Strategic-Technological Analysis: WSense Srl (Rome, Italy)
WSense Srl is an Italian deep-tech scale-up spun off from Sapienza University of Rome, pioneering underwater wireless networks often dubbed the “Internet of Underwater Things.” Its mission is to enable reliable, secure submarine communications and real-time environmental monitoring. Headquartered in Rome with subsidiaries in London (UK) and Bergen (Norway)[1][2], the privately held company develops complete turnkey systems – hardware nodes, modems, sensors and AI-driven software – for subsea connectivity[1][3]. Under CEO Prof. Chiara Petrioli (founder) and Chairman Salvatore Sardo[4], WSense has grown to about 50 engineers (as of 2023) with a further expansion planned. Its innovative platform uses acoustic and optical links combined with adaptive routing algorithms to achieve stable data exchange up to 3,000 m deep[3]. The technology targets maritime infrastructure (pipelines, aquaculture farms, offshore wind farms), scientific monitoring, and even diver communications – all domains of strategic interest for Europe’s Blue Economy and security. Although much of its deployment so far has been environmental or industrial (e.g. fisheries, archaeology), WSense’s capabilities are directly relevant to coastal defense and resilience (e.g. protection of undersea cables and ports). The company has attracted significant EU support (winning a 2022 European Commission BlueInvest award[5]) and venture capital (Series A €9M in 2023[6], pre-Series B €7.2M in 2025 led by Fincantieri[7]), signaling its strategic potential in European autonomy for undersea domains.