Raise the Bar 2026 | NexPCB
Raise the bar 2026

Investing in Early-Stage Hardware Innovation.

x empower early-stage hardware innovation and deep-tech founders with capital, technology, and go-to-market support.

Why We Built This Accelerator?

Too many great hardware ideas fail not because of technology, but because they aren’t built to scale. At NexPCB, years of working with global hardware startups taught us that real acceleration must start early—with manufacturing and execution, not after funding. That’s why we partnered with ATUM and launched in Singapore, connecting global innovation with Asia’s manufacturing ecosystem to help founders build hardware ready to scale from day one.

Thunder Zhang, Founder & CEO
Thunder Zhang
Founder & CEO

What is on the table?

Direct
Investment

A cash investment of up to 200K SGD.
ATUM and Affiliates have the ability to continue investing in your venture at Seed and Series A

Ecosystem
Access

IP & Research Access Get introduced to Singapore’s leading research institutes and universities to source or complement your IP.
IP Licensing Support Guidance and support through IP licensing discussions with research partners (where applicable).
Global Market Access Expand internationally with support from ATUM’s global network, including partners in Europe, China, and Southeast Asia.
Corporate & Public-Sector Partners Warm introductions to corporate and government partners for prototyping and Proof-of-Concept (PoC) opportunities.
Community & Visibility Access to ATUM workshops, founder events, and investor showcases.

Operational
Support

Visa & EntrePass Support Fast-tracked EntrePass visa applications for founders.
Corporate & Legal Support One year of support covering corporate secretarial, legal, and governance matters.

Fast-Track Venture
Building

Direct admission consideration into ATUM’s Venture Building Programme for the strongest teams including:

01
Dedicated Venture Building Support

Ongoing guidance from a dedicated Venture Architect covering market research, business case validation, product roadmap, go-to-market strategy, and IP strategy.

02
1-on-1 Strategic Consulting

Personalised advisory support on technical architecture, organisational design, cost planning, and risk management.

03
Talent & Team Building

Support with to strengthen your team and first hires.

04
Mentorship & Coaching

Regular access to ATUM Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EiRs) and experienced industry mentors.

05
Grant & Funding Support

Assistance with grant applications, and end-to-end investment preparation, including financial modelling and investor readiness.

06
Technology & Prototyping Support

Includes $5K in rapid prototyping credits (mechanical, electronics, assembly) and 100 hours of senior engineering & DFX consulting.

07
Manufacturing & Supply Chain Access

Priority access to a global manufacturing ecosystem, including vetted suppliers, engineering partners, test labs, and China–EU–US networks.

08
Specialised Hardware Masterclasses

A complete curriculum built for hardware commercialization, including: Hardware Roadmap 101, Inside EVT/DVT/PVT, and The Hardware Founder’s Toolbox.

The Hardware Innovation Curve

Foundation & Validation Innovation Consulting
Concept & Design (S0) · Initial Prototype (S1)
Market Validation & Feasibility Engineering Acceleration
Prototype Iteration (S1) · Pilot Run (S2)
Growth & Scaling Production Delivery (NPI)
NPI Tooling (S3) · Ramp-Up (S4)
Optimization & Expansion Lifecycle Management (SCM & EOL)
Volume Production (S5) · SCM & EOL (S6)

Who we are looking for?

Stage
Pre-investment
Focus
Advanced Manufacturing, Energy, Medtech, Robotics, Physical AI
Team
Strong founding team with commercial and technical skillsets
Tech
Proprietary technology or clear defensibility
Geography
No geographic limitations; founders from any country may apply

Key timeline

Current stage Apply by

23 January 2026 · Applications open

Top finalists selected

16 February 2026

Final review

18 March 2026 Live Pitch in Singapore

Don't just raise funds
Raise The Bar

Start the conversation

Show us your deck. And explain why this investment matters now for your next leap.