Designed to fast-track innovation and empower Australian startups, businesses, researchers, and entrepreneurs, Australia’s first-ever AI and robotics sprint, Propel-AIR, will open in January 2025.
The program’s goal is to fast-track Australian robotics startups, scaleups, and innovators developing essential solutions across multiple industries.
The sprint will form part of a national tour, with the Propel-AIR Roadshow visiting major Australian cities from February through April. Top ten finalists will be announced in May, with a showcase planned for July.
The winning team will travel to Boston’s MassRobotics for a month’s exchange, receive a one-year residency, and participate in scheduled visits to key companies and institutions within the Boston tech community, such as Boston Dynamics and MIT.
Finally, winners will work directly with MassRobotics mentors, immersing themselves in one of the world’s most vibrant AI and robotics ecosystems. Propel-AIR is the brainchild of ARM-Hub CEO and Founder Cori Stewart.
“Developments in artificial intelligence are an enormous opportunity for Australia’s highly skilled robotics industry,” said Stewart, who sees potential in the space ranging from direct industrial applications to acting in the care and support sector.
“Robots now have the potential to serve humans better, from packing goods on the manufacturing floor to helping take care of our loved ones in hospitals and residential care,” she said. “Propel-AIR will surface and support the best of these ideas and connect great Australian ideas to global market opportunities. Mass Robotics in Boston is an exceptional partner for ARM Hub to team up to grow Australia’s robotics industry.”
Propel-AIR will be formally launched by Minister for Science and Industry Ed Husic in Queensland on December 12, 2024, at the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Hub in Brisbane.
The competition is open to all Australian innovators, startups and entrepreneurs in the AI and robotics space from January.
