Melbourne-based robotics company Nexobot has taken out top honours in the inaugural Propel-AIR accelerator, earning founder Dominic Lindsay an exclusive international residency at MassRobotics, the world’s largest independent robotics innovation hub located in Boston.
The national program, delivered by ARM Hub’s AI Adopt Centre, accelerates Australia’s most promising AI-integrated hardware ventures.
Nexobot was selected from a competitive cohort of six startups that worked to refine business models, deepen technology readiness, and engage with industry and investors.
Seascape Autonomy, which is developing next-generation underwater robots that capture high-resolution ocean floor imagery, was named runner-up in a showcase that highlighted the strength and momentum of Australia’s AI and robotics ecosystem.
Enabling automation for regional Australia
Nexobot is democratising automation for small and regional logistics operators with the world’s lowest-cost parcel sorting system.
Designed for flexibility and affordability, the platform enables businesses to automate for the first time—boosting accuracy, safety, and productivity without the traditional upfront capital investment.
“This is a critical step in putting low-cost, flexible automation into the hands of the thousands of SMEs who’ve been left behind. After a decade in supply chain operations, it became clear that we needed a solution for businesses without the budget or internal capacity to adopt conventional systems,” founder Dominic Lindsay said.
Nexobot’s Robotics-as-a-Service model allows users to pay per carton sorted, removing infrastructure barriers. The first deployment in Warragul, regional Victoria, has already delivered measurable improvements in operational efficiency and safety.
Connecting to global markets via MassRobotics
As Propel-AIR’s grand prize winner, Nexobot will join MassRobotics’ international residency program in Boston, connecting with global robotics firms, US supply chain partners, and potential investors. This opportunity positions Nexobot to scale internationally while contributing to Australia’s sovereign manufacturing capability.
Tom Ryden, Executive Director of MassRobotics, said: “I was impressed with all the start-ups that presented, which shows the strength of the robotics ecosystem in Australia. We look forward to hosting the winning team and helping them accelerate their growth globally.”
Runner-up Seascape is an Australian deep-tech robotics company developing underwater robots for marine environment monitoring, offshore energy projects, and defence operations.
It was founded by Professor Stefan Williams and Dr Jackson Shields from the University of Sydney.
National innovation backed by industry and Government
The Propel-AIR cohort attracted praise from judges and industry leaders.
Brisbane-based investor and judge Brian Cooke described Nexobot’s technology as “exceptional innovation with a clear pathway to scalability.”
“The event highlighted the calibre of Australian innovation. Supporting these ventures is essential to a stronger national economy,” he said.
ARM Hub Founder and CEO Professor Cori Stewart said the program demonstrates the potential of a Future Made in Australia.
“By supporting robotics companies like Nexobot and Seascape Autonomy, we’re scaling the economic value of Australian innovation, building sovereign capability, and securing our place in high-value global supply chains,” Professor Stewart said.
Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy Dr. Andrew Charlton highlighted the government’s commitment to the sector.
“Innovation is one of Australia’s greatest strengths. Programs like this help showcase how we can harness our tremendous robotics and AI know-how to drive our national productivity, and I congratulate the winner and all the finalists,” said Dr. Charlton.
“From helping businesses in regional Australia to understanding more about the world around us, backing this kind of cutting-edge AI and robotics helps us create more opportunities for Australians and our economy to grow. That’s why the Government is proud to support the ARM Hub AI Adopt Centre through our $17 million AI Adopt Program.”
Accelerating commercial-ready robotics
Propel-AIR is delivered through ARM Hub’s AI Adopt Centre as part of the Australian Government’s $17 million AI Adopt Program. It supports early-stage robotics ventures to bridge the gap between R&D and market readiness, offering targeted mentorship, commercialisation pathways, and industry connections.
NVIDIA Senior Developer Relations Manager and program judge Johan Barthelemy reflected on the program’s impact: “It was inspiring to see participants combining advanced AI and robotics to solve real-world challenges. Programs like this are essential to unlocking the next generation of intelligent industry.”
Propel-AIR is proudly supported by NVIDIA, MassRobotics, and the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science and Resources.