All posts by Neel Achary

Innovative glycobiology platform aimed at enhancing the efficacy, safety, and scalability of next-generation antibody therapeutics across multiple disease areas

Paris, Mar 09 – kyron.bio, a biotechnology company pioneering precision glycoengineering for antibody therapeutic development, today announced a strategic partnership with Servier, an international pharmaceutical group governed by a Foundation.

Under the terms of the agreement, kyron.bio will use its technology to glycoengineer an antibody selected by Servier, who will fund the associated research activities. Servier will have the option to further explore antibody engineering and development opportunities based on the outcomes. Financial details are not disclosed.

kyron.bio’s proprietary glycoengineering platform can enhance therapeutic performance of antibodies by enabling precise control of the glycan structures to improve efficacy, safety, and scalability. In this partnership kyron.bio will seek to demonstrate clear glycan control on the Servier antibody of interest for a specific pre-determined N-glycoform.

To date, engineering of glycans have been under-exploited, due to technical challenges, limiting the use of glycan engineering in drug design. kyron.bio is changing that. The company has developed a scalable, proprietary method to achieve comprehensive control over glycosylation, unlocking the possibility to use precision glycosylation in next generation drug design.

Dr. Emilia McLaughlin, founder and Chief Executive Officer of kyron.bio said,

“We are delighted that Servier has chosen to explore the potential of our glycoengineering platform. Servier has deep expertise in therapeutic development and combined with our precision glycosylation technology, this partnership provides a powerful opportunity to unlock new levels of antibody performance and deliver better outcomes for patients.

“Precision glycosylation represents a transformative approach in biologics development. By engineering defined glycan profiles, therapeutic antibodies can be optimized for improved immune engagement, pharmacokinetics, and reduced variability.”

In 2024, kyron.bio was the winner of the Servier Golden Ticket award which has provided invaluable support and mentorship through the company’s early translational phase and has developed a foundation for understanding the potential of kyron.bio’s technology.

Dr. Emmanuel Nony, Director of External Innovation Europe at Servier said,

“Meeting kyron.bio as a winner of Servier’s Golden Ticket award has enabled our scientists to develop an understanding of the kyron.bio glycan engineering technology and its exciting possibilities in antibody drug design. This collaboration is opening new frontiers for antibody derivatives as well. Together, we are exploring innovative pathways to optimize drug design and production, with a shared commitment to bringing safer and more effective therapies to patients.”

kyron.bio’s strategy is to form strategic drug design partnerships with pharmaceutical and biotech companies working on next-generation antibody therapeutics, alongside in house therapeutic development programs.

A successful company creation from the French Entrepreneur First Scheme, in 2025 kyron.bio raised €5.5m in a seed round from an experienced syndicate of venture investors including HCVC, Verve Ventures, Entrepreneurs First and Saras Capital, as well as private angel investors and the European Innovation Council. It has established an R&D base at the biotech hub Paris Biotech Santé in the Cochin Hospital.

New Delhi, Mar 09th: Whiteflower, a premium experiential hospitality brand celebrated for its thoughtfully curated retreats across the Himalayas, has announced the appointment of Manu Pathak as Corporate General Manager. This leadership addition reflects the brand’s continued focus on strengthening operational excellence, enhancing guest engagement, and supporting its ambitious growth journey across emerging leisure destinations.

In his new role, Manu will lead corporate operations strategy for Whiteflower’s growing portfolio, which includes properties in Jim Corbett, Mussoorie, and Dehradun, along with upcoming destinations such as Haridwar, Nainital, and Rishikesh. His mandate will include strategic planning, performance optimization, team leadership, quality benchmarking, and ensuring brand consistency across all guest touchpoints.

Manu brings extensive hospitality experience backed by a strong record of operational leadership and property management. Before joining Whiteflower, he worked with leading hospitality brands including Ramada, Clarks Inn, and Tuxx Hospitality, where he held key leadership roles focused on operations, guest experience enhancement, and business performance. His professional journey reflects deep industry insight, strong team-building capabilities, and a consistent focus on service excellence and brand standards.

Commenting on the appointment, Sanjeev Baisoya said, “We are delighted to welcome.”We are delighted to welcome Manu to our leadership team. His strong industry experience and operational expertise will play an important role as we grow our presence and further enhance our service standards.”

