Forgis Secures Pre-Seed Funding
In a significant move to advance industrial automation, the Zurich-based startup Forgis has successfully raised €3.8 million (approximately $4.5 million) in a pre-Seed funding round. This funding will support ongoing projects aimed at revolutionizing the automotive and advanced manufacturing sectors. The investment round was spearheaded by redalpine, with notable contributions from Massimo Banzi, co-founder of Arduino, along with other investors focused on DeepTech and manufacturing innovation.
Addressing Industrial Challenges
Federico Martelli, CEO of Forgis, emphasized the persistent issues faced by manufacturers, stating that minimizing operational downtime and maximizing production efficiency are crucial challenges. He highlighted that many factories still rely on systems that are four decades old, leading to substantial financial losses. The company aims to introduce cutting-edge physical AI technology directly onto the factory floor, enhancing operational efficiency where it is most needed.
The timing of this funding round aligns with a broader trend across Europe, where interest in industrial automation and physical AI startups is on the rise. In recent months, several Swiss and German firms have reported significant funding rounds, including Mimic, which raised €13.8 million for advancements in robotic manipulation, and Energy Robotics, which secured €11.5 million for its autonomous inspection software.
Innovative Edge Software Development
Founded in 2025, Forgis is pioneering the development of edge software designed to autonomously enhance industrial machines. This groundbreaking software integrates various machines, PLCs, and robots into a cohesive framework that adapts and evolves production logic, resulting in self-improving systems that can independently identify and rectify inefficiencies. Early pilots conducted with European manufacturers have demonstrated impressive results, with reductions in configuration times by up to 60%, a 30% decrease in downtime, and a 20% boost in throughput.
Investment Manager Gianmarco Hodel from redalpine expressed confidence in the project, noting that the swift closure of the funding round showcased mutual conviction among investors about the potential of Forgis. He asserted that Europe requires more initiatives characterized by speed and boldness to keep pace with global developments in industrial technology.
Closing the Industrialization Gap
As the global landscape for industrial robotics evolves, with China significantly increasing its stock of industrial robots, Forgis aims to bridge the industrialization gap in the West. Riccardo Maggioni, CTO of Forgis, stated that the company’s approach does not involve displacing existing systems but rather enhancing them with intelligent software layers. This strategy facilitates a shift towards reshoring production in a cost-effective manner.
The company is already collaborating with major industry players like IBM and is actively working on projects within the automotive and advanced manufacturing sectors. Forgis’s platform is designed to seamlessly integrate with established systems from vendors such as Siemens and ABB, thereby improving the flexibility and efficiency of complex industrial environments. As the European market for industrial automation continues to grow, Forgis is poised to play a pivotal role in transforming the landscape.
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