Insider Brief
- Nauticus Robotics has signed an agreement for a strategic investment of up to $50 million from Master Investment Group to support the creation of its first international manufacturing and offshore robotics services hub in the United Arab Emirates.
- The deal includes an initial $3 million tranche to launch Nauticus’ UAE operations, with additional capital planned to fund manufacturing, workforce localization, and regional deployment of its Aquanaut autonomous subsea platform.
- The partnership is intended to accelerate global commercialization, secure early regional deployment contracts, and position the UAE as a hub for advanced subsea robotics, subject to regulatory and governmental approvals.
PRESS RELEASE — Nauticus Robotics, Inc. (NASDAQ: KITT, “Nauticus”), a developer of autonomous subsea robotics and software solutions for offshore energy and industrial applications, today announced the signing of an agreement for a strategic investment of up to $50 million with Master Investment Group.
The agreement contemplates an initial $3 million investment tranche for Nauticus’ UAE business unit startup activities, with additional capital available to support further expansion. The proposed investment is intended to fund the establishment of Nauticus’ first international manufacturing and offshore robotics services hub in the United Arab Emirates, accelerating global deployment of Nauticus’ Aquanaut® autonomous subsea robotic platform.
ESTABLISHING A REGIONAL HUB FOR ADVANCED OFFSHORE ROBOTICS
Under the proposed transaction, Nauticus plans to form a dedicated manufacturing, sales, and offshore services business unit in the UAE. Initial facility sites are already under evaluation. Master Investment Group is expected to fund facility development, workforce localization, and initial manufacturing capability, positioning the operation as a regional center for advanced subsea robotics.
Nauticus has already initiated the formation of a local legal entity in the UAE and completed preliminary identification of a potential site for the planned facility. These early actions are intended to accelerate mobilization and reduce time to operational readiness following execution of definitive agreements.
In addition, Master Investment Group has committed to support Nauticus in securing an initial Aquanaut® deployment contract within the region, leveraging its local relationships and market access to facilitate early commercial adoption of Nauticus’ autonomous subsea technology.
Once operational, the facility is expected to support expanded production of the Aquanaut® platform, delivery of offshore robotic services across the Middle East and adjacent regions, and future deployment of additional Nauticus robotic and software technologies.
STRATEGIC CAPITAL TO ACCELERATE COMMERCIALIZATION
The proposed collaboration supports Nauticus’ strategy to scale manufacturing, expand international market access, and accelerate revenue-generating offshore services, while leveraging regional investment and infrastructure. For Master Investment Group, the partnership aligns with its objective of positioning the UAE as a regional leader in advanced robotics and industrial automation.
By working together, Nauticus and Master Investment Group plan to bring local job creation, technology sharing, and alignment with national industrial strategies to the region.
MANAGEMENT COMMENTARY
Sheikh Abdulla Al Qassimi, Managing Director of Master Investment Group, stated, “We are excited to enter into this strategic relationship with Nauticus and to support the establishment of advanced autonomous robotics capabilities in the UAE. This initiative reflects our commitment to attracting world-class technology, building high-value industrial capacity, and positioning the UAE as a regional center for robotics, automation, and next-generation offshore services. We see significant long-term potential in this collaboration, not only for Nauticus’ growth, but for the development of local talent, innovation, and sustainable industrial infrastructure across the UAE.”
John Gibson, President and CEO of Nauticus Robotics, commented, “This proposed investment represents a meaningful step forward in our global growth strategy. Establishing Aquanaut® manufacturing and offshore services in the UAE allows us to accelerate deployment, reduce delivery timelines, and better serve customers across international markets. Fleet expansion is fundamental to building the company, and this relationship represents an important first milestone toward that objective.”
TRANSACTION STATUS
The proposed transaction remains subject required third-party and governmental approvals. The parties anticipate initial operational capability in 2026, subject to final approvals.
