WSense is a deep-tech company bringing innovation to underwater monitoring and communication systems. Through their patented technologies, they have pioneered the 'Underwater Internet of Things' and enable wireless underwater communication.

This Italian scale-up has a long history of success with BlueInvest. They were featured in the original BlueInvest industry survey in 2019. Then, they participated in the investment readiness and fundraising assistance program and won the BlueInvest Award in 2022.

Thanks to the visibility gained, and with support from their BlueInvest coach and another European initiative (EIT Digital), they have recently raised €11 million in funding.

As put by Chiara Petrioli, Founder and CEO of WSense: “The support and exposure we received through BlueInvest happened at the right time, with the right investors and the right contacts. These BlueInvest endorsements not only facilitated our fundraising efforts but also enabled us to connect with the investors who ultimately backed us in the funding rounds. Originally targeting a fundraise of around €6 million, we were pleasantly surprised by the strong investor interest, setting the stage for our continued growth in 2024.”

(Image credit: Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries)

Wi-Fi underwater: an ocean of application opportunities

Unlike conventional Wi-Fi, which would face limitations in the aquatic environment, WSense has developed innovative technologies enabling seamless communication underwater.

WSense’s technologies facilitate real-time data exchange among underwater sensors, sea-bottom devices, and robotics. This enables connectivity from the water column to the surface, which can then be regularly transmitted to the Cloud. It also ensures real-time long-lasting monitoring over large areas and an extensive surveillance of underwater environments, waterways and marine seabeds.

The deployment of WSense sensors at sea in Norway. (Image credit: WSense)

Through international partnerships and deployments in the EU and beyond, WSense’s innovation finds applications in multiple sectors, such as in energy, critical infrastructure, aquaculture, tourism, and cultural heritage.

The functionality of 'Underwater Internet of Things' through WSense's devices. (Image credit: WSense)

This multifaceted approach and range of applications positions WSense as a leader in underwater Internet of Things and wireless networking.

WSense’s ultimate goal is to provide a communication infrastructure for sustainable ocean resource exploitation, risk mitigation, and process optimization, contributing to the growth of the blue economy.

From Italy, to the world

Starting as a deep tech spin-off from the University of Sapienza, WSense's team initially comprised scholars with a strong engineering background. Over the years, the company has evolved, incorporating business professionals and expanding its sales and operational teams.

The team, now 50 strong, is set to double in the next three years, thereby supporting WSense's ambitious growth plans.

BlueInvest in action

WSense's success story exemplifies how the power of innovation can be amplified by collaboration and expert support. It shows the importance of initiatives that connect startups with the resources and networks necessary for making a lasting impact in the market.

Thanks to the coaching provided through the BlueInvest investment readiness and fundraising assistance, WSense continuously upscaled their company. Thereafter, pitching their innovation at BlueInvest Day 2022 gave the firm a lot of visibility. This exposure allowed them to be introduced to a community of investors and stakeholders.

Finally, the constant support from their BlueInvest coach Martin Poulsen (Acacia Sustainable Business Advisors) and EIT Digital helped them connect with investors, granting them €11 million in funding.