DIC Corporation announced it has established a $62 million investment portfolio to accelerate business creation in the rapidly expanding Physical AI domain. The initiative will focus on technologies including sensors, wearables, robotics, and automation, areas that are increasingly shaping next-generation industrial and consumer applications.
As part of the strategy, DIC has entered into a strategic partnership with Emerald Technology Ventures, a Switzerland-based global venture capital firm with deep expertise in industrial technologies and a strong presence across Europe and North America. By leveraging Emerald’s investment capabilities and innovation network, DIC plans to begin full-scale investments and collaborations with startups worldwide.
To further strengthen these efforts, DIC intends to establish a startup investment management subsidiary in Zurich in spring 2026. Zurich is widely recognized as one of Europe’s leading deep-tech innovation hubs, with a well-developed ecosystem of startups, universities, and industry partners specializing in AI, robotics, and advanced materials. Establishing a presence in the same city as Emerald is expected to accelerate deal sourcing, enhance local market intelligence and foster closer collaboration on joint initiatives.
The Physical AI domain represents a high-growth market spanning multiple industries. Physical AI technologies enable systems to sense, interpret and respond to human movement and environmental conditions through robotics and algorithms. Solutions involving smart sensing, soft robotics, wearables and automation are expected to significantly improve productivity and quality of life, while aligning closely with DIC’s core strengths in materials science.
The initiative also advances DIC’s “Direct to Society (D2S)” business creation framework, which focuses on anticipating future societal needs and transforming innovative ideas into commercially viable offerings through practical implementation. Collaboration with startups in the Physical AI field is positioned as a key pillar of this approach and is expected to accelerate the creation of new value for industry and society.
Through the partnership with Emerald, DIC will gain access to the firm’s extensive startup sourcing capabilities and post-investment growth support expertise. Over the next five years, DIC aims to build a diversified portfolio of innovative companies through its new investment platform, creating future strategic options while supporting the scalable growth of emerging ventures.
KEY QUOTES
“For many years, DIC has been committed to addressing social imperatives through materials innovation. Physical AI has the potential to transform the way people interact with technology in a more natural and intuitive manner. Our partnership with Emerald is a major step in securing world-class expertise and networks that will help us deliver new value to society.”
Takashi Ikeda, President And Group CEO, DIC Corporation
“Physical AI represents the next wave of innovation, enhancing human capability through intelligent systems. By partnering with DIC, we aim to translate emerging technologies into practical, human-centered solutions and support the long-term growth of pioneering startups.”
Gina Domanig, Managing Partner And CEO, Emerald Technology Ventures
