DMAT, a deep-tech company focused on transforming the construction industry, has successfully raised $4.5 million in an oversubscribed funding round. The round was led by Primo Capital through its Primo Climate fund, with participation from prominent international investors. This investment will propel the commercialization and global expansion of DMAT’s innovative cement technology, which aims to drastically reduce the environmental footprint of concrete production while enhancing its durability.
A Game-Changing Technology for Construction
Founded by Admir Masic, an associate professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), DMAT has developed cutting-edge concrete technology designed to double the service life of structures while reducing the carbon footprint of concrete by an impressive 60%. This is achieved through proprietary fillers and mixtures that enhance the material’s self-healing properties, allowing cracks to repair themselves without external intervention. Additionally, DMAT’s technology offers significant resistance to carbonation, a major cause of structural degradation, further extending the lifespan of concrete structures.
By reducing the amount of cement required in concrete production, DMAT’s innovation also addresses one of the construction industry’s most pressing challenges: its carbon emissions. Cement accounts for 90% of the emissions from concrete production, and the sector as a whole represents 8% of global CO2 emissions. This breakthrough comes at a critical time, as the cost of cement in Europe is projected to increase by 230% to 330% in the coming years.
Global Support for Green Innovation
The funding round attracted a diverse group of international investors, reflecting the global significance of DMAT’s technology. Backers include Safar Partners, an American venture fund specializing in cleantech and new materials, as well as PeopleFund, a private investment company focused on global tech startups. Other participants include Deep Future, the deep-tech fund of inventor and futurist Pablos Holman, and Corbites, a European venture capital fund that fosters innovation in the deep-tech sector.
"After a significant and rigorous research and development process, DMAT is now present on the Italian and Swiss markets with unrivaled technology, thanks to the combination of durability, sustainability and performance it offers, with product lines dedicated to both new concrete constructions and restoration using structural mortars", said Paolo Sabatini, CEO and co-founder of DMAT, in a statement. "We are delighted to be able to count on the support of a group of top-level international investors, which will enable us to forge strategic partnerships with concrete manufacturers, construction companies and developers, and to launch our production process in the United States."
Simone Molteni, general partner at Primo Climate, also emphasized the broader significance of DMAT’s progress, saying, "This round is an important signal for the Italian innovation ecosystem: the invention took its first steps in Cambridge but then found all the ingredients it needed to grow, develop and improve in Europe. Today, the heart of operations and R&D is located in Italy, and even with the presence of major international investors, the lead investor is Italian. This seems like excellent news for the country as a whole."
Addressing a Global Challenge
The construction industry, valued at over one trillion euros annually and representing 1% of global GDP, faces mounting environmental and economic pressures. Over 33 billion tonnes of concrete are used each year to build approximately 4.3 million structures, with demand expected to grow by 30% by 2050. The sector’s reliance on concrete has made decarbonization particularly challenging, but DMAT’s technology offers a promising solution.
In addition to reducing emissions, DMAT’s self-healing materials aim to lower maintenance and repair costs, which currently amount to $100 billion annually due to the corrosion of concrete reinforcement in existing infrastructure. By extending the useful life of concrete structures and reducing reliance on resource-intensive materials, DMAT is positioned to make a lasting impact on both the environment and the construction industry.
With the support of its investors, DMAT plans to expand its operations globally, including launching production in the United States. As urbanization accelerates and demand for sustainable construction solutions grows, the company’s innovative technology is set to play a pivotal role in shaping a greener future for the built environment.