Qualcomm Technologies recently announced the selection of 15 innovative startups for its Qualcomm AI Program for Innovators (QAIPI) 2026 – APAC. These promising companies, originating from Japan, Singapore, and South Korea, are at the forefront of developing next-generation on-device artificial intelligence solutions. The program is a strategic regional initiative designed to foster the development and commercialization of cutting-edge AI across various industries, including aerospace, agriculture, drones, healthcare, robotics, smart infrastructure, and education.
The selected startups will embark on a comprehensive six-month mentorship phase, gaining unparalleled access to Qualcomm's expert guidance, extensive technical resources, and specialized training through the Qualcomm® AI Hub. Participants will leverage advanced hardware platforms, such as Snapdragon® and Dragonwing™ products, and the new Arduino® UNO™ Q development board to build optimized end-to-end AI use cases. Beyond mentorship, the program offers financial assistance, including up to US$2,500 for product development, eligibility for patent filing incentives of up to US$5,000, and a grant of up to US$10,000 upon successful completion. This significant investment by Qualcomm underscores its commitment to nurturing the AI startup ecosystem in the APAC region, facilitating the transition of innovative ideas into tangible commercial products and addressing real-world challenges through intelligent, efficient, and privacy-conscious on-device AI. The program will culminate in a Demo Day in Q4 2026, where startups will present their solutions to industry leaders and investors.
Bengaluru-based space infrastructure startup Kepler Aerospace has secured $8 million in a seed round led by Blue Ashva Capital to launch autonomous defense surveillance satellites.
Software giant Adobe has acquired Indian AI automation startup Rilo, founded by IIT Bombay alumni, to enhance its agentic marketing and AI-driven automation capabilities.
Insurtech startups InsuranceDekho and RenewBuy have officially merged to build India's largest AI-enabled insurance distribution platform, with a combined annual premium book exceeding ₹6,600 crore. The unified entity will operate under the InsuranceDekho brand and reach over 98.57% of pin codes across India.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal proposed a four-pillar framework, including a Deep-Tech Capital Corridor, at the India-Japan Startup Roundtable in Tokyo to deepen bilateral innovation and investment ties.
