Viam launches Launchpad program to speed up robotics startups' move to real deployments

At a glance

Robotics software company Viam has opened Launchpad, a six-month startup program meant to help teams take prototypes to real installations. Viam co-founder Eliot Horowitz is backing the program, and participants aim to move from lab prototypes to working deployments.

Key points

1. 1

   Viam offers a shared software base for building and deploying robots and hardware systems.

2. 2

   Launchpad runs for six months and provides usage credits, engineering support, and office space in New York.

3. 3

   Participants can use a robotics lab and a farm of robot arms.

4. 4

   Viam says startups such as the cooking-robot company Gambit moved quickly from prototypes to field deployments.

Why it matters

Robotics startups often build prototypes but struggle to turn them into robots that earn revenue, and this program aims to close that gap.