Minister Ayers to launch Propel-AIR 2.0, Brisbane, Feb 17th

Brisbane, January 2026 — Australia's premier AI and robotics innovation sprint returns on 17 February 2026 to accelerate the next wave of Australian robotics ventures, with Federal Minister for Industry and Science Tim Ayres officially launching Propel-AIR 2.0 at ARM Hub in Brisbane.

MassRobotics team members are flying from Boston to participate in the launch as part of a week-long collaborative visit with ARM Hub, underlining the strength of the partnership between Australia's leading robotics hub and one of the world's most active innovation ecosystems.

The day-long event will bring together robotics innovators, researchers, and industry leaders for live demonstrations, roundtable discussions, and the official opening of entries for the national competition.

Melbourne-based NexoBot founder Dominic Lindsay, winner of the inaugural Propel-AIR program, recently completed a month-long MassRobotics residency in Boston where he pitched at RoboBusiness in Silicon Valley, visited the Stanford Robotics Lab, and participated in Tough Tech Week. "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," Lindsay said.

Pictured: Dominic Lindsay with MassRobotics' Marita McGinn in Boston

AI and Robotics

Propel-AIR is delivered through ARM Hub's AI Adopt Centre as part of the Australian Government's AI Adopt Program, fast-tracking AI-integrated robotics ventures from R&D to market by connecting them with industry customers, global partners, and investors.

"Propel-AIR 2.0 comes at a pivotal time for Australia's sovereign robotics and AI capability," said ARM Hub CEO and Founder Cori Stewart. "We're bringing together the full spectrum of Australia's robotics ecosystem. From cutting-edge research to commercial deployment, this day demonstrates the depth of innovation happening across the country."

Live Robotics Demonstrations

The morning session will feature Australian robotics innovation in action, including QUT's automated banana de-handing system and The Fish Girl's commercial robotics platform, alongside other emerging technologies transforming manufacturing and agriculture.

A Robotics and Commercialisation Roundtable will follow, exploring pathways from research to market with perspectives from the visiting MassRobotics team, Australian innovators, and industry practitioners. Minister Ayres will officially launch Propel-AIR 2.0 at 11:30am, joined by the MassRobotics delegation and representatives from NVIDIA, reflecting the program's global market ambition for Australian robotics.

The winning team (to be announced in July of this year), will receive a month-long exchange at MassRobotics in Boston, including scheduled visits to key companies and institutions within Boston's tech community such as Boston Dynamics and MIT, along with direct mentorship from MassRobotics experts.

Propel-AIR 2.0 is open to Australian innovators, startups, and entrepreneurs developing AI and robotics solutions across sectors such as advanced manufacturing, resources, agriculture, healthcare, and energy.

Event Details

Event: Propel-AIR 2.0 Launch and Robotics Showcase
Date: 17 February 2026
Time: 9:00am-1:00pm (formal launch at 11:30am)
Location: ARM Hub, Holland St, Northgate QLD

Entries open 17 February 2026, with the program providing a fast-track pathway for Australian robotics ventures seeking international validation, customers, and collaborators. For more information, visit www.aiadopt.ai/propel-air

Media Contact:
Mike Woodcock, ARM Hub
Mike.Woodcock@ARMHub.com.au
0411 969 248 

About ARM Hub

The Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Hub is Australia's leading centre for robotics and AI adoption in industry. Based in Brisbane, ARM Hub partners with manufacturers, SMEs, researchers, and technology companies to drive innovation and productivity through advanced automation solutions.

About MassRobotics

MassRobotics is a non-profit 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.

ENDS