National Robotics Programme launches RoboNexus to help Singapore startups

Spinoff Robotics, which provides tethered drones for cleaning, is a participant in RoboNexus. Source: Spinoff Robotics

Singapore is one of the top countries in the world in terms of robotics density, thanks in part to government promotion. The National Robotics Programme today launched RoboNexus, an accelerator program designed to fast-track promising robotics startups and small and midsize enterprises, or SMEs, from Singapore onto the global stage.

The National Robotics Programme (NRP) unveiled the program at RoboSG! 2025, Singapore’s largest robotics showcase. RoboNexus is intended to provide local startups with tailored mentorships, business-development support, and global market access.

“We have a growing and innovative robotics start-up community that wants to make a greater impact globally. We will enhance our ecosystem for robotics start-ups in Singapore to collaborate, scale and capture global market opportunities.” stated Tung Meng Fai, executive director (designate) of the NRP. “RoboNexus brings together public and private-sector partners to accelerate robotics innovation into impact — strengthening our industries, empowering people, and addressing global challenges.”

After South Korea, Singapore has the world’s second-highest robot density, with 770 robots per 10,000 workers in 2023, according to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). The organization noted that the country, which placed above China, Germany, and Japan, has a relatively low number of employees in the manufacturing industry. By comparison, the U.S. had a robot density of 295 units in 2023 and was ranked 11th.

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NRP focuses on startups in Singapore

The National Robotics Programme is a multi-agency national program hosted by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). The agency oversees the research, development, and translation of robotics enablers and systems in Singapore.

Established in 2016 as part of the Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) initiative, the NRP said it aims to catalyze differentiated robotics capabilities by funding user-driven research and development. The program also uses the projects it funds to grow Singapore’s robotics talent pool and nurture the local ecosystem.

Singapore announced in April 2024 that it was investing $60 million in the NRP.

Since its pilot in September 2024, six companies have begun benefitting from RoboNexus.

• LionsBot: This startup, founded in 2018, has developed autonomous cleaning robots for commercial spaces.
• KABAM Robotics: The Co-Lab and Halo robots use Smart+ to intelligently clean and secure facilities, according to this company, founded in 2020.
• dConstruct Robotics: Founded in 2021, dConstruct uses simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) navigation and 3D digital twins to support industries such as construction, defense, and logistics.
• Spinoff Robotics: Also founded in 2021, Spinoff develops tethered drones for high-altitude industrial cleaning and inspections.
• XSQUARE Technologies: This company, founded in 2019, offers autonomous forklifts and the Xymphony orchestration software to help warehouse operators address labor shortages and rising operational demands.
• Globotix: This 2016-founded startup offers modular, multi-functional robots such as FLEXA for facilities management.

LionsBot and KABAM Robotics tapped into research and talent pipelines to accelerate product development, while the other four companies 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 U.S., meeting top robotics companies, researchers, and investors to explore business opportunities, learn from global best practices, and strengthen their plans for international growth.

“RoboNexus has played a pivotal role in driving dConstruct Robotics’ expansion, providing valuable global market insights, fostering strategic partnerships, and opening doors to critical networks within the Singapore government and internationally,” said Chinn Lim, co-founder and CEO of dConstruct Robotics. “These collaborations have strengthened dConstruct Robotics’ market presence and sharpened its strategic focus, positioning the company for continued growth in the AI and robotics sector.’

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

XSQARE said its autonomous forklifts and software help optimize materials handling. Source: XSQARE Robotics

RoboSG! 2025 shows off Singapore’s innovations

NRP claimed that RoboSG! 2025 is Singapore’s largest robotics showcase, featuring more than 75 robots across 65 booths spanning eight thematic zones. The two-day event more than doubled the scale of NRP’s first large-scale public event, NRP 6, in 2023.

Day 1 focused on industry engagement, while Day 2 opened to the public to raise awareness and inspire the next generation of robotics talent. Attendees experienced live demonstrations of robots for security, facility management, last mile-delivery, assistive healthcare and wellness.

JTC Corp.’s Punggol Digital District (PDD) hosted the event. PDD’s digital backbone, the Open Digital Platform (ODP), offers a testbed for integrating robotics within urban infrastructure through real-time data, predictive maintenance, and digital twin technology.

Dr. Tan See Leng, minister for manpower and second minister for trade and industry, officiated the RoboNexus launch. He was joined by Dr. Janil Puthucheary, minister in charge of GovTech, and Alvin Tan, minister of state for culture, community, and youth, as well as trade and industry. Esben Østergaard, co-founder of Universal Robots and co-founder and CEO of REInvest Robotics, sits on the RoboNexus Advisory Board.

Dr. Puthucheary, who is also senior minister of state for digital development and information and health, witnessed the signing of one research collaboration agreement (RCA) and two memorandums of understanding (MoUs). The agreements plan to bring together government agencies, research institutions, and industry leaders to advance robotics research, industry collaboration, and commercial adoption.

“Our robotics ecosystem is growing steadily,” said Prof Quek Tong Boon, chief executive of NRP, in his welcoming remarks. “When NRP first started eight years ago, I could not name more than 10 robotics supply companies in Singapore.”

“Two years ago, I shared that NRP had by then mapped 205,” he added. “As of last week, we now have 302 companies in our database.”

The NRP’s previous initiatives include RoboCluster, an 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,” said the organization.

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