Sharing his thoughts on joining the organization, Manu Pathak said, I’m honored to join Whiteflower and contribute to its growth journey. I look forward to enhancing operational performance and ensuring memorable guest experiences across all properties.”

As Whiteflower continues to grow across prominent leisure and urban destinations, Manu Pathak’s appointment highlights the company’s focus on strengthening leadership capability, nurturing guest relationships, and achieving sustainable growth. With a leadership team that combines operational depth with strategic vision, the brand is well-positioned to deliver memorable, destination-led experiences for today’s evolving traveller.

Bangalore, Mar 09: Amazon Pay announced the expansion of its vehicle insurance portfolio, extending its low prices on cars and two wheelers through its partnerships with HDFC ERGO, ACKO and ICICI Lombard providing seamless nationwide coverage. Customers can now find the right plan for their vehicle insurance directly through Amazon Pay and secure insurance for their vehicles in a simplified manner.

More than 250 million two-wheeler owners and 30 million car owners nationwide can now purchase vehicle insurance at competitive prices with ease, in just a few minutes through the Amazon app. The service eliminates common friction points—significantly reducing the need for physical inspections of two-wheelers, digital issuance, and no sales calls while processing the policy. Customers also gain access to cashless claims processing at more than 9,000 network garages across India, subject to policy terms, extending convenient service from metros to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities including Coimbatore, Kota, Gwalior, Jamshedpur, Jhansi, Udupi, Sambalpur, Alwar and Bharatpur.

“Amazon Pay strives to innovate for every Indian, simplifying lives and fulfilling aspirations by solving for their payment and financial needs. Our latest expansion of the vehicle insurance portfolio is a direct reflection of that commitment. With more than 70% of India’s registered two-wheelers uninsured, we are focused on driving deeper insurance penetration into tier 2 and tier 3 cities where access has been limited by partnering with India’s most trusted insurers to bring a comprehensive cashless garage network, we are not just offering a service—we are providing a critical safety net for millions of road users and helping to build a more financially secure society.” said Vikas Bansal, CEO of Amazon Pay India

The insurance journey has been designed to be seamless and entirely digital with no requirement for a physical vehicle inspection for two-wheelers. Customers enter their vehicle registration number, select their preferred coverage level and complete the purchase in a few steps. The policy is processed in just a few minutes and is made instantly available on their Amazon orders page for easy access and reference. The entire process is 100% digital issuance. Additionally, customers can make seamless payments through Amazon Pay while enjoying additional cashback benefits.

Benefits of Amazon Pay Vehicle Insurance:

1. Competitive premiums
2. Compare and choose from multiple insurer options
3. Digital onboarding with minimal sales interference
4. Exclusive discounts on insurance premium for Prime members by the insurer

Sangli, Maharashtra, Mar 09:  In a significant development for Western Maharashtra’s hospitality landscape, Sayaji Hotels announced the launch of Effotel by Sayaji, Sangli, the group’s newest property under its Effotel brand. Strategically located within Shiv R City Mall on Sangli-Miraj Road, the property marks a timely entry into Sangli, a city long known for its robust commercial and agricultural activity yet notably underserved in quality branded accommodation.​

This addition makes Effotel by Sayaji, Sangli, the third Effotel property in Maharashtra, joining its sister properties in Sarola, Pune district, and Navi Mumbai, reinforcing the group’s deepening commitment to the state and its vision of bringing mid-upscale hospitality to Tier-2 and Tier-3 markets.​

Effotel by Sayaji, Sangli offers 59 thoughtfully appointed guest rooms across five categories: 15 Grande Rooms (284 sq. ft.), 34 Premium Grande Rooms (309 sq. ft.), 6 Executive Grande Rooms (373 sq. ft.), 2 Grande Suites (506 sq. ft.), and 2 Premium Suites (766 sq. ft.), catering to business travellers, leisure guests, and discerning long-stay visitors alike.

