Launching a New Era in AI-Driven Mobility
Aidoptation BV, the Belgian commercial spin-off of the Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC), has developed and integrated its robotics and AI driving systems into the Maserati platform at its headquarters located at DronePort in Sint-Truiden, Belgium. The result: a high-performance, dual-mode electric vehicle capable of operating under full human or autonomous control—with safe, seamless switching between both modes.
Unveiled at the iconic Autodromo Nazionale Monza, this vehicle will serve as Aidoptation’s testbed for advanced AI driving software focused on high-speed, real-world conditions. The initial phase of testing will be dedicated to collecting critical driving data under diverse highway scenarios to further train and validate the system in simulation environments.
First Public Test Drives
As part of the unveiling event at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Aidoptation organized live demonstration runs on the historic racetrack. Attendees had the opportunity to experience the technology firsthand by riding as a passenger in the autonomous Maserati GranTurismo Folgore. The vehicle completed fully autonomous laps—reaching speeds of up to 110 km/h—while a safety driver remained in the driver’s seat to monitor the system and take control if necessary. These test rides showcased the maturity of the platform and its ability to safely execute high-speed driving maneuvers in real time.
Strategic Partnership with Politecnico di Milano
To support its mission, Aidoptation has established a long-term partnership with Politecnico di Milano, one of Europe’s most prestigious technical universities. This collaboration takes place within the framework of the AIDA (Artificial Intelligence Driving Autonomous) project, which is already conducting groundbreaking highway trials.
The focus of the partnership is to address high-speed “edge cases”—unusual or complex driving situations that challenge vehicle dynamics and require advanced crash avoidance responses. Aidoptation’s test platform built on the Maserati will play a key role in testing and refining these scenarios under real-world conditions.
Preparing for Highway Testing Across Europe
Aidoptation’s roadmap includes extensive autonomous driving trials on public highways, beginning later this year in Italy. The company aims to gather over 100,000 kilometers of real-world driving data, with safety drivers onboard to monitor and intervene if necessary.
Regulatory approval is also underway in Belgium, where DronePort serves as the company’s operational base. Aidoptation expects to begin local highway trials in early 2026, further expanding its testing footprint and data collection across Europe.
Developed at DronePort, Backed by Belgian Investors
The autonomous Maserati incorporates robotics architecture directly derived from the IAC’s fleet of AV-24 racecars—vehicles known as the fastest autonomous racecars in the world. This technology has been adapted and further developed at DronePort. By combining motorsport-grade control systems with sustainable electric propulsion, Aidoptation is pushing the boundaries of what autonomous vehicles can achieve on public roads—without compromising safety, speed, or style.
“Aidoptation’s life-saving technology was born on the racetrack but is now being proven on highways. It’s fitting to combine a brand with racing heritage like Maserati with our cutting-edge electric and autonomous systems. The GranTurismo Folgore is the ideal platform to explore the limits of safe, high-speed autonomous driving—while collecting the real-world data needed to make it smarter every day.”
– Paul Mitchell, CEO, Aidoptation BV & Indy Autonomous Challenge
Aidoptation is proud to be backed by LRM and Ethias Ventures, two prominent Belgian investors who jointly provided the initial funding to establish Aidoptation alongside IAC. Their investment highlights a shared commitment to nurturing high-impact, tech‑driven ventures in Belgium. By bringing capital, strategic insight, and local expertise, LRM and Ethias Ventures reinforce the strength of the Belgian innovation ecosystem and support Aidoptation’s efforts to lead the future of autonomous mobility globally.
