Welcome to Propel-AIR, Australia’s first AI and Robotics Sprint
Welcome to Propel-AIR, Australia’s first AI and Robotics Sprint
Welcome to Propel-AIR, Australia’s first AI and Robotics Sprint
WHO ARE WE?
Australia’s first AI and Robotics Sprint
an exciting initiative designed to nurture and elevate the next generation of robotics and AI innovators
WHO ARE WE?
Australia’s first AI and Robotics Sprint
an exciting initiative designed to nurture and elevate the next generation of robotics and AI innovators
This structured, phased program empowers participants with practical development opportunities, expert mentorship, and a global platform to amplify their growth and impact.
Our program ensures every participant is equipped with the skills, insights, and connections needed to excel in the dynamic field of robotics and AI.
WHO ARE WE?
Australia’s first AI and Robotics Sprint
an exciting initiative designed to nurture and elevate the next generation of robotics and AI innovators
This structured, phased program empowers participants with practical development opportunities, expert mentorship, and a global platform to amplify their growth and impact.
Our program ensures every participant is equipped with the skills, insights, and connections needed to excel in the dynamic field of robotics and AI.
How does it work?
Program structure
How does it work?
Program structure
How does it work?
Program structure
01
Phase
01
Application & Selection
Dates: 01 January 2025 – 30 June 2025 Overview: Startups and innovators from across Australia are invited to apply, showcasing their project vision and potential. Goal: Identify 10 high-potential projects based on innovation, scalability, and impact.
Phase
01
Application & Selection
Dates: 01 January 2025 – 30 June 2025 Overview: Startups and innovators from across Australia are invited to apply, showcasing their project vision and potential. Goal: Identify 10 high-potential projects based on innovation, scalability, and impact.
01
Phase
01
Application & Selection
Dates: 01 January 2025 – 30 June 2025 Overview: Startups and innovators from across Australia are invited to apply, showcasing their project vision and potential. Goal: Identify 10 high-potential projects based on innovation, scalability, and impact.
02
Phase
02
Pitch Night & Winner Announcement
Dates: July 2025 Overview: Shortlisted participants present their refined ideas to a panel of experts during a dynamic pitch night event. Goal: Select one standout winner to represent the program internationally.
Phase
02
Pitch Night & Winner Announcement
Dates: July 2025 Overview: Shortlisted participants present their refined ideas to a panel of experts during a dynamic pitch night event. Goal: Select one standout winner to represent the program internationally.
02
Phase
02
Pitch Night & Winner Announcement
Dates: July 2025 Overview: Shortlisted participants present their refined ideas to a panel of experts during a dynamic pitch night event. Goal: Select one standout winner to represent the program internationally.
03
Phase
03
Concept Refinement & Mentorship
Dates: August 2025 – October 2025 Overview: Participants engage in intensive mentorship, technical workshops, and expert consultations. Goal: Strengthen project concepts, develop actionable roadmaps, and establish a foundation for practical application.
Phase
03
Concept Refinement & Mentorship
Dates: August 2025 – October 2025 Overview: Participants engage in intensive mentorship, technical workshops, and expert consultations. Goal: Strengthen project concepts, develop actionable roadmaps, and establish a foundation for practical application.
03
Phase
03
Concept Refinement & Mentorship
Dates: August 2025 – October 2025 Overview: Participants engage in intensive mentorship, technical workshops, and expert consultations. Goal: Strengthen project concepts, develop actionable roadmaps, and establish a foundation for practical application.
04
Phase
04
AI Integration & Prototyping
Dates: November 2025 – February 2026 Overview: Teams collaborate with AI specialists to incorporate generative AI into their robotics solutions. Goal: Develop functional prototypes that showcase enhanced AI capabilities and adaptability.
Phase
04
AI Integration & Prototyping
Dates: November 2025 – February 2026 Overview: Teams collaborate with AI specialists to incorporate generative AI into their robotics solutions. Goal: Develop functional prototypes that showcase enhanced AI capabilities and adaptability.
04
Phase
04
AI Integration & Prototyping
Dates: November 2025 – February 2026 Overview: Teams collaborate with AI specialists to incorporate generative AI into their robotics solutions. Goal: Develop functional prototypes that showcase enhanced AI capabilities and adaptability.