Dining at the property is set to be a key highlight, with two distinct food and beverage outlets: The Cube, an all-day dining restaurant with a capacity of 120 covers, and Good Old Days, a bar seating 30 guests, catering to both hotel residents and local patrons seeking quality dining experiences in the city.​

The hotel features two versatile banquet spaces, Jardin 1 and Jardin 2. Jardin 1 spans 4,295 sq. ft. and can accommodate up to 350 guests in theatre-style seating, while Jardin 2 covers 2,355 sq. ft. with a capacity of 150 guests in a theatre format. Together, they position Effotel by Sayaji, Sangli as a well-equipped MICE and social event destination in the city, a significant advantage in a market that has historically lacked premium banqueting facilities.​

Widely regarded as the Turmeric Capital of India, Sangli is a thriving agrarian and commercial hub also known for its grape cultivation. Conveniently located just 7 km from Sangli Railway Station and 50 km from Kolhapur Airport, the property ensures easy access for both domestic travellers and regional visitors.​

The property’s location is particularly strategic given Sangli’s proximity to Kolhapur, a major cultural and commercial centre housing the revered Mahalakshmi Temple and a rapidly growing business district, as well as access to notable regional attractions including Chandoli National Park in the Western Ghats, Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Sangli Fort, and the serene Dandoba Hills Forest Reserve.

Mr. Rajendra Joshi, Associate General Manager at Sayaji Hotels, said, “Sangli has always been an economically active and culturally significant city, yet it has not had the branded hospitality infrastructure its stature deserves. Effotel by Sayaji, Sangli changes that narrative. This is not just another hotel opening; it is a commitment to elevating the travel and events experience for an entire region. With our Effotel brand, we bring the promise of quality, warmth, and value to markets ready to embrace it. The Kolhapur-Sangli belt represents tremendous potential for business and leisure travel, and we are proud to be the first from our portfolio to plant our flag here.”​

Mr. Avinash Gangwani, Director, LKG Lifestyle LLP, shared, “When we envisioned this project, we saw a clear gap. Sangli is a city that punches well above its weight economically, but visitors and business delegations have had very few quality accommodation options. Being part of the Effotel by Sayaji family brings not just a trusted brand name but a proven model of hospitality excellence. Now that we have handed over our property to Sayaji Group, we place complete trust in their exceptional services and operational expertise. We are confident this property will redefine Sangli’s position on Maharashtra’s hospitality map and will serve as a catalyst for the city’s growing tourism and corporate event ecosystem, especially given our proximity to the pilgrimage and tourism circuit around Kolhapur.”​

For families, pilgrims, corporate delegates, MICE groups, agri-trade professionals visiting Sangli’s markets, and tourists using Sangli as a base to explore the Kolhapur-Sangli belt, this property is set to become a natural first choice.​

Ubitium Tapes Out First Silicon of its Universal Microprocessor Architecture on Samsung 8nm

DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY, Mar 09: Ubitium, a German semiconductor start-up, today announced the tape-out of its first silicon on Samsung Foundry’s 8nm process. The tape-out was completed in December 2025. The chip is the first universal RISC-V processor to replace the stack of specialized processors used in modern embedded systems.

Embedded computing, a $115 billion market, has reached a breaking point. Cars once ran on one processor; today’s vehicles contain more than 200, each with its own toolchain, software stack and supplier. Performance is no longer the only limiting factor. Complexity is. As AI workloads move into robots, drones, and industrial machines, this complexity becomes unsustainable.

Ubitium builds on RISC-V, the open-source architecture already used in billions of chips worldwide and extends it beyond a conventional CPU. Its universal processor runs Linux and RTOS simultaneously, handles radar and audio signals in real time, and executes neural networks for inference at the edge, without separate accelerators or coprocessors. Full RISC-V software compatibility preserved. 

“This tape-out turns a long-held thesis into silicon,” said Martin Vorbach, CTO of Ubitium. “Embedded workloads have outgrown the architectures the industry relies on today. Consolidation isn’t optional anymore. It’s inevitable.”

Ubitium does for embedded compute what software-defined radio did for wireless: replaces fixed-function hardware with one reconfigurable silicon. The result: embedded systems that ship faster, cost less, and have long product lifecycles.

Ubitium is working with Samsung Foundry, Siemens Digital Industries Software and ADTechnology as it advances toward production silicon.

