UnternehmerTUM Accelerator, Microsoft, Infineon and NVIDIA launched the Physical AI Growth Lab on Oct. 22, an equity-free accelerator for startups working on physical AI, robotics and industrial AI. The hybrid program is scheduled to run from January to April 2027, with in-person sessions in Munich. [1] [2]

Who can apply

The organizers say the program is aimed at startups based in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, or building for those markets. Applicants should have a working prototype or minimum viable product, at least one technical co-founder, teams of up to 20 people, and a founding date within the previous three years. The program expects to select 10 to 15 companies, and the application deadline is Nov. 13, 2026. [1] [2]

The partners describe “physical AI” as AI that connects foundation models and simulation with robotics, bringing computation into machines, factories and logistics networks. The accelerator is intended to help teams move prototypes toward real-world deployment; it is not a product launch or a guarantee that participants will secure customers or funding. [1]

Cloud, models and hardware access

Microsoft says selected startups will receive benefits including $350,000 in Azure credits. NVIDIA is offering access to its software development kits, open models and Inception startup program, while Infineon will provide access to its semiconductor stack, including power semiconductors, microcontrollers, sensors and connectivity technology. [1] [2]

The program also promises mentoring from more than 170 deep-tech experts, introductions to enterprise customers and connections to a network of more than 200 investors, according to the organizers. Those are program benefits as announced; the releases do not name the selected companies or quantify how much investment participants will receive. [1] [2]

The partnership brings cloud infrastructure, AI tooling and semiconductor components into one accelerator offer. Its practical test will be whether startups can use that access to validate systems outside the lab and meet the engineering and commercial demands of industrial customers. Applications are open through Nov. 13. [2]

Sources

[1] Infineon: Partners launch Physical AI Growth Lab [2] UnternehmerTUM: Physical AI Growth Lab launch and applications [3] Microsoft: Physical AI Growth Lab for European startups