SAN DIEGO, Feb. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. has officially launched the Qualcomm AI Program for Innovators (QAIPI) 2026 – APAC, aimed at supporting startups in Japan, Singapore, and South Korea in developing and commercializing innovative edge AI solutions. The program, which builds on Qualcomm’s commitment to advancing edge AI, is now open for applications until April 30, 2026.
The QAIPI initiative provides startups with comprehensive resources, including access to Qualcomm’s Dragonwing™ and Snapdragon® platforms, the new Arduino® UNO Q development board, technical guidance, mentorship, and a grant of up to US$10,000. Additionally, participants may qualify for incentives covering patent filing costs up to US$5,000, enhancing their capacity for rapid product development and deployment.
Startups participating in QAIPI-APAC are encouraged to create intelligent solutions across various sectors, including consumer devices, healthcare, industrial IoT, smart cities, and education. The focus is on scalable, commercially viable applications that leverage Qualcomm’s robust ecosystem, which includes extensive technical support and mentorship aimed at expediting their journey from concept to market-ready products.
Applications will undergo evaluation based on criteria such as innovation, technical feasibility, societal impact, and commercial relevance. The process is divided into two phases: an application phase for eligible startups registered in Japan, Singapore, or South Korea, followed by a mentorship phase for shortlisted candidates. This mentorship includes one-on-one guidance, online training, and access to Qualcomm-powered hardware platforms.
“The rapid shift toward edge AI is unlocking new opportunities for innovation, productivity, and economic growth across the Asia-Pacific region,” said O.H. Kwon, Senior Vice President and President of Qualcomm APAC. He emphasized the program’s role in helping startups leverage hybrid and edge AI technology to create intelligent, efficient, and privacy-centric products.
In the previous year, QAIPI saw participants making strides in sectors ranging from optics to robotics. Qualcomm aims to empower startups not only with advanced platforms but also with crucial intellectual property protection, facilitating their transformation of innovative concepts into secure and deployable products.
Startups in the program are also poised to connect with global markets. Qualcomm has facilitated participation in major industry events, such as the Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH) 2025, providing opportunities for these companies to engage with potential investors, partners, and customers. This year, selected startups will also participate in the upcoming Smart City Summit & Expo (SCSE) in Taiwan, further bolstering their real-world validation and collaboration prospects.
Following its acquisition of Arduino, Qualcomm has expanded the resources available to innovators. The Arduino UNO Q development board, powered by Qualcomm Dragonwing, is designed to support a variety of applications, including real-time control and AI inferencing, allowing startups to accelerate their development of edge-intelligent solutions.
Startups can leverage the Qualcomm® AI Hub, which offers a growing catalog of pre-optimized AI models, along with platforms for developing and deploying tinyML and edge-AI models based on real-world sensor data. These tools are intended to reduce development time and effort, enabling quicker iterations and market readiness.
Applications for the Qualcomm AI Program for Innovators 2026 – APAC remain open until April 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST. Interested startups can find more information about eligibility requirements and official rules on the program’s website.
About Qualcomm: Qualcomm is committed to delivering intelligent computing solutions to address critical global challenges. With nearly 40 years of experience in setting industry standards, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon® platforms drive transformative consumer experiences across various sectors. Through collaboration with ecosystem partners, Qualcomm aims to enable next-generation digital transformation that enhances lives and advances societies.
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. operates substantially all of Qualcomm Incorporated’s engineering and research functions, including its semiconductor business. Snapdragon and Qualcomm branded products are developed by Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and its subsidiaries, with patents licensed by Qualcomm Incorporated.
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