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Avnet and HKSTP Invite Global Startups to New AI Hardware Launchpad

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HONG KONG, May 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Avnet (NASDAQ: AVT), a leading global technology distributor and solutions provider, in collaboration with Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP)  and the Emerging Microelectronics and Ubiquitous Systems Laboratory (EMUS Lab), today announced the launch of the 12-month DfMA Launchpad for AI MMP Programme (Design for Manufacturing and Assembly Launchpad for AI Minimum Marketable Product). The programme is now open for applications from startups worldwide.

Positioned as a co-incubation programme, the initiative is designed to support both local and international startups in accelerating the commercialisation of AI innovations, with a focus on Edge AI, Physical AI, and high-performance computing (HPC), while exposing startups to global market access and supply chain integration. Leveraging Hong Kong as a strategic gateway to Greater Bay Area, the programme provides participating startups with global market exposure, direct access to experienced industry partners and supply chains.

By combining Avnet’s global technology expertise and supply chain capabilities, EMUS Lab’s advanced research infrastructure, co-established by Avnet and the University of Hong Kong (HKU), and HKSTP’s established incubation ecosystem, the programme aims to connect startups with relevant industry, research, and manufacturing partners, with the goal of turning prototype products into market-ready solutions.

Arthur Chung, Vice President, Sales and Supplier Management, Asia at Avnet, said: “Our collaboration with HKSTP, HKU and EMUS Lab brings together global technology expertise, advanced research capabilities, and a strong innovation ecosystem. By supporting startups from development through to production, we aim to accelerate the journey from innovation to scalable, market-ready solutions across Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, and beyond.”

Derek Chim, Head of Startup Ecosystem & Development of HKSTP, said: “This partnership with Avnet and EMUS Lab, which is strategically located at the HKSTP Data Technology Hub, provides startups with access to critical infrastructure, technical expertise, and industry networks. It strengthens Hong Kong’s position as a leading global innovation hub while accelerating the commercialisation of next-generation AI hardware solutions through collaborative ecosystem building and market linkage.”

Focus Areas: Edge AI, Physical AI and High-Performance Computing

The programme targets three critical technology domains that underpin next-generation AI hardware deployment:

Edge AI: Enabling real-time intelligence at the device level across applications such as smart cities, industrial automation, retail, and healthcarePhysical AI: Powering robotics, autonomous systems, and intelligent machines through the integration of software and physical environmentsHigh-performance computing (HPC): Supporting AI model training, simulation, and large-scale data processing with advanced compute infrastructure

Startup Support: Funding, Technical Expertise and Global Market Access

Selected startups will receive comprehensive support designed to accelerate product development and go-to-market readiness, including:

Potential funding of up to HKD 100,000 (subject to HKSTP Ideation Programme terms)Access to EMUS Lab and Hong Kong Science Park facilitiesOne-on-one technical mentorship from Avnet engineers and HKU expertsSupport in AI model optimisation, hardware–software co-design, and system validationAccess to Avnet’s global ecosystem of OEMs, enterprise customers, and investorsAccess to co-creation opportunities offered through HKSTP’s extensive co-development partner network

EMUS Lab: Advancing AI Research and Talent Development

Since its establishment, EMUS Lab has demonstrated measurable impact in advancing AI research and talent development. The lab’s research, powered by Avnet-sponsored GPU infrastructure, has resulted in top-tier publications in Nature family journals and elite conference presentations at ICLR and ICML. Furthermore, the lab has engaged more than 260 students through STEM initiatives, contributing to the growth of Hong Kong’s innovation talent pool.

These achievements demonstrate EMUS Lab’s ability to translate advanced research into real-world AI innovation and startup outcomes. The upcoming grand opening will further showcase how this four-pillar collaboration model translates research into innovation, talent development, and startup creation.

Eligibility and Application

Applications for the DfMA Launchpad for AI MMP Programme will open on 1 May 2026 and close on 29 May 2026. Eligible applicants should have a functional prototype or early-stage product aligned with Edge AI, Physical AI, or HPC, and demonstrate readiness to enter or expand into the Hong Kong market. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interviews scheduled for 2–3 July 2026, which may be conducted either online or on site. The interview panel will comprise two representatives from Avnet or Avnet’s partners, together with two representatives from HKSTP. Final results will be announced on 13 July 2026.

Overseas startups selected for the programme will be required to establish a Hong Kong entity to ensure local ecosystem participation and impact.

For full programme details and application guidelines, visit: https://www.avnet.com/apac/resources/hkstp-co-incubation-program/ 

About Avnet

As a leading global technology distributor and solutions provider, Avnet has served customers’ evolving needs for more than a century. Through regional and specialised businesses around the world, we support customers and suppliers at every stage of the product lifecycle. We help companies adapt to change and accelerate the design and supply stages of product development. With a unique viewpoint from the center of the technology supply chain, Avnet is a trusted partner that solves complex design and supply chain issues so customers can realize revenue faster. Learn more about Avnet at www.avnet.com.

About Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation

Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) was established in 2001 to create a thriving I&T ecosystem grooming 13 unicorns, more than 17,000 research professionals and over 2,500 technology companies from 26 countries and regions focused on developing healthtech, AI and robotics, fintech and smart city technologies, etc.

Our growing innovation ecosystem offers comprehensive support to attract and nurture talent, accelerate and commercialise innovation for technology ventures, with the I&T journey built around our key locations of Hong Kong Science Park in Pak Shek Kok, InnoCentre in Kowloon Tong and three modern InnoParks in Tai Po, Tseung Kwan O and Yuen Long realising a vision of new industrialisation for Hong Kong, where sectors including advanced manufacturing, micro-electronics and biotechnology are being reimagined.

Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch in Futian, Shenzhen plays positive roles in connecting the world and the mainland with our proximity, strengthening cross-border exchange to bring advantages in attracting global talent and allowing possibilities for the development of technology companies in seven key areas: Medtech, big data and AI, robotics, new materials, microelectronics, fintech and sustainability, with both dry and wet laboratories, co-working space, conference and exhibition facilities, and more.

Through our R&D infrastructure, startup support and enterprise services, commercialisation and investment expertise, partnership networks and talent traction, HKSTP continues to contribute in establishing I&T as a pillar of growth for Hong Kong.

More information about HKSTP is available at www.hkstp.org.

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SOURCE Avnet

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LEAP Group Relaunches HumanView, a Growth Intelligence System Built to Explain Why Customers Behave the Way They Do

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5 hours ago

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October 24, 2026

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Reimagined from the ground up, HumanView pairs statistical modeling with expert analysts to turn millions of real-world customer signals into business decisions

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LEAP Group today announced the relaunch of HumanView, its growth intelligence service. The new version has been rebuilt from the ground up and now has a dedicated home at leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

HumanView analyzes what customers say and do across social platforms, e-commerce sites, review platforms, search behavior and user-generated content, including signals from Reddit, TikTok, YouTube, Meta, Amazon and Walmart+ that general AI tools cannot always access. Because the data reflects unprompted, real-world behavior, it avoids the response bias built into surveys and focus groups.

The service works in three layers. HumanView captures signals at scale, decodes millions of records through validated statistical models such as regression, correlation and clustering, and then relies on experienced analysts to interpret the patterns. Clients receive clear, human-validated insights instead of another dashboard.

“Machines find the patterns. Humans find the point,” said Alan Gilleo, CEO at LEAP Group. “The first version of HumanView showed us how much customers reveal when nobody is asking them questions. This version is built to explain why they act the way they do, and to put those answers in front of everyone making decisions, from product to service to marketing.”

HumanView focuses on three areas:

Growth Intelligence: customer motivations and how people perceive a brand and its competitors

Market and Category Intelligence: product pain points, service friction, unmet needs and competitive gaps

Audience Intelligence: new segments, positioning opportunities and gaps in the market

Every model is designed and validated by data scientists and benchmarked before it informs a recommendation.

To learn more about HumanView, visit leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

About LEAP Group
LEAP Group is a boutique marketing agency holding company with offices in Louisville, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Chicago. Guided by the belief that brands should “Market Less. Matter More.,” LEAP gives clients access to specialized experts across its entire network. Learn more at leapgroupnetwork.com.

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SOURCE LEAP Group

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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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October 24, 2026

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

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SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

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Advantex Announces Completion of Financing and Extension of Maturity Date of Previously Issued Debentures

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6 hours ago

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October 24, 2026

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TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Advantex Marketing International Inc. (CSE: ADX) (“Advantex”), a leader in the merchant cash advance and loyalty marketing products for merchants, today announced the completion of a $250,000 secured debt financing. Advantex issued a $250,000 non-convertible debenture which bears an interest rate at 12% per annum and matures December 15, 2027. The proceeds raised from this issuance of the Debenture will be used for working capital purposes.

Advantex has also extended the maturity of its existing $700,000 in 12% secured debentures from October 10, 2026 to December 15, 2027.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex provides working capital to merchants. Advantex also provides specialized marketing programs that enable members of Aeroplan to earn Aeroplan points at participating merchants.

Advantex shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ADX. For more information go to Advantex’s profile on www.sedar.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the future business and operations of Advantex. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The business and operations of Advantex described herein is dependent on a number of factors and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ material include, but are not limited to, changes in Advantex’s economic and competitive conditions including but not limited to the industry sectors in which Advantex operates.

The statements in this news release are made of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and Advantex undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Advantex Marketing International Inc.

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