Qualcomm launches AI startup incubation program to support edge AI development

[Financial News] Qualcomm Technologies announced on the 3rd that it is officially launching the "Qualcomm AI Innovator Program (QAIPI) 2026 – APAC," a startup incubation program that supports the development and commercialization of innovative edge artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for startups in Korea, Singapore, and Japan.
Through this program, participating startups will be able to use the Qualcomm Dragonwing and Snapdragon platforms, as well as the new Arduino UNO Q development board, to build intelligent solutions across a wide range of edge AI application areas. This is intended to help startups enhance their technological maturity and commercialization capabilities, while laying the groundwork for global deployment.
QAIPI focuses on scalability, real-world deployability, and commercial readiness, and supports the creation of end-to-end AI use cases in areas such as consumer devices, healthcare, smart industry, smart cities, education, and the industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).
Participating startups gain access to Qualcomm’s extensive global ecosystem, including advanced technical resources, technical guidance, and expert mentoring, enabling them to refine their ideas efficiently from the concept stage through to the development of products ready for real-world deployment.
Applications will be accepted until 3:59 p.m. on May 1, Korea Standard Time. Proposals will be evaluated based on innovation, technical feasibility, potential social impact, and commercial relevance. The program is structured in two phases.
The application phase is open to eligible startups established and registered in Korea, Japan, and Singapore. Startups selected in this phase will move on to the mentoring phase.
During the mentoring phase, participants receive one-on-one technical guidance, online training, and technical support, along with hardware platforms and development kits based on Qualcomm technologies.
Benefits include up to 10,000 dollars in funding for product development and up to 5,000 dollars in incentives for patent filings. After the program ends, selected startups will have the opportunity to showcase their innovations to industry leaders, investors, and potential partners driving technological innovation in the Asia-Pacific region at a Demo Day scheduled for the second half of 2026. In addition to supporting technology and product development, Qualcomm continues to help QAIPI-APAC startups connect with global markets and international innovation ecosystems. In 2025, Qualcomm supported the participation of QAIPI-APAC startups in major industry events such as SWITCH (Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology) in Singapore and Demo Day in Seoul, expanding their contact points with global customers, partners, and investors. The selected startups are also scheduled to take part in the 2026 Smart City Summit & Expo (SCSE) to be held in Taiwan this March. Through these activities, Qualcomm plans to expand real-world validation and cross-market collaboration, while strengthening the foundation for global commercialization. Kwon Oh-hyung, head of Qualcomm APAC, said, "Through the QAIPI program, we are helping startups turn their ideas into scalable solutions and supporting the development of intelligent products that leverage hybrid and edge AI to deliver low power consumption, high efficiency, and enhanced privacy," adding, "We will continue to contribute to building a robust edge AI ecosystem, nurturing the next generation of technology leaders, and spreading meaningful innovation across industries and communities."
mkchang@fnnews.com Jang Min-kwon Reporter