Nauticus Robotics Secures $50M for UAE Autonomous Subsea Robot Hub

HOUSTON, TX – February 09, 2026 – Nauticus Robotics, a Houston-based developer of autonomous marine technology, has announced a landmark agreement for a strategic investment of up to $50 million from the Master Investment Group. The deal is set to establish the company's first international manufacturing and offshore services hub in the United Arab Emirates, positioning the Gulf nation as a pivotal center for advanced subsea robotics in the region.

A Strategic Anchor in the Middle East

The agreement, which propels Nauticus's global expansion strategy, begins with an initial $3 million investment tranche structured as Series D Convertible Preferred Stock. This initial funding is earmarked for the startup activities of Nauticus's new UAE business unit, with the remaining capital poised to fuel further expansion. This move represents a significant step for the NASDAQ-listed company (KITT) in scaling its manufacturing capabilities and accelerating the global deployment of its flagship product, the Aquanaut® autonomous subsea robot.

Nauticus has already begun laying the groundwork, initiating the formation of a local legal entity and evaluating potential sites for the new facility. This proactive approach aims to fast-track mobilization once all definitive agreements and governmental approvals are finalized.

John Gibson, President and CEO of Nauticus Robotics, highlighted the deal's importance for the company's growth. "This proposed investment represents a meaningful step forward in our global growth strategy," Gibson commented in a statement. "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."

Fueling the UAE's Technological Ambitions

For the UAE, this partnership is more than just a foreign direct investment; it's a significant step toward realizing its ambitious national vision. The deal aligns perfectly with the country's strategic goals, such as the National Investment Strategy (NIS) 2031 and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Strategy, which aim to diversify the economy, reduce reliance on oil, and establish the UAE as a global hub for advanced technology and industrial automation.

The Dubai Robotics and Automation (R&A) Program, which aims to boost the sector's contribution to the GDP to 9% by 2032, exemplifies this commitment. By bringing cutting-edge manufacturing and services to the region, the Nauticus hub will contribute directly to these goals, fostering local job creation, technology transfer, and sustainable industrial development.

Master Investment Group, a Ras Al Khaimah-based private equity firm, is a key enabler in this process. While traditionally focused on real estate, MIG has been diversifying its portfolio into technology, and this partnership underscores that shift. The firm has committed not only to funding the facility but also to leveraging its extensive regional network to help secure an initial deployment contract for the Aquanaut®, ensuring immediate market traction.

"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," stated Sheikh Abdulla Al Qassimi, Managing Director of Master Investment Group. "We see significant long-term potential in this collaboration... for the development of local talent, innovation, and sustainable industrial infrastructure across the UAE."

The Aquanaut: Redefining Underwater Operations

At the heart of this venture is the Aquanaut®, a sophisticated autonomous robot designed to revolutionize the way industries operate in the deep sea. Unlike traditional, tethered Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) that require large, costly surface support vessels, the Aquanaut® is a fully electric, untethered, and autonomous platform.

Its unique design allows it to transform between two modes: a streamlined "excursion" mode for long-distance travel and data collection, and an "intervention" mode where it deploys two powerful electric manipulator arms to perform complex tasks on subsea infrastructure. Powered by an advanced AI software suite known as toolKITT, the Aquanaut® can perform inspections, manipulate valves, and conduct maintenance with a high degree of autonomy, sending critical data back to operators via acoustic communications.

The platform's capabilities have been proven in commercial operations in the challenging deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico and in supporting Petrobras' offshore activities in Brazil. By eliminating the need for a large topside vessel, Nauticus estimates the Aquanaut® can reduce operational costs for clients in the offshore energy sector by 30% to 40% while significantly cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

Navigating a Competitive Deep Sea Market

Nauticus enters a dynamic but competitive Middle Eastern market. The region’s burgeoning offshore oil and gas industry has long attracted global service giants like Oceaneering, which has a well-established presence and offers a wide range of ROV and asset integrity services. New players, including specialized ROV firms and even startups from Asia, are also vying for a share of the lucrative market.

However, Nauticus's focus on untethered autonomy provides a critical competitive edge. As the offshore industry faces increasing pressure to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize its environmental footprint, the demand for autonomous solutions like the Aquanaut® is expected to grow substantially. The partnership with a powerful local entity like Master Investment Group provides Nauticus with the strategic capital and regional influence needed to navigate this landscape and accelerate adoption of its technology.

With initial operational capability anticipated for later in 2026, subject to final approvals, the collaboration is set to create a powerful synergy. It provides Nauticus with a crucial launchpad for international expansion while simultaneously advancing the UAE's position as a formidable player in the global technology and robotics arena.