Adaptronics, the University of Bologna spin-off specializing in electro-adhesive robotic manipulation solutions for industrial and space applications, continues to expand. In its most recent funding round, the company raised €3.15 million in an operation led by 360 Capital, a European venture capital firm, with participation from Galaxia — the Aerospace Technology Transfer Hub created by the CDP Venture Capital Tech Transfer Fund — and Obloo Ventures, which had already invested in the company’s pre-seed round in 2023.
The capital raised will be used to support the company’s growth, enhance production capacity, and drive commercial expansion in Italy and across Europe, while strengthening Adaptronics’ organizational structure.
Founded in 2022, Adaptronics was born from the vision of Lorenzo Agostini (CEO), Camilla Conti (COO), and Rocco Vertechy (R&D Lead), with the goal of revolutionizing how robots grasp and interact with objects both on Earth and in space. Their invention exploits the well-known principle of electro-adhesion – the same principle that causes a balloon to stick to your hair when you rub it. Adaptronics’ innovation lies in having evolved this technological foundation to develop a special film composed of polymer materials that can achieve and control an electro-adhesive effect. The result is a film less than 0.5 mm thick, which becomes adhesive when electrically activated – a sort of sensorized electronic fingertip capable of detecting contact with any target object and moving it without exerting any pressure or damaging it in any way. Investors see the potential for many applications: from space to industrial logistics, to freight transport and agriculture. The founding team brings over 20 years of scientific research experience, leading a highly specialized operational team that now numbers 15 people.
Adaptronics is a spin-off backed by BeHold, the limited liability company wholly owned by the University of Bologna, which acts as a holding company to acquire and manage direct stakes in spin-offs that bring university research results to market. BeHold’s mission is to promote the growth of innovative entrepreneurial projects, strengthen business models, and expand the market potential of research-based initiatives.
* Image credit: Adaptronics