The intersection of artificial intelligence and robotics has attracted the attention of industry leaders aiming to move intelligent machines from laboratory settings to practical, real-world use. MassRobotics, in partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and the NVIDIA Inception program, has opened applications for the second cohort of its Physical AI Fellowship. The initiative seeks startups worldwide working in areas like robotics and embodied AI to participate in an eight-week virtual program. Participants will benefit from access to mentors, technical infrastructure, and a community of peer companies. Current program organizers indicate that their aim is to accelerate innovation and drive practical adoption of physical AI technology in diverse sectors.
When looking at earlier announcements and coverage about the Physical AI Fellowship, the emphasis was initially placed on establishing industry-academic collaboration within the robotics field and nurturing innovation pipelines. While the first cohort focused on exploratory efforts and early proof-of-concepts, the new initiative signals a transition towards supporting market readiness and scaling of robotics startups. In terms of partnerships, AWS and NVIDIA continue to provide deep technical support and cloud computing resources, but recent news shows a shift toward guiding startups through commercialization and broader adoption, distinguishing this cohort from its predecessor.
What does the Physical AI Fellowship offer startups?
Successful applicants receive mentorship from MassRobotics, AWS, and NVIDIA experts, along with access to specialized technology stacks and business networks. The goal is to help companies optimize their solutions for real-world deployment by leveraging state-of-the-art AI and robotics platforms. Funding support includes up to $200,000 in AWS credits. Fellows are exposed to both technical and business guidance, connecting with potential investors, partners, and future customers through MassRobotics’ established global network.
How did the first cohort benefit from the program?
The inaugural 2025 cohort featured eight startups, such as Bedrock Robotics, Blue Water Autonomy, and Diligent Robotics. These companies engaged in tailored engineering projects, tackling issues related to foundation models, simulation, and edge deployment. This hands-on collaboration gave the startups meaningful resources and targeted expertise. Tom Eliaz of Bedrock Robotics noted,
“Through the Physical AI Fellowship, we partnered with specialists from AWS and NVIDIA who brought decades of ML and data science experience to our toughest challenges, helping us advance the core capabilities that will power autonomous construction equipment.”
Who stands to gain from the new fellowship round?
The current round is open to startups globally that build technology in robotics, AI-driven physical systems, and related fields. Organizers encourage companies from various industries and regions to apply.
“We’re proud to continue our collaboration with AWS and NVIDIA to support startups pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with physical AI,”
said Tom Ryden, executive director of MassRobotics. Past participants will share their experiences at the AWS re:Invent event, offering insights to prospective applicants and the broader AI community.
The Physical AI Fellowship continues to influence the robotics landscape by facilitating connections between emerging startups and established technology providers. Industry access, funding, and expert guidance can address challenges such as scaling, infrastructure limitations, and the journey from prototype to commercialization. For interested founders, the opportunity offers not only essential resources but also exposure to best practices across disciplines, a factor that previous cohorts valued highly. As competition in AI-driven robotics intensifies, programs like this may play a key role in how swiftly and effectively new solutions reach the marketplace and address real-world challenges. Leaders and technologists considering the fellowship should note the increasing demand for robotics talent and the importance of robust industry partnerships when navigating the complex path from ideation to implementation.
