Australia's Robotics Sprint Program Returns in 2026
Announcement posted by ARMHub 18 Dec 2025
BRISBANE, December 2025 - ARM Hub announces the return of Propel-AIR, Australia's premier AI and robotics innovation sprint, with entries opening February 17, 2026.
Following the success of the inaugural program, which saw Melbourne-based Nexobot founder Dominic Lindsay take home top honours, Propel-AIR 2.0 will once again partner with Boston's MassRobotics to connect Australian innovators with global opportunities in one of the world's leading robotics ecosystems.
"Propel-AIR and my time in the US gave a whole new perspective on the impact Nexobot can have in the supply chain and logistics world," said Nexobot CEO Dominic Lindsay. "I met potential customers, spoke to investors, and saw the latest technologies being developed by both existing players and startups in the field. What really stood out is how important it is to have ecosystems like ARM Hub . . . with this we can develop solutions that deliver for an Australian context."
Pictured: 2025 Winner Dominic Lindsay with Marita McGann in Boston
"Developments in artificial intelligence are an enormous opportunity for Australia's highly skilled robotics industry," said ARM Hub CEO and Founder Professor Cori Stewart. "Propel-AIR will surface and support the best of these ideas and connect great Australian ideas to global market opportunities."
Program Highlights
Propel-AIR 2.0 will feature:
- National Roadshow: Visiting major Australian cities from February through April 2026
- Top Ten Finalists: Announced May 2026
- Grand Showcase: July 2026
The winning team will receive:
- A one-month residency at MassRobotics in Boston
- Scheduled visits to key companies and institutions within the Boston tech community, including Boston Dynamics and MIT
- Direct mentorship from MassRobotics experts in one of the world's most vibrant AI and robotics ecosystems
The program fast-tracks Australian robotics startups, scaleups, and innovators developing solutions across industries from advanced manufacturing and agriculture to healthcare and aged care.
How to Enter
Propel-AIR 2.0 is open to all Australian innovators, startups, and entrepreneurs in the AI and robotics space. Entries open February 17, 2026. Further details will follow in early 2026.
ENDS
About ARM Hub
The Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Hub is one of Australia's four government-backed AI Adopt Centres. Based in Brisbane, ARM Hub partners with manufacturers, SMEs, researchers, and technology companies to drive innovation and productivity through advanced automation and AI solutions.
About MassRobotics
MassRobotics is a nonprofit organization fostering robotics innovation and entrepreneurship. Located in Boston's Innovation District, MassRobotics has supported over 200 startups, which have collectively raised more than $1 billion in funding and created over 600 jobs.
Media Contact:
Mike Woodcock
Communications Director, ARM Hub
E: Mike.Woodcock@ARMHub.com.au
P: +61 411 969 248