05
Phase
05
Pilot Testing & Industry Collaboration
Dates: March 2026 – May 2026 Overview: Projects are tested in real-world scenarios, with participants connecting with industry leaders for validation and feedback. Goal: Prove the concept’s viability, refine solutions, and build industry credibility.
Phase
05
Pilot Testing & Industry Collaboration
Dates: March 2026 – May 2026 Overview: Projects are tested in real-world scenarios, with participants connecting with industry leaders for validation and feedback. Goal: Prove the concept’s viability, refine solutions, and build industry credibility.
05
Phase
05
Pilot Testing & Industry Collaboration
Dates: March 2026 – May 2026 Overview: Projects are tested in real-world scenarios, with participants connecting with industry leaders for validation and feedback. Goal: Prove the concept’s viability, refine solutions, and build industry credibility.
06
Phase
06
Global Exchange & Showcase
Dates: June 2026 Overview: The winner participates in an international exchange with MassRobotics in Boston, gaining invaluable insights and connections. Goal: Highlight Australian innovation on a global stage and pave the way for future growth.
Phase
06
Global Exchange & Showcase
Dates: June 2026 Overview: The winner participates in an international exchange with MassRobotics in Boston, gaining invaluable insights and connections. Goal: Highlight Australian innovation on a global stage and pave the way for future growth.
06
Phase
06
Global Exchange & Showcase
Dates: June 2026 Overview: The winner participates in an international exchange with MassRobotics in Boston, gaining invaluable insights and connections. Goal: Highlight Australian innovation on a global stage and pave the way for future growth.
When
Key dates at a Glance
When
Key dates at a Glance
Milestones
Milestones
Dates
Dates
Applications Open
Applications Open
01 Jan 2025
Applications Close
Applications Close
30 Jun 2025
Pitch Night
Pitch Night
Jul 2025 (TBD)
Mentorship Phase
Mentorship Phase
Aug 2025 – Oct 2025
AI Integration Phase
AI Integration Phase
Nov 2025 – Feb 2026
Pilot Testing
Pilot Testing
March 2026 – May 2026
AI Integration Phase
Nov 2025 – Feb 2026
AI Integration Phase
Nov 2025 – Feb 2026
Global Showcase
Global Showcase
Jun 2026
When
Key dates at a Glance
Milestones
Dates
Applications Open
01 Jan 2025
Applications Close
30 Jun 2025
Pitch Night
Jul 2025 (TBD)
Mentorship Phase
Aug 2025 – Oct 2025
AI Integration Phase
Nov 2025 – Feb 2026
Pilot Testing
March 2026 – May 2026
AI Integration Phase
Nov 2025 – Feb 2026
AI Integration Phase
Nov 2025 – Feb 2026
Global Showcase
Jun 2026
When
Roadshow & demo day
Our program kicks off with a National Roadshow in February 2025, visiting key cities across Australia to inspire and engage the robotics and AI community.
When
Roadshow & demo day
Our program kicks off with a National Roadshow in February 2025, visiting key cities across Australia to inspire and engage the robotics and AI community.
Roadshow Dates:
February 2025 (Exact locations and dates TBD)
The journey culminates in an exhilarating Demo Day in May 2026, where participants present their final prototypes to industry leaders, investors, and the public.
AI Integration Phase
Nov 2025 – Feb 2026
AI Integration Phase
Nov 2025 – Feb 2026
When
Roadshow & demo day
Our program kicks off with a National Roadshow in February 2025, visiting key cities across Australia to inspire and engage the robotics and AI community.
Roadshow Dates:
February 2025 (Exact locations and dates TBD)
The journey culminates in an exhilarating Demo Day in May 2026, where participants present their final prototypes to industry leaders, investors, and the public.
AI Integration Phase
Nov 2025 – Feb 2026
AI Integration Phase
Nov 2025 – Feb 2026
Rquirements
Eligibility and Selection Criteria for the Robotics and AI Sprint
Rquirements
Eligibility and Selection Criteria for the Robotics and AI Sprint
The Robotics and AI Sprint is open to startups, scaleups, and individual innovators focused on advancing robotics and Gen AI solutions. All entrants must be from a company that employs under 20 full-time staff members. Ideal applicants will demonstrate strong potential for growth, innovation, and real-world impact and selected participants will have the readiness, ambition, and potential to make the most of the sprint and bring forward high-impact robotics and AI solutions.