“The shift toward software-defined, reconfigurable compute is accelerating. Ubitium’s approach, one universal processor replacing multiple specialized chips, aligns with where we see embedded systems heading. We’re proud to manufacture their first silicon.” Said Taejoong Song, vice president and head of Foundry Technology Planning Team, at Samsung Electronics.

“Shift-left verification helps teams validate system behavior earlier by running more realistic workloads ahead of first silicon,” said Jean-Marie Brunet, Sr. Vice President, Hardware Assisted Verification, Siemens Digital Industries Software. “Ubitium’s use of Siemens’ EDA tools, specifically the Veloce CS hardware-assisted verification and validation system, highlights how early validation can de-risk integration, support design closure, and accelerate time to first silicon.”

“Advanced-node silicon delivery depends on disciplined back-end execution across timing, power, and signoff,” said Jun-Kyu Park, CEO of ADTechnology. “We are pleased to have supported Ubitium throughout the implementation process as it progressed to tape-out on Samsung Foundry’s 8nm process.”

Ubitium’s founders have spent decades building programmable architectures and the software stacks that unlock them at scale. CTO Martin Vorbach created PACT XPP, an early commercial reconfigurable processor, and holds 200+ processor-architecture patents. The core team combines deep industry experience from Intel, Texas Instruments, Apple and NVIDIA, with 350+ peer-reviewed publications.

The tape-out validates the foundational components of Ubitium’s architecture: the Universal Processing Array with runtime reconfiguration and LPDDR5 memory interface. A second tape-out is targeted for later this year, with volume production in 2027.

Technical Notes

• Workload coverage: Ubitium’s universal processor spans general-purpose computing, real-time signal processing, and massively parallel AI inference on a single die; in a homogeneous architecture

Software stack: Full Linux and RTOS support, standard RISC-V toolchains, and compatibility with modern software frameworks. No need for proprietary languages or vendor-specific compilers.Target applications: Radar and multi-sensor signal chains, real-time audio and voice, computer vision, edge AI, automotive cockpits, industrial HMI.Runtime adaptability: The Universal Processing Array shifts execution mode at runtime (CPU, DSP, GPU, parallel accelerator) without context-switch penalty or external offload.System consolidation: One processor, one toolchain, one qualification cycle. Reduces BOM cost, board complexity, and supplier dependencies across product lifecycles.

The national oil company will showcase its role in shaping offshore investment opportunities, recent exploration milestones and initiatives to prepare Suriname’s private sector for the country’s emerging oil and gas boom

PARAMARIBO, Suriname, Mar 09: Suriname’s national oil company Staatsolie is set to highlight the country’s expanding offshore opportunities at the inaugural Caribbean Energy Week (CEW) 2026, taking place March 30 to April 1 in Paramaribo. Offshore Exploration Manager Sharista Kalapnat-Kisoensingh is expected to speak on Staatsolie’s strategic offshore initiatives, alongside sessions on the company’s Enterprise Development Center (EDC), which aims to strengthen the local private sector and prepare Surinamese businesses for participation in the country’s growing oil and gas industry.

Staatsoilie has been at the center of Suriname’s offshore oil boom. The company’s declaration of the Sloanea field as commercial in November 2025 marked a major milestone, highlighting the basin’s growing hydrocarbon potential. Staatsolie’s seismic survey program with TGS and BGP Offshore, launched late last year, is generating critical geological insights across multiple offshore blocks, while new production sharing agreements for Blocks 9 and 10 are attracting further international investment. Together, these initiatives position Staatsolie not just as a producer, but as a strategic enabler – coordinating development, structuring investment opportunities, and shaping Suriname’s broader offshore growth agenda.

Further supporting the sector’s growth, Staatsolie launched an Open-Door Offering in late 2025, making roughly 60% of Suriname’s offshore acreage available under flexible exploration agreements. Alongside its 20% stake in the $10.5 billion GranMorgu development on Block 58 – which is set to generate over $1 billion in local content expenditure – Staatsolie is driving Suriname’s evolution from a modest onshore producer into a globally relevant offshore player with significant investment, production and local economic potential.

At CEW 2026, Staatsolie’s sessions will also highlight the EDC, a flagship initiative to prepare Suriname’s private sector for offshore participation. As GranMorgu and other developments advance toward production, the EDC will ensure that local companies are equipped to capture opportunities arising from exploration, construction, and supply chain activities.

