Navigating innovation: D-ICE Engineering and BlueInvest

The team behind D-ICE Engineering.
© D-ICE Engineering

D-ICE Engineering, a French company, brings cutting-edge solutions to the maritime and offshore sectors. Their flagship product, OCEANiCS, is a disruptive navigation system designed to improve the efficiency and safety of marine operations. With the help of BlueInvest, the startup recently raised €6 million in funding, enabling it to continue developing its game-changing technologies.

“Thanks to BlueInvest, we are able to better shape our strategy, which is incremental for deep tech solutions.” said Sofien Kerkeni, CEO of D-ICE Engineering.

Deeptech for the ocean

Founded in Nantes (France), D-ICE Engineering specialises in deeptech solutions for the maritime, offshore energies, sailing, and marine renewables industries.

Their solutions address challenges such as route and weather optimisation, as well as real-time control, ensuring that vessels can operate more effectively and sustainably.

Currently, the company employs 30 people, and it continues to grow organically while expanding its reach into new markets.

OCEANiCS: a breakthrough in sustainable marine operations

The company’s flagship product, OCEANiCS, is a certified key technology that aids vessels in navigating complex maritime environments. It integrates advanced features like ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System), autopilot, dynamic positioning, weather routing, and analytics in a single system.

With real-time data and predictive analytics, OCEANICS improves decision-making, allowing operators to optimise routes and reduce fuel consumption up to 20%. This not only enhances operational efficiency but also contributes to lower emissions, aligning with global sustainability goals.

D-ICE Engineering’s technology is utilised in the brigade of ships and vessels.
© D-ICE Engineering

BlueInvest in action

The Readiness Assistance Programme provided by BlueInvest offered strategic guidance and resources to D-ICE Engineering, enabling the company to refine its business model and technology offerings.

According to Sofien Kerkeni, CEO of D-ICE Engineering, navigating the fundraising process was a challenge, but vital for the company's growth. "Fundraising is a very complex exercise for deeptechs, as the products are always the results of many years of research and aggregate multiple technological breakthroughs", he explains.

The diverse coaching provided through the BlueInvest’s Readiness Assistance Programme was instrumental in refining the company's messaging to attract investors. "It helped us highlight the value for investors, which is critical in such a competitive environment," Kerkeni adds.

The fundraising round, led by SWEN CP’s Blue Ocean fund— a long-standing and active partner of the BlueInvest ecosystem— focuses on innovations that help regenerate ocean biodiversity. This investment will allow D-ICE Engineering to accelerate the development of its innovative solutions and expand its market reach.

About BlueInvest

BlueInvest is the EU's innovation and investment platform for the blue economy, offering business coaching, fundraising support, and networking opportunities for ocean technology companies. Interested individuals can register with the BlueInvest Community to explore programme features and opportunities or contact lu-blueinvestpwc [dot] lu (lu-blueinvest[at]pwc[dot]lu).