Startup Launchpad

THE NEXT
WAVE OF HARDTECH
INNOVATION

Where Deep-Tech Startups Meet the Microelectronics Industry

A dedicated zone showcasing emerging companies at the forefront of microelectronics innovation — from silicon to systems. Discover breakthrough technologies, meet the founders building the next generation of chips, and find your next investment, partnership or supplier before anyone else.

Register for Free Apply to Present

29–30 September 2026

Microelectronics UK

Excel London

Delivered in partnership with

Built for

  • Deep-Tech Founders
  • University Spinouts
  • Seed & Early-Stage Startups
  • Hardware Entrepreneurs
  • Semiconductor Investors
  • Corporate Innovation Teams
  • Accelerator & VC Partners
  • R&D Leaders Seeking Partners
  • Procurement & Supply Chain Teams

Why Visit the Launchpad

See Tomorrow's Microelectronics
Industry Today

Breakthrough Technologies, First

Access companies at the frontier of semiconductors, photonics and embedded systems before they scale. Identify emerging solutions, novel IP and disruptive approaches that haven't yet made it onto the main stage — or into your competitors' hands.

Live Pitches from Leading Hardtech Startups

Each startup takes the Launchpad Stage for a focused 10-minute presentation — their technology, their market, and why it matters. Hear directly from the founders, ask your questions, and make informed decisions about who you want to follow up with.

Investor & Corporate Deal Flow

The Launchpad is designed for connection. Whether you're a VC seeking hardware investment opportunities, a corporate innovation team scouting future suppliers, or a programme looking to license novel IP — this is where the conversations that matter happen.

Curated & Credibility-Backed

Every startup in the Launchpad has been selected through our partnership with Silicon Catalyst — the world's leading semiconductor-focused accelerator. You're not browsing a trade floor; you're meeting vetted, high-potential companies.

The Launchpad Stage

10 Minutes to Change
an Industry

The heart of the Launchpad experience is the stage itself. Each participating startup delivers a focused 10-minute presentation to an audience of engineers, investors, procurement leads and industry decision-makers — direct, unfiltered, and built for maximum impact.

Stage at a Glance

  • Format 10-minute company presentations from each startup
  • Dates 29–30 September 2026
  • Venue Excel London — Startup Launchpad Zone
  • Audience 4,000+ attendees — engineers, investors, corporates and industry leaders
  • Partner Delivered in partnership with Silicon Catalyst
  • Access Included with your Microelectronics UK ticket — no booking required

Innovation Focus Areas

  • Novel semiconductor materials & process technologies
  • Photonic integration & optical systems
  • AI hardware, neuromorphic & edge compute
  • Advanced packaging & chiplet architectures
  • Power semiconductors & energy-efficient electronics
  • MEMS, sensors & IoT hardware
  • Embedded systems & safety-critical platforms
  • Quantum & cryogenic hardware
  • Deep-tech for space, defence & critical infrastructure

Partnership

Backed by the
UK's Leading Semiconductor
Accelerator

The Microelectronics UK Startup Launchpad is delivered in partnership with Silicon Catalyst, the organiser of the leading accelerator programme for semiconductor startups.

This collaboration means every startup you meet at the Launchpad has been through a rigorous selection process — bringing a level of credibility and curation that sets this programme apart from a standard exhibition floor. For startups, it means direct exposure to key industry players, potential investors, and the commercial networks needed to grow.

Delivery Partner

Silicon Catalyst is the world's first incubator focused exclusively on accelerating semiconductor solutions — with a global portfolio of deep-tech startups spanning chips, MEMS, sensors and photonics.

  • Rigorous startup selection and vetting process
  • Global network of semiconductor investors and corporates
  • Technical mentorship and go-to-market support
  • Deep connections across the UK microelectronics ecosystem

For Visitors

For Visitors & Investors

The Startup Launchpad gives you structured, high-signal access to the next generation of microelectronics companies — before the rest of the market catches on.

  • Early access to emerging hardtech companies before they reach the mainstream market
  • Direct conversations with founders — no intermediaries, no sales layers
  • Structured 10-minute pitches that let you quickly assess fit and potential
  • Vetted companies with Silicon Catalyst endorsement — reducing your discovery risk
  • Connection to the UK's semiconductor investment and accelerator ecosystem
  • Insight into where the next generation of microelectronics IP is being developed

Visitors & Industry

Come & See What's Coming Next

The Startup Launchpad is included with your Microelectronics UK ticket. Register now to secure your place at the UK's most important microelectronics event — 29–30 September 2026, Excel London.

Register Now — It's Free

Are You a Startup?

Apply to Present at the Launchpad

If you're an early-stage company with a breakthrough technology in semiconductors, photonics or embedded systems, we want to hear from you. Each startup selected presents on the Launchpad Stage in front of 4,000+ industry professionals, investors and decision-makers. Applications are reviewed in partnership with Silicon Catalyst.

Apply to Present →
In partnership with

What We're Looking For

  • Early-stage companies with novel microelectronics technology
  • University spinouts and deep-tech ventures at any funding stage
  • Startups across semiconductors, photonics or embedded systems
  • Companies seeking investment, partnerships or commercial traction
  • Innovators with a compelling technical story to tell
🚀

Startups welcome. Get in touch to discuss your application — we want to hear what you're building.