Job Description
The National Robotics Programme Office (NRPO) is responsible for catalysing differentiated Robotics and Embodied AI (EAI) R&D capabilities at our Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) and Research Institutes (RIs) for the benefit of our economy and society. NRPO also works to foster public-private partnerships to ensure robotics and EAI technologies and IPs developed with public funding are relevant for industry and are commercialised into useful products, services and solutions that are adopted in Singapore and around the world.
A key role of NRPO is to bring together end-users across different industries, robotics, automation and EAI companies, and our IHLs/RIs to identify use cases and technology gaps that public-private partnerships can help to address. In so doing, we enhance Singapore's robotics and EAI R&D capabilities and help Singapore-based robotics, automation and EAI companies to innovate and differentiate themselves in the market.
Another key role of NRPO is to work together with partner agencies to grow our robotics and EAI industry comprising system integrators, robot vendors, software and component suppliers. A strong and vibrant robotics and EAI industry with companies developing and making robotics and EAI products and solutions here for export will help to support our end-user industries and act as vehicles for the commercialisation of technologies and IPs developed by our IHLs/RIs.
About RoboNexus
RoboNexus is NRPO’s platform to support Singapore-based robotics and embodied AI startups, with a focus on building trusted global robotics & EAI ecosystem.
We are looking for a highly independent and motivated person to join NRPO to perform the following:
Role Overview
We are hiring a Manager / Senior Manager, (Robotics & Embodied AI) to drive strategic partnerships and commercial outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Business Development & Partnerships (About 60%)
- Originate and drive partnership opportunities across startups, corporates, and ecosystem partners
- Lead engagements from use case definition to pilot and deployment
- Build and manage a pipeline of qualified opportunities with clear outcomes
- Structure and support pilot projects, collaborations, and commercial partnerships
- Design and drive targeted ecosystem engagements (e.g. industry problem statements, curated matching)
- Identify high-value use cases and ecosystem gaps (e.g. integration, supply chain, capabilities)
Programme & Operations (About 40%)
- Oversee onboarding of companies into RoboNexus with clear objectives
- Track partnership pipeline, engagements, and outcomes
- Ensure timely follow-ups and execution across stakeholders
- Support internal reporting and coordination where required
What We Are Looking For
- Strong experience in business development, partnerships, or market development (deep tech, robotics, or EAI preferred)
- Proven ability to originate and close partnerships, not just facilitate
- Ability to engage senior stakeholders across industry, startups, and government
- Good understanding of robotics/EAI applications and deployment challenges
- Commercially driven, structured, and comfortable operating in ambiguous environments
Requirements
- 5 to 7 years of relevant experience
- Background in BD, partnerships, or strategy roles in deep tech or adjacent sectors
- Experience working with startups or emerging technologies
- Exposure to robotics, automation, or EAI preferred
- Cross-border experience is a plus
What Success Looks Like
- Build and convert a strong pipeline of partnership opportunities, including international engagements
- Deliver targeted initiatives that strengthen the robotics and embodied AI ecosystem (e.g. supply chain, capabilities, partnerships)
- Contribute to the growth and attraction of robotics and embodied AI startups/SMEs
- Establish strategic partnerships with key ecosystem players (e.g. research institutions, entrepreneurship platforms, and industry partners)