Staatsolie’s upstream operations already account for roughly 9.5% of Suriname’s GDP and 32% of government revenues, figures expected to rise as offshore production ramps up. Kisoensingh’s participation is expected to outline how the company is managing Suriname’s offshore growth, supporting private sector engagement and positioning the country as an emerging hub in regional energy markets.

Arnav S Gusain elevated as Chief Executive Officer, Rivet, to drive the next phase of growth

Mumbai, Mar 09: WeWork India Management Limited (“WeWork India”), one of India’s leading premium flexible workspace operators, today announced the launch of Rivet by WeWork India – a design & build platform delivering integrated, experience-led, customised workspaces tailored to the unique needs of enterprises and end users – backed by a proven large-scale operating footprint and expertise. The launch comes at a defining moment for India’s commercial office market. As enterprise expansion accelerates, GCCs scale rapidly, and workplace strategies grow more complex, the demand for execution certainty is rising — a need the fragmented, multi-vendor design and build (D&B) ecosystem has struggled to meet. Built on WeWork India’s extensive experience designing, delivering, and operating commercial workspaces across industries and businesses of all sizes, from global enterprises to high-growth startups, Rivet introduces a fundamentally distinct model to the market: a single contract, unified accountability, and end-to-end delivery from concept to commissioning. Alongside the launch, WeWork India has elevated Arnav S Gusain as Chief Executive Officer, Rivet, in addition to his ongoing role as Chief Supply Officer at WeWork India, underscoring the strategic significance of this new vertical and ensuring leadership continuity.

India’s office market is witnessing unprecedented momentum, with gross leasing activity reaching 83.3 million sq. ft. in 2025 alone, according to JLL. This surge underscores growing demand for high-quality, future-ready environments that place human experience at the centre, enabling collaboration, productivity, and ESG-led performance. Today, WeWork India has evolved from a flexible workspace operator into a full workspace-as-a-service platform, supporting members at every stage of growth — from a day pass for an entrepreneur to fully customised managed offices for large enterprises and GCCs. Despite the scale of opportunity, the D&B ecosystem in India remains deeply fragmented. Enterprises today are required to manage multiple vendors across design, engineering, and construction, with limited cost visibility, dispersed accountability, and significant execution cost risk. The result is workspaces that are delivered late, over budget, and underperforming against the brief.

Rivet represents the next step in that evolution, addressing the gaps through an integrated, governance-led delivery model that combines unified ownership with full lifecycle visibility. The platform is powered by BIM-led planning, real-time site monitoring, and structured financial governance, offering enterprise clients the transparency and delivery performance that the traditional D&B model has struggled to provide. The launch of Rivet reflects WeWork India’s broader vision to build a comprehensive workspace-as-a-service ecosystem, and over time, extend into infrastructure-as-a-service – removing friction points for enterprises as they scale.

Commenting on the launch, Karan Virwani, Managing Director & CEO, WeWork India, said, “India’s workplace landscape is evolving rapidly. Over the past eight years, we have built deep insight into how enterprises operate and how workspace shapes performance, while designing, evaluating, and operating over 8.2 million square feet across markets. Working with businesses of varying scale and sizes, and a broad partner ecosystem has given us real-time understanding of what truly drives workplace success. Rivet brings that experience together into an integrated platform by combining behavioural insight, operational depth, and execution capability. It is built to deliver premium commercial workspaces that perform at scale, with the precision and confidence that enterprises demand.

As we launch this new vertical, Arnav takes on the role of CEO of Rivet, bringing deep domain expertise and a proven track record. With over three decades of experience, he brings a holistic understanding of the real estate and workspace ecosystem. In his capacity as Chief of Supply at WeWork India, he has been instrumental in expanding our portfolio and strengthening delivery capabilities. Furthermore, backed by an experienced team that has delivered large-scale projects across markets, we are committed to building Rivet into the benchmark for end-to-end workspace delivery in India.”

