Terna Forward Invests €2 Million in Robotics and Climate Analysis Innovators

Terna Forward, the Terna Group's venture capital arm, has invested almost €2 million in two innovative companies: Hibot, a Japanese robotics leader, and Hypermeteo, an Italian firm specializing in AI-driven climate analysis. This investment aims to foster technological innovation and sustainable development within the energy sector.

Strategic Investments in Robotics and Climate Tech

Terna Forward has completed two strategic investments totaling nearly €2 million in Hibot and Hypermeteo, both leaders in their respective fields.

Investment in Hibot

The initial investment round focused on Hibot, a Japanese company known for designing robots used for inspection and maintenance in complex environments. Terna Forward invested €981,000 in a JKISS (Japanese Keep It Simple Security) structured operation, granting rights to future shares of the company's capital. This reflects Terna Forward's adoption of flexible and inclusive models, aligning with international best practices and supporting innovative ecosystem growth.

This investment strengthens the collaboration between Terna and Hibot. Terna is currently testing a robotic solution to enhance the safety of power line maintenance operations. A prototype robot has been developed that can move along power lines and perform maintenance tasks, even while the lines are in operation.

Investment in Hypermeteo

Terna Forward also invested in Hypermeteo, an Italian company specializing in the collection and analysis of climate data. Terna Forward led a €1.3 million capital increase, investing approximately €1 million alongside BF Educational Srl.

Hypermeteo develops weather and climate datasets, incorporating data such as temperature, wind speed, and solar radiation, which can be integrated into business operations. By combining available information with AI algorithms, Hypermeteo provides accurate climate data for various time horizons. The company already collaborates with Terna, providing data and models for forecasting electricity demand and optimizing market management.

Before presenting the data on direct investments by Terna Forward, here's a paragraph explaining the role of these investments in supporting the company's mission.

These investments are part of Terna Forward's strategy to identify and support promising technologies that accelerate the energy transition and contribute to the sustainable development of the electricity system.

Terna Forward's Investment Portfolio

With these two new transactions, Terna Forward has reached a total of seven direct investments in innovative startups and SMEs, strengthening its presence in Corporate Venture Capital.

Additional Investments and Partnerships

In addition to direct investments, Terna Forward participates as a Limited Partner in the "Energy Tech" and "Infra Tech" divisions of CDP Venture Capital's Corporate Partner I Fund. Terna Forward has also joined the Italian Tech Alliance and AIFI to enhance its corporate venture capital activities.

Here's a brief overview of Terna Forward's additional investments.

Details of Direct Investments

Here are more details of the direct investments made by Terna Forward.

Focus on Technological Innovation

Terna Forward focuses on identifying and supporting promising technologies that accelerate the energy transition and contribute to the sustainable development of the electricity system.

Open Innovation Approach

The company employs an open innovation approach to identify and support promising ventures.

The Broader Impact of Investments

Terna Forward's total direct investments amount to approximately €7 million. These investments signify a commitment to driving innovation and sustainability within the energy sector.

Supporting Sustainable Development

These initiatives are aimed at fostering sustainable development within the electrical system.

Future Outlook

Terna Forward aims to effectively oversee the Corporate Venture Capital landscape and support its investment activities. To that end, it has joined two prominent associations in the sector: the Italian Tech Alliance and AIFI.