DB Cargo partner OTIV receives 9 million euros for autonomous rail travel

The Belgian technology scale-up OTIV has closed a growth financing round of 9 million euros. The round was led by Miles Ahead and aims to accelerate the further development and commercialization of fully autonomous train technologies. According to the Deloitte Technology Fast 50, OTIV is one of the fastest growing tech companies in Belgium and is considered a key driver of innovation in the field of automated rail transportation.

Largest freight automation project in Europe with DB Cargo

A particular focus is on the collaboration with DB Cargo. Together, the partners are driving forward what is currently the largest automation project in European freight transport. OTIV is supplying solutions in the areas of driver assistance, remote control and complete autonomy for locomotives and shunting vehicles. The aim is to enable more productive, safer and more sustainable processes in rail freight transport.

Modular platform for industry, cities and main lines

Founded in 2020, the company offers a three-stage automation platform that ranges from assistance systems to fully autonomous driving functions. Fields of application include industrial railroads, streetcar networks and main lines in freight and passenger transport. OTIV is already working with international heavyweights such as Deutsche Bahn, SNCF and ArcelorMittal and is active in more and more countries.

Automation as a lever for sustainability and capacity

OTIV specifically combines automation with sustainability goals: A single train replaces up to 50 trucks and produces nine times fewer CO₂ emissions, according to the company. Autonomous operating models are intended to increase capacities, mitigate the shortage of skilled workers and reduce energy consumption. The technology also enables 24/7 operation and greater reliability of complex rail networks in the future.

Financing for development, scaling and international expansion

With the new capital, OTIV plans to further industrialize its autonomous systems, drive international expansion and open up additional markets. The founders Sam De Smet and Niels Van Damme see the financing as an important step towards making rail transport a central pillar of sustainable mobility. Lead investor Miles Ahead particularly emphasizes the technological maturity and practical use of the platform in industrial and urban scenarios.