Australia Launches AI Robotics Sprint with Boston Partnership

Australia is giving robotics startups a shot at the big leagues with a new national competition that could catapult local innovators onto the world stage.

Federal Minister for Industry and Science Tim Ayres launched Propel-AIR 2.0 in Brisbane this week, kicking off a sprint that connects Australian AI and robotics creators with industry partners, investors, and a coveted prize: a month-long exchange at MassRobotics in Boston.

The launch event showcased what Australian innovation looks like in action. Queensland University of Technology demonstrated an automated banana de-handing system that could revolutionize agricultural work. A commercial robotics platform from The Fish Girl showed how automation is reaching new industries.

Representatives from MassRobotics traveled from Boston to participate in the launch. The nonprofit has already helped more than 200 startups raise over $1 billion in funding and create 600 jobs, and now they're bringing that expertise to Australian innovators.

The program targets real-world problems across advanced manufacturing, resources, agriculture, healthcare, and energy sectors. It's designed as a commercialization pathway, helping early-stage ventures connect their breakthrough ideas with the customers and funding they need to scale.

The Ripple Effect

The first Propel-AIR winner shows what's possible when local talent gets global exposure. Melbourne-based NexoBot founder Dominic Lindsay recently completed his Boston residency, pitching at RoboBusiness in Silicon Valley, visiting Stanford's Robotics Lab, and participating in Tough Tech Week.

Lindsay emphasized the importance of having ecosystems like ARM Hub to develop solutions that work for Australian contexts. His success demonstrates how the program creates a bridge between homegrown innovation and international opportunities.

This year's winner will follow a similar path, with scheduled visits to Boston Dynamics and MIT alongside their MassRobotics mentorship. The winning team will be announced in July after working through the sprint program.

ARM Hub CEO and Founder Cori Stewart sees this as a pivotal moment for Australia's sovereign robotics and AI capability. The program brings together the full spectrum of the robotics ecosystem, from cutting-edge research labs to companies ready for commercial deployment.

NVIDIA representatives also attended the launch, signaling industry interest in what Australian innovators are building. The combination of government support, international partnerships, and industry backing creates a launchpad for ventures that might otherwise struggle to gain traction.

Applications are now open for startups and entrepreneurs ready to turn their robotics and AI innovations into commercial reality.