Rivet’s delivery model is powered by technology and built for long-term performance. Its tech-enabled systems bring structure, precision, and real-time visibility to every stage of the design-and-build process – improving cost control, timeline predictability, and execution clarity while reducing inefficiencies. Sustainability is embedded from the outset, with durable materials, efficient layouts, and design choices that enhance longevity and minimise waste, alongside eco-conscious options tailored to client goals. Rivet’s accountability extends well beyond handover, supporting the workspace as an evolving ecosystem through integrated infrastructure, workplace technology, and a curated network of trusted partners. Backed by scale and long-standing vendor relationships, the platform delivers smarter value, consistent quality, and execution certainty without compromising speed or design integrity. Some of the successfully completed projects include workspace for a global leader in agricultural equipment and smart farming solutions, One World Centre, and Embassy One (EMBARK/Embassy Group HQ), spanning over 1 lakh sq. ft. and representing a cumulative project value of nearly ₹ 50 crore. “Rivet is a natural extension of our core business. It allows us to continue serving members who have grown with us and may now seek their own independent spaces, while also engaging new enterprise clients who can benefit from our integrated design and build expertise. It strengthens our ability to serve their broader workspace needs across markets. Together, flexible workspaces, managed offices, and D&B create a connected ecosystem that removes friction and enables seamless scale – advancing our vision to evolve into a comprehensive infrastructure-as-a-service platform for enterprises in India,” added Karan Virwani.

Arnav SGusain, CEO, Rivet by WeWork India and Chief Supply Officer, WeWork India, added, “Enterprises today are making increasingly strategic workplace investments, yet the delivery ecosystem has not evolved at the same pace. Rivet is connected to our larger vision of building infrastructure as a platform and service, where D&B is not isolated from real estate intelligence, but informed by it. Having assessed over millions sq. ft. of real estate across markets, we bring a deep understanding of site potential, constraints, cost variables, and delivery risks, allowing us to integrate those insights into design, cost optimisation, and execution planning from day one.

What differentiates us is our operational DNA. We don’t just design spaces, we understand how they perform at scale and over time. That perspective enables future-ready design thinking – from smarter space planning and adaptability to embedding human-centric elements that enhance collaboration, productivity, and well-being. We also recognise that every organisation carries a distinct design language and cultural identity. Rivet’s role is to translate that into a workspace that is not only aligned to brand and behaviour, but engineered for long-term performance. In my role as CEO, my focus is to build Rivet into a delivery platform enterprises can rely on with complete confidence – not just to create a space, but to deliver infrastructure that performs consistently, sustainably, and in step with how people actually work.”

Rivet further differentiates itself through the operational intelligence embedded within its platform. Drawing on WeWork India’s experience designing and executing large-scale commercial workspaces, Rivet integrates real-world performance insights into every design and infrastructure decision. Transparency is embedded within its operating architecture, with technology-enabled systems providing continuous visibility into timelines, cost structures, and project milestones, ensuring informed decision-making throughout the lifecycle.

With the launch of Rivet WeWork India further strengthens its position across the full workspace lifecycle, from operating flexible workspaces to enabling how modern offices are designed and delivered. As enterprises place greater strategic importance on workplace performance and execution certainty, Rivet positions WeWork India to play a more strategic, end-to-end role in shaping India’s next phase of commercial office development. WeWork India is currently operational across 8 cities, with over 1.21 lakh desks, with robust relationships across key stakeholders such as landlords, IPCs, and members. With solutions for all kinds of businesses – solopreneurs to startups to Fortune 500 companies – WeWork India offers the perfect workspace solutions that deliver a premium experience.

Europe’s first dual-use startup developing autonomous vehicles and systems for complex maritime operations.

Puglia and Milan, Italy – Mar 9: The sea is one of the most critical infrastructures on the planet. Over 80% of global trade moves by sea, more than 90% of Europe’s foreign trade depends on maritime routes, and around 95% of international internet traffic flows through subsea cables. Today, the global blue economy is worth more than $2.5 trillion and, according to international estimates, is expected to exceed $4 trillion by 2030.

Despite its economic and geopolitical centrality, the maritime domain remains one of the most complex and least digitized environments in the world: high operational costs, limited continuous observability, significant exposure to risk, and a strong reliance on human operators. This is compounded by an increasingly structural trend: a shortage of qualified professionals, with thousands of operational roles difficult to fill and a steadily rising average age among captains and operators. A fully human-centric model is struggling to sustain continuous, safe, and scalable operations.

