Rafal Modrzewski, CEO and co-founder of ICEYE, shared insights from WEF at Davos 2026, highlighting that the company was established nearly ten years ago to create small satellites utilizing synthetic aperture radar technology. These satellites are capable of capturing images under any weather conditions, aiding governments in evaluating military activities.
He mentioned that ICEYE has successfully launched 64 satellites to date, with increasing interest from European governments as defense expenditures rise.
“It’s been an extraordinarily busy Davos,” Modrzewski stated.
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ICEYE has recently secured a contract with Rheinmetall for the German government to establish a 40-satellite constellation valued at approximately €1.4 billion, set to be deployed over the next two years. This system will enable German forces to track troop movements in Lithuania every 20 minutes, rather than once daily.
Modrzewski noted that investor sentiment toward defense technology in Europe has shifted since the onset of the Ukraine war, resulting in increased funding for startups in the sector.
Skild AI builds “brain for robots”
Deepak Pathak, CEO and co-founder of Skild AI, explained that his company is developing software that serves as a general-purpose brain for robots, enabling different machines to execute various tasks using a unified system.
“At scale, what we are doing is we’re building a general-purpose brain for robots,” he articulated.
Skild AI refers to its technology as “omnibodied intelligence,” which allows it to function across various robotic forms like humanoids, robotic arms, or quadrupeds. The firm is currently deploying robots in enterprise environments like manufacturing, inspection, data centers, and logistics.
Pathak mentioned that Skild AI recently completed a significant funding round, raising total capital to over $1.4 billion, with backing from venture capital firms and corporations such as Nvidia, LG, and Schneider.
He attributed the demand to labor shortages in several nations and aging populations, which are increasing the need for automation in manual tasks.
India part of robotics supply chain plans
Pathak indicated that India has the potential to contribute to the global robotics supply chain due to its experience in automotive manufacturing and hardware production. Skild AI already has an office in Bengaluru and is working on developing hardware capabilities in the country.
“There is a very good opportunity here, especially for India,” he remarked.
Founders on capital and long-term focus
Both founders acknowledged that access to capital has improved for deep-tech firms but cautioned that funds should be managed wisely.
Modrzewski noted that startups often face the most challenges in securing funds when they need it most, and find it easier when they don’t.
“You should be disciplined about knowing why you have raised the capital,” he advised.
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Pathak emphasized that his team prioritizes solving technical challenges over concerns about funding levels.
“There is no time to think about capital,” he asserted.
Long-term goals
Skild AI intends to create its software as the standard operating system for robots globally, much like how Android functions for smartphones.
ICEYE’s long-term vision is to construct automated satellite intelligence systems that enable countries to identify threats early and utilize diplomacy to avert conflicts.
For the full interview, watch the accompanying video
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