Japanese chemical giant DIC Corporation has forged a strategic partnership with global venture capital firm Emerald Technology Ventures to pioneer advancements in Physical AI. The collaboration is backed by a new $62 million investment platform established by DIC to fund emerging technologies in this domain. This alliance aims to accelerate the creation and growth of innovative startups across Europe and North America.
A Strategic Alliance for Technological Advancement
Under the agreement, DIC provides the capital and its extensive industrial expertise in materials science. Emerald Technology Ventures will serve as the strategic partner, leveraging its global network to source, evaluate, and invest in promising startups. This synergy combines corporate strength with venture capital agility to nurture high-potential companies.
To solidify its global presence, DIC plans to establish an investment management subsidiary in Zurich, Switzerland, by 2026. The choice of Zurich capitalizes on its reputation as a leading European deep-tech hub for AI and robotics. Emerald's headquarters there provides a crucial on-the-ground advantage for DIC's strategic expansion.
Pioneering the Physical AI Frontier
The partnership's focus, Physical AI, represents a market where intelligent systems interact with the physical world. This domain includes technologies like smart sensing, wearables, and soft robotics that respond to human movement and environmental conditions. These solutions are set to redefine industries by bridging the digital-physical gap.
This technological frontier aligns perfectly with DIC's deep knowledge in advanced materials science and its "Direct to Society" framework. The company aims to translate startup innovations into commercially viable businesses that address real-world challenges. This collaboration is a key pillar of its forward-looking corporate approach.
Leadership Perspectives on Human-Centric Innovation
Takashi Ikeda, CEO of DIC Corporation, emphasized the company's evolving role in addressing social imperatives. He stated the partnership provides world-class expertise to reshape the relationship between people and technology. Their goal is to deliver new value and enriching experiences to society through these startups.
Echoing this vision, Emerald's CEO, Gina Domanig, highlighted a shared conviction in integrating human insight with intelligent systems. She noted the opportunity lies in technology that enhances, rather than replaces, human capability. The partnership will translate emerging AI into practical, human-centered solutions for DIC's evolution.
Future Outlook and Strategic Goals
Over the next five years, the collaboration is expected to build a diversified portfolio of several high-growth technology companies. Emerald will utilize its sourcing capabilities and investment experience to help DIC achieve this goal. This initiative is designed to create new strategic options and accelerate DIC's innovation pipeline.
By combining DIC’s vision with Emerald’s venture platform, the partnership aims to foster sustainable business creation. The objective is to support the scalable growth of startups operating at the intersection of AI, hardware, and materials. This approach is designed to deliver economic returns while generating positive societal value.
The alliance between DIC Corporation and Emerald Technology Ventures marks a significant commitment to advancing Physical AI. By uniting industrial leadership with venture capital acumen, the partnership is poised to cultivate a new generation of startups. This collaboration will drive technological innovation and deliver human-centric solutions to address pressing societal needs.