Insider’s memory
- DIC Corporation has launched a $62 million investment portfolio focused on physical AI startups in the areas of sensors, wearables, robotics and automation, and partnered with Emerald Technology Ventures to source and support global deals.
- DIC plans to establish a startup investment management subsidiary in Zurich in spring 2026 to strengthen deal flow, market insight and collaboration within the European deep-tech ecosystem.
- The initiative aligns with DIC’s strengths in materials science and its “Direct to Society” framework, with the company aiming to build a diverse startup portfolio over the next five years.
DIC Corporation invests new capital Physical AI.
The Tokyo-listed chemicals and materials company announced it had established a $62 million fund investment portfolio to support startups in sensors, portable devices, robotics And automationaccording to DIC Corporation. As part of this initiative, DIC has entered into a strategic partnership with Emerald Technology Companies to find and support physical AI start-ups around the world.
“For many years, DIC has been committed to meeting social imperatives through materials innovation,” Takashi Ikeda, president and CEO of DIC Group, said in the release. “Physical AI has the potential to transform the way people interact with technology in a more natural and intuitive way. Our partnership with Emerald is a major step in gaining world-class expertise and networks that will help us bring new value to society.”
DIC plans to open a startup investment management subsidiary in Zurich in spring 2026, positioning itself alongside Emerald in one of Europe’s deepest technology hubs. The company said the move was aimed at improving deal flow, local market knowledge and collaboration on joint investments.
“Physical AI represents the next wave of innovation, enhancing human capabilities through intelligent systems,” noted Gina Domanig, Managing Partner and CEO of Emerald Technology Ventures. “By partnering with DIC, we aim to translate emerging technologies into practical, human-centered solutions and support the long-term growth of pioneering startups. »
DIC said physical AI – systems that combine robotics, sensing and algorithms to interpret and respond to real-world environments – is a high-growth market that spans multiple sectors and aligns with its capabilities in materials science, as well as the company’s broader efforts to create new businesses under its “Direct to Society” (D2S) framework.
Over the next five years, the company aims to build a diverse portfolio of startups through the new platform, combining capital and post-investment support to grow emerging businesses.