensor-based solutions that give robots a sense of touch: pressure, capacitive, inductive, and magnetic sensing as the basis for sensitive and safe interaction with humans and the environment.
- Environmental Sensing – Edge AI-based image processing as well as radar and sensor fusion, enabling robots to reliably perceive their surroundings and respond in real time.
- Visual Feedback – solutions that allow a robot to make its intentions visible—through targeted movement or the use of laser scanners that enable communication without speech.
- Motor Control – advanced motion control that enables precise, smooth, and adaptive movement.
Startups working in one or more of these fields with a hardware-driven focus are exactly the right fit.
What does the program offer?
Following a structured selection process, participating startups are guided through an intensive development program.
Concretely, this includes:
- technical support from experts at Infineon, Rutronik, and Würth Elektronik,
- business coaching and pitch training from experienced partners in the startup ecosystem
The kick-off takes place as part of Silicon Saxony Days on 17 June in Dresden.
The highlight is the Demo Day at EBSCON in Graz, October 6–7 – an international format where startups present their MVP and roadmap to a high-profile audience: investors, representatives of the electronics industry, the startup ecosystem, and Infineon management.
Selected teams qualify for potential cooperation with Infineon, opening up new perspectives for product development, sales, and growth.
Who is it for?
The challenge is aimed at hardware startups in an early to mid stage of development that are active in humanoid robotics and want to make the leap from prototype to market-ready solution. Whether a deep-tech spin-off, a university founding team, or an independent startup – the key factor is the strength of the solution and the ambition to take it further.
Application deadline: May 27, 2026
Demo Day: EBSCON Graz, October 6–7, 2026
Apply now – and build what comes next together with Infineon.
