Ghent-based startup OTIV, which builds autonomous and assistive technology for safer, more efficient rail operations, has secured €9 million from Miles Ahead, Finindus, SHIFT Invest, Pitchdrive, and imec.istart.
- Founded in 2020 by Sam De Smet and Niels Van Damme, OTIV develops assistance, remote control, and autonomous technology for rail operations. The company’s solutions enable industrial operators, railway undertakings, infrastructure managers, and OEMs to transition from manual handling to assisted, remote-controlled, or fully autonomous rail operations.
- OTIV’s technology includes:
- OTIV.ONE: Camera system for shunting operations, improving visibility and worker safety.
- OTIV.TWO: Advanced driver assistance system that supports drivers in complex environments, helping prevent accidents and reduce delays.
- OTIV.THREE: Remote supervision and control platform that optimizes fleet operations and working conditions for drivers.
- OTIV.FOUR: Full self-driving technology for rail vehicles, enabling safe, efficient, and continuous autonomous operation.
- The company collaborates with industry leaders such as CAF, DB Cargo, ArcelorMittal, Green Cargo, ProRail, and SNCF. OTIV’s systems work by integrating sensors, computer vision, motion planning, and AI to monitor rail vehicles, assist or replace human control, optimize operational flows, and enhance safety and efficiency.
- Its solutions address labor shortages, reduce incident and maintenance costs, improve fleet utilization, and support the transition toward more sustainable and cost-effective rail transport.
Details of the deal
- The fresh funding will be used by OTIV to accelerate rail automation, making trains and rail systems safer, smarter, and more efficient. This includes advancing their autonomous driving technology for trains, scaling up operations, and pushing innovation in the rail sector.