It is within this context that Mirai Robotics was founded — a European AI robotics lab with the ambition to build the robotic infrastructure needed to make the sea more governable, safe, and observable.

Mirai Robotics’ systems are designed to enable persistent surveillance, patrolling, monitoring, and control, reducing human exposure to risk and significantly lowering operational costs compared to traditional models. The company focuses on the deep integration of autonomous vehicles, advanced sensing, artificial intelligence, and control systems, approaching autonomy first and foremost as an engineering and industrial challenge — not merely a software one.

From a product perspective, Mirai Robotics has already developed two autonomous vehicles designed for different operational needs, targeting ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) and patrolling scenarios in both coastal and offshore environments. The vehicles integrate advanced perception systems, autonomous navigation, remote control, and safety features, and are designed to operate either as standalone units or as part of distributed systems.

Alongside its proprietary platforms, Mirai Robotics also develops autonomy, navigation, and control solutions that can be integrated into third-party vehicles, enabling industrial and institutional operators to adopt autonomous technologies without having to fully redesign their existing fleets. This approach makes Mirai’s technology applicable across multiple civil and institutional use cases, following a dual-use by design logic.

The decision to start in Italy is deliberate. The country is historically a global leader in shipbuilding and maritime engineering, with internationally recognized excellence in defense, yachting, offshore, and marine infrastructure. Mirai Robotics was born at the intersection of this industrial heritage and a new generation of technologies based on advanced robotics, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems.

Mirai Robotics positions itself as an AI robotics lab, not merely a vertical solution provider. Its goal is to develop physical autonomy technologies capable of operating in extreme, mission-critical environments, where reliability, safety, and control are non-negotiable requirements.

The company was founded by Luciano Belviso (CEO), Luca Mascaro, and Davide Dattoli, board member. Luciano Belviso has previously built and led highly complex industrial companies, including Blackshape, a benchmark player in aircraft design and manufacturing, later acquired by Angel Holding. Luca Mascaro is an entrepreneur and technological designer, founder of Sketchin, later acquired by the BIP Group, where he served as Chief Innovation Officer, with extensive experience in building digital products and technology platforms at international scale. Davide Dattoli is an entrepreneur, founder of Talent Garden, and an investor in the tech and education ecosystem, with a long track record in scaling innovative companies across Europe.

Around the founding team, Mirai Robotics has assembled a pan-European team with expertise in artificial intelligence, robotics, complex systems, and mission-critical operations. The team includes top professionals and collaboration with leading universities and research centers.

The company is headquartered in Puglia, chosen as a strategic hub between the Mediterranean, industry, and research, with the ambition of building a European center of excellence for maritime autonomy.

Mirai Robotics has closed a $4.2 million pre-seed equity round, one of the largest in Italy in the robotics and deep-tech sector, led by top VC Primo Capital, Techshop and 40Jemz Ventures, with participation from leading Italian and international angel investors. The capital raised will be used to accelerate technology development, strengthen the team, and launch new pilot projects with industrial and institutional partners.

“The sea is one of the last major physical infrastructures not yet governed by software,” says Luciano Belviso, CEO of Mirai Robotics. “Autonomy is the key to finally making the oceans safe and usable, unlocking enormous resources and addressing critical security challenges. But it must be implemented through systems capable of operating continuously and safely in extreme environments. This is a technological and industrial challenge that requires a true robotics-lab approach.”

“The maritime domain is at an inflection point. We’re looking at a huge economy that still relies on operational models designed decades ago. The human capital gap alone—thousands of unfilled roles, aging workforces, increasing operational risk—makes the status quo unsustainable. What Mirai Robotics is building isn’t just automation; it’s the fundamental infrastructure layer that will allow the blue economy to scale safely and efficiently. Italy’s shipbuilding heritage combined with this caliber of robotics and AI talent creates a genuinely unique opportunity”  – Gianluca Dettori Partner at Primo Capital, lead investors in the round.

With Mirai Robotics, Italy strengthens its historic role in the blue economy, projecting it into a new phase where robotics and artificial intelligence become foundational infrastructure for security, industry, and the economies of the future.