Below are the criteria required for application:
Rquirements
Eligibility and Selection Criteria for the Robotics and AI Sprint
The Robotics and AI Sprint is open to startups, scaleups, and individual innovators focused on advancing robotics and Gen AI solutions. All entrants must be from a company that employs under 20 full-time staff members. Ideal applicants will demonstrate strong potential for growth, innovation, and real-world impact and selected participants will have the readiness, ambition, and potential to make the most of the sprint and bring forward high-impact robotics and AI solutions.
Below are the criteria required for application:
Company Stage
Startups
Early-stage ventures with a viable concept or MVP (Minimum Viable Product) in robotics or Generative AI.
Companies that have achieved initial market traction and are poised for growth, seeking to expand or enhance their robotics and Gen AI capabilities.
Scaleups
Individual Innovators
Skilled technologists, researchers, or entrepreneurs with a well-developed concept.
Company Stage
Startups
Early-stage ventures with a viable concept or MVP (Minimum Viable Product) in robotics or Generative AI.
Companies that have achieved initial market traction and are poised for growth, seeking to expand or enhance their robotics and Gen AI capabilities.
Scaleups
Individual Innovators
Skilled technologists, researchers, or entrepreneurs with a well-developed concept.
Technology Focus
• Solutions must leverage robotics and/or Gen AI as core components. • Generative AI integration, automation, or advanced robotics applications are highly encouraged.
Technology Focus
• Solutions must leverage robotics and/or Gen AI as core components. • Generative AI integration, automation, or advanced robotics applications are highly encouraged.
Team Capability
• Founders or core team members should have a track record in technology, robotics, or AI, demonstrating the skills needed to execute their vision. • Participants with diverse expertise and a commitment to growth are preferred.
Team Capability
• Founders or core team members should have a track record in technology, robotics, or AI, demonstrating the skills needed to execute their vision. • Participants with diverse expertise and a commitment to growth are preferred.
Feasibility & Development Stage
• Applicants should present a realistic roadmap for development within the sprint’s timeframe. • A clear plan for prototyping, piloting, or expanding the solution during the sprint is required.
Feasibility & Development Stage
• Applicants should present a realistic roadmap for development within the sprint’s timeframe. • A clear plan for prototyping, piloting, or expanding the solution during the sprint is required.
Commitment to Program Goals
• Participants must be ready to engage actively in program phases, including mentorship, workshops, and international exchanges. • A commitment to deploying and scaling the solution to benefit industry, society, or the environment is essential.
Commitment to Program Goals
• Participants must be ready to engage actively in program phases, including mentorship, workshops, and international exchanges. • A commitment to deploying and scaling the solution to benefit industry, society, or the environment is essential.
Willingness to Collaborate
• Participants should be open to collaboration, both within the cohort and with industry mentors and partners, to maximize learning and innovation.
Willingness to Collaborate
• Participants should be open to collaboration, both within the cohort and with industry mentors and partners, to maximize learning and innovation.
Company Stage
Startups
Early-stage ventures with a viable concept or MVP (Minimum Viable Product) in robotics or Generative AI.
Companies that have achieved initial market traction and are poised for growth, seeking to expand or enhance their robotics and Gen AI capabilities.
Scaleups
Individual Innovators
Skilled technologists, researchers, or entrepreneurs with a well-developed concept.
Technology Focus
• Solutions must leverage robotics and/or Gen AI as core components. • Generative AI integration, automation, or advanced robotics applications are highly encouraged.
Team Capability
• Founders or core team members should have a track record in technology, robotics, or AI, demonstrating the skills needed to execute their vision. • Participants with diverse expertise and a commitment to growth are preferred.
Feasibility & Development Stage
• Applicants should present a realistic roadmap for development within the sprint’s timeframe. • A clear plan for prototyping, piloting, or expanding the solution during the sprint is required.
Commitment to Program Goals
• Participants must be ready to engage actively in program phases, including mentorship, workshops, and international exchanges. • A commitment to deploying and scaling the solution to benefit industry, society, or the environment is essential.
Willingness to Collaborate
• Participants should be open to collaboration, both within the cohort and with industry mentors and partners, to maximize learning and innovation.