Emerging from Puglia, Italy, a pioneering startup led by the founder of the aircraft manufacturer Blackshape is revolutionizing maritime technology by developing software-driven ships and AI systems for the ocean-a domain still largely untouched by software governance.
Mirai Robotics, headquartered in southern Italy’s Puglia region, has successfully secured €3.9 million (approximately $4.2 million) in pre-seed funding to advance its vision of autonomous surface vessels and an intelligent maritime platform. These innovations aim to enable continuous, crewless operations across both coastal and open-sea environments.
The investment round was spearheaded by Primo Ventures, Techshop, and 40Jemz Ventures, with additional backing from a mix of Italian and international angel investors.
Primo Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm managing close to €438 million across sectors such as digital innovation, aerospace, healthcare, and climate tech, is recognized as one of Italy’s most proactive seed investors. Chairman and General Partner Gianluca Dettori expressed strong confidence in Mirai’s potential.
Innovating Maritime Autonomy: Mirai’s Vision and Technology
Central to Mirai Robotics’ offering are software-defined autonomous surface vessels engineered for “dock-to-dock” autonomy-meaning these vessels can execute entire missions independently, from departure to return, without human intervention. These ships integrate cutting-edge sensor arrays, autonomous navigation capabilities, remote monitoring systems, and multiple safety redundancies.
To date, Mirai has developed two autonomous vessels tailored for intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance, and maritime patrol tasks. These units can operate solo or as part of coordinated fleets, enhancing operational flexibility.
Beyond proprietary hardware, Mirai also designs modular autonomy and control solutions compatible with third-party vessels. This approach allows shipbuilders, industrial operators, and governmental agencies to retrofit existing fleets with autonomous technology, avoiding costly fleet replacements.
Supporting these innovations is Mirai’s exclusive maritime intelligence and mission management platform, which delivers continuous situational awareness. This system enables real-time monitoring of maritime zones, orchestrates robotic assets, and maintains command over complex operations for extended durations.
“The ocean remains one of the last major physical domains not yet fully managed by software,” stated Luciano Belviso, CEO of Mirai Robotics. “Achieving autonomy is essential to unlocking the ocean’s vast potential, enhancing safety, and addressing critical security concerns. However, this requires robust systems capable of operating reliably in harsh maritime conditions-a challenge that demands a dedicated robotics laboratory mindset.”
Leadership with Diverse Expertise
Mirai Robotics’ founding team combines a rare blend of expertise across aerospace, design, and technology entrepreneurship. Luciano Belviso, the CEO, established Blackshape Aircraft in 2009, a company specializing in high-performance carbon fiber two-seater planes for both recreational and military training purposes. Blackshape is now part of the Angel industrial holding group. Belviso’s academic background spans aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, and space law, with studies at the Polytechnic University of Turin, EPFL in Switzerland, and Université Paris XI.
Luca Mascaro, co-founder and president, leads Sketchin, a Swiss strategic design firm acquired by Italy’s BIP Group in 2016. Mascaro continues to guide Sketchin post-acquisition and brings extensive experience in scaling technology-driven service enterprises across Europe.
Davide Dattoli, another co-founder and Executive Chairman, is the visionary behind Talent Garden, one of Europe’s largest tech education and community networks, operating in 12 countries and training approximately 25,000 professionals annually. Recognized in Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe, Dattoli also serves as a venture founder at the Italian Founders Fund.
Maritime Autonomy: A Growing Market with Strategic Importance
The rationale for advancing maritime autonomy is compelling. Europe’s blue economy-which encompasses sectors such as shipping, fisheries, offshore energy, and port logistics-is valued at over €750 billion annually, according to the European Commission. This sector faces mounting challenges including escalating operational expenses, a shrinking pool of experienced maritime professionals due to retirements, and an urgent need for continuous monitoring of critical infrastructure like subsea cables, offshore wind farms, and energy platforms.
Moreover, the dual-use nature of autonomous vessels-serving both civilian maritime functions and defense-related intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions-positions this technology at the nexus of commercial and security interests. This intersection is attracting increased European venture capital as governments boost defense spending and prioritize sovereign capabilities in infrastructure protection.
Mirai Robotics benefits from its strategic location in Puglia, a region uniquely positioned at the crossroads of Mediterranean maritime activity, a rich industrial manufacturing tradition, and strong academic research institutions.
The newly acquired funding will accelerate the development of Mirai’s technology stack, expand its engineering workforce, and facilitate pilot projects with industrial and governmental partners.
“The maritime sector is undergoing a pivotal transformation,” remarked Gianluca Dettori of Primo Ventures. “We are witnessing a vast industry still reliant on operational frameworks conceived decades ago. The shortage of skilled personnel, thousands of unfilled roles, an aging workforce, and rising operational risks render the current model unsustainable. Mirai Robotics is not merely automating processes; it is laying the foundational infrastructure that will enable the blue economy to grow safely and efficiently.”
