DIC Corporation, a globally leading fine chemicals company, is launching a USD 62 million investment platform to back startups developing Physical AI technologies. DIC plans to establish a startup investment management subsidiary in Zurich in spring 2026. Emerald Technology Ventures will act as DIC’s strategic venture partner.
Physical AI technologies enable systems to sense, interpret and respond to human movement and environmental conditions using robotics and algorithms. To support the development of these technologies, DIC Corporations has established a $62 million investment platform focused on emerging technologies across sensing, wearables, robotics, and automation. A global leader in printing inks, organic pigments, and high-performance resins, DIC Corporation reported a consolidated annual revenue of more than USD 7 billion for the last full business year.
Emerald Technology Ventures, a Zurich-based venture capital firm specializing in industrial technology and climate tech, will act as DIC’s strategic venture partner, supporting the sourcing, evaluation, investment, and growth of startups across Europe and North America, drawing on its domain expertise and global innovation network.
“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,” said Gina Domanig, Managing Partner and CEO of Emerald Technology Ventures.
Office in Zurich
DIC plans to establish its startup investment management subsidiary in Zurich in spring 2026, good news for the local entrepreneurship ecosystem. Having a presence in the same city as Emerald will enable DIC to accelerate deal sourcing, gather local market intelligence and collaborate more closely on joint initiatives. According to DIC’s press release, Zurich offers a highly developed ecosystem of startups, universities and industrial partners specializing in AI, robotics and advanced materials. Over the next five years, DIC aims to build a diversified portfolio of companies in the Physical AI space.
“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 more naturally and intuitively. Our partnership with Emerald is a major step in securing world-class expertise and networks that will help us deliver new value to society,” said Takeshi Ikeda, President and Group CEO of DIC.
(Press release/AJ)