BOSTON – December 1, 2025 – In a promising development for robotics startups, MassRobotics, in partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and NVIDIA, has launched applications for the second cohort of its Physical AI Fellowship. This eight-week virtual program aims to empower startups focusing on AI-powered robotic systems that can effectively interact with the physical world—a rapidly evolving domain often referred to as "physical AI."
With applications now open for the 2026 cohort, the fellowship offers a suite of benefits specifically designed to help small businesses scale their innovations. Selected participants will gain hands-on technical guidance from experts at AWS and NVIDIA, providing insights into AI deployment and robotics best practices. Additionally, fellows will have access to AWS’s AI stack along with NVIDIA’s comprehensive robotics software, ensuring that participants are equipped with state-of-the-art tools essential for success in a competitive market.
The fellowship also extends a unique opportunity for startups to connect with a vast network of robotics partners, investors, and customers. Participants can avail of up to $200,000 in AWS credits, which can significantly lower operational costs and enable startups to invest in their technological advancements.
During the inaugural 2025 program, the experience proved invaluable for the eight participating organizations, which engaged in tailored engineering projects with AWS and NVIDIA experts. These collaborations led to practical solutions for challenges such as developing foundation models, optimizing simulations, and deploying AI on the edge. The direct mentorship provided guidance in critical areas, accelerating innovation and helping businesses bring next-generation physical AI applications to market more swiftly.
“Ideas in robotics often require a convergence of expertise across different fields,” stated Tom Eliaz, Co-Founder at Bedrock Robotics. “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.”
The upcoming AWS re:Invent event in Las Vegas will feature a Physical AI Showcase that allows attendees to witness cutting-edge startups in action. Media members will have the chance to interact with these innovators directly, fostering connections that could lead to future collaborations and investments.
While the benefits of participating in this fellowship are clear, small business owners considering applying should also be aware of potential challenges. The competitive nature of the application process means that not all startups will be selected. Furthermore, cohort participation requires a commitment to fully engage with the program and explore the technologies being offered.
Moreover, businesses must remain adaptable and ready to pivot based on mentorship feedback and the technical guidance provided. “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 at MassRobotics. “This fellowship brings together world-class technology resources with our robust robotics ecosystem, enabling founders to scale faster and make impactful contributions to the field.”
The fellowship is open to organizations globally, inviting a diverse range of startups innovating in robotics, embodied AI, or intelligent physical systems. With the surge in demand for automation across industries—from manufacturing to healthcare—the knowledge and tools acquired through this program can be pivotal for small business owners looking to enhance their capabilities.
For those interested, applications are now open, and MassRobotics encourages founders and technology leaders from all regions and industries to apply. More information about the fellowship and the application process can be found at www.massrobotics.org/physical-aifellowship.
As robotics technology continues to evolve, initiatives like the Physical AI Fellowship represent a valuable opportunity for startups aiming to carve out their niche in this fast-paced market. By equipping businesses with the necessary tools and connections, MassRobotics, AWS, and NVIDIA are paving the way for the next generation of innovative solutions that harness the potential of AI in the physical world.
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