National Robotics Programme launches RoboNexus to help Singapore-based robotics startups and SMEs go global

This press release was issued by Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR).

The National Robotics Programme (NRP) has launched RoboNexus, a dynamic accelerator programme designed to fast-track promising robotics startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Singapore onto the global stage. Unveiled at RoboSG! 2025, Singapore’s largest robotics showcase, organised by NRP at JTC’s Punggol Digital District (PDD), the RoboNexus programme brings together public and private sector expertise to provide Singapore-based startups with tailored mentorships, business development support, and global market access.

The launch was officiated by Guest-of-Honour, Minister for Manpower & Second Minister for Trade and Industry Dr Tan See Leng alongside Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information & Health, and Minister-in-Charge of GovTech, Dr Janil Puthucheary and Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth & Trade and Industry Mr Alvin Tan.

Empowering Robotics Startups and SMEs for Global Success

Since its pilot in September 2024, six companies—LionsBot, KABAM Robotics, dConstruct Robotics, Spinoff Robotics, XSQUARE Technologies, and Globotix—have begun benefitting from RoboNexus. LionsBot and KABAM Robotics tapped into research and talent pipelines to accelerate product development, while dConstruct Robotics, Spinoff Robotics, XSQUARE Technologies, and Globotix have refined and deployed their technologies through end-user collaborations and expanded industry partnerships.

In November 2024, three companies joined an NRP-led industry and research trip to the United States, meeting top robotics companies, researchers, and investors to explore business opportunities, learn from global best practices, and strengthen their plans for international growth. 

With the official launch, RoboNexus is open for registrations from Singapore-based robotics companies and those looking to establish operations here.

Robotics Innovation Comes Alive at RoboSG! 2025

RoboNexus was launched at RoboSG! 2025, Singapore's largest robotics showcase that brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to showcase real-world robotics applications and next-generation capabilities. Featuring over 75 cutting-edge robots across 65 booths spanning 8 thematic zones, the two-day event more than doubled the scale of NRP’s first large-scale public event, NRP 6, in 2023.

Day one focused on industry engagement, while day two opened to the public to raise awareness and inspire the next generation of robotics talent.

Attendees experienced live demonstrations of autonomous security robots, AI-driven facility management solutions, last-mile delivery robots, and assistive healthcare and wellness robotics, illustrating how robotics boosts productivity, streamlines operations, and augments the workforce in real-world urban environments. 

PDD, Singapore’s first smart and sustainable business district, provides an ideal setting for RoboSG! 2025. PDD’s digital backbone, the Open Digital Platform (ODP), offers a testbed for integrating robotics solutions within urban infrastructure through real-time data, predictive maintenance, and digital twin technology.

The event also saw SMS Janil Puthucheary witnessing the signing of one Research Collaboration Agreement (RCA) and two Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs), bringing together government agencies, research institutions, and industry leaders to advance robotics research, industry collaboration and commercial adoption. 

NRP: Strengthening Singapore’s Robotics Ecosystem

As the control tower for robotics innovation, NRP is catalysing our robotics ecosystem and fostering collaboration across industries. Since its establishment, NRP has developed robotics capabilities in Singapore and accelerated the translation of these capabilities across industries. Singapore now ranks second globally in robot density, with the number of robots per 10,000 workers increasing from 488 in 2016 to 770 by 2024.¹ Previously launched initiatives such as RoboCluster, is an important enabler for sectors such as advanced manufacturing, aviation, maritime and facilities management. RoboCluster facilitates close collaboration among research institutions, robotics companies, government agencies, and industry end-users, ensuring robotics innovations address industry needs through scalable, impactful solutions.

¹ Global Robotics Race: Korea, Singapore and Germany in the Lead - International Federation of Robotics