Led by CEO Flavio Farroni, the company has expanded into what he describes as a ‘MegaRide holding’, comprising multiple specialised businesses, each targeting different segments of the automotive technology sector.

“We embrace an unconventional approach to startup building: we invest in organic and gradual growth, which keeps us independent from private funding and allows us to reinvest our revenues into the team and R&D projects fully,” says Farroni, who co-founded the company after conducting tyre research at the university.

FROM ACADEMIA TO INDUSTRY DISRUPTOR

MegaRide’s journey represents a new technology transfer model from academia to industry. Farroni acknowledges that this transition wasn’t without challenges.

“The main leadership challenges we faced along our journey were, first and foremost, gaining acceptance for our role as researcher-entrepreneurs – researchpreneurs – both within academia and in the market. In the beginning, neither was sufficiently advanced to recognise such a new and competitive figure,” Farroni explains.

This ‘researchpreneur’ model has since become central to MegaRide’s competitive advantage. The company maintains close ties with universities and ensures a continuous pipeline of cutting-edge research that feeds into commercial applications.

“Our deep synergy with universities makes research and innovation our core mission. This allows us to explore methodologies and techniques that may not immediately apply to current products but lay the groundwork for future advancements,” explains Aleksandr Sakhnevych, MegaRide’s Chief Technology Officer.

ITALIAN TECH FIRM REVOLUTIONISES TYRE SCIENCE WITH PHYSICS-BASED SIMULATION

In a nondescript business park on the outskirts of Naples, a team of researchers-turned-entrepreneurs is quietly revolutionising how the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers and motorsport teams understand tyre performance. MegaRide, founded by academic researchers from the University of Naples Federico II, has grown from a university spinoff to one of the most innovative players in automotive simulation technology.

The company specialises in physics-based modelling software that predicts tyre behaviour with unprecedented accuracy – crucial information for both racing teams seeking competitive advantages measured in milliseconds and vehicle manufacturers designing safer, more efficient cars for everyday drivers.

THE TECHNOLOGY: DIGITAL TWINS FOR TYRES

These physics-based models simulate how tyres behave under different conditions, predicting temperature changes, grip levels and wear patterns in real time with an accuracy that was previously impossible.

One of its most innovative products, weaRIDE, enables real-time tyre tread wear and chemical degradation simulation. This technology is particularly significant for electric vehicles, whose instant torque delivery creates new challenges for tyre durability.

“We were the first to develop a commercial thermal model for tyres, the first to create a multiphysics Pacejka-based model, and today, we are the first to introduce a wear and degradation model, weaRIDE, internationally awarded for its innovation. We try to be always a step ahead, and scientific research is our ‘secret weapon’,” Farroni says.

Sakhnevych explains that ensuring model accuracy across varied real-world conditions requires a multifaceted approach: “MegaRide ensures the accuracy and reliability of the weaRIDE model through a multifaceted approach. First, there is a continuous effort to enhance the physical fidelity of the model, leveraging a strategic synergy with universities and research institutions.”

He adds, “Additionally, a key focus is placed on improving data processing methodologies. Tyre models often face scrutiny due to the limitations in predictive accuracy, which are strongly influenced by the quality of the calibration data.”

FROM SIMULATION TO MEASUREMENT: THE VESEVO SPINOFF

In 2018, MegaRide expanded its footprint by spinning off VESevo, a company focused on developing innovative testing equipment for tyre materials. VESevo’s flagship product enables non-destructive testing of tyre compounds, providing detailed mechanical property data previously unavailable without destroying the tyre.

Andrea Genovese, CEO of VESevo, explains how the technology has evolved from its motorsport origins: “VESevo is evolving its motorsport-derived technology to enhance industrial applications, leveraging its versatility for real-time quality control in tyre manufacturing. Its non-destructive, non-invasive and rapid-testing capabilities allow each tyre to be analysed directly on the production line.”

This represents a significant shift in quality control for tyre manufacturers. “This innovation enables mechanical property testing to be performed not just on a sample basis but on the entire production, guaranteeing comprehensive quality assessment,” Genovese adds.

However, VESevo has faced regulatory headwinds in motorsport, particularly after the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) introduced rules limiting the use of its technology in Formula 2 and Formula 3.

“Honestly, we were surprised by this regulatory change, as motorsport has always been a driving force in introducing innovations, especially when they enhance performance, spectacle and safety, benefiting all stakeholders involved,” Genovese admits.

Rather than seeing this as a setback, VESevo has focused more on industrial applications. “By broadening our reach into new applications, we are not just navigating these changes, but we are turning them into opportunities to drive innovation forward,” Genovese says.

STRATEGIC ACQUISITIONS AND GROWTH

MegaRide has augmented its technological capabilities through strategic acquisitions, including the 2022 purchase of Wriggle Solutions’ intellectual property. This acquisition bolstered MegaRide’s capabilities in real-time tyre wear monitoring.

“The acquisition of Wriggle Solutions’ intellectual property in 2022 has expanded MegaRide’s strategic line, accelerating the transition from purely simulation-based technologies to real-time, onboard vehicle sensing,” Sakhnevych explains.

This move has enabled MegaRide to develop virtual sensors that can estimate previously unmeasurable parameters like vehicle sideslip angle, tyre temperature and tread wear. These capabilities have applications for vehicle performance, safety systems and autonomous driving technologies.

MegaRide has also established key partnerships with major industry players. Its collaboration with Prometeon, an industrial tyre manufacturer, illustrates how the company’s technology is being applied beyond high-performance vehicles to commercial transport.

THE CHALLENGE OF SCALING HIGH-PERFORMANCE TECHNOLOGY

Transferring technologies developed for the extreme demands of motorsport to mass-market applications presents significant challenges. Sakhnevych outlines several hurdles: “One of the main challenges is cost, as motorsport applications rely on high-end sensors and powerful computing. To make these solutions viable for mass production, MegaRide focuses on leveraging existing vehicle sensors and optimising software to run efficiently on standard ECUs.”

He continues, “Scalability is another hurdle, as consumer vehicles operate in diverse and unpredictable conditions. Ensuring robust performance across various road surfaces and driving styles requires extensive validation and adaptive modelling.”

THE AI QUESTION

As artificial intelligence (AI) transforms industries worldwide, MegaRide maintains a measured approach to incorporating machine learning (ML) into its products. The company’s roots in physics-based modelling inform its perspective on AI’s role in tyre simulation.

“MegaRide leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning while staying true to its roots in physics-based modelling,” Sakhnevych says. “Our background in academic research, particularly in mechanical engineering, has shaped our expertise in model-based approaches."

He distinguishes their approach from purely data-driven methods: “Unlike purely data-driven methods, our approach enables prediction without extensive training datasets – simply by parametrising models using well-established physical principles.”

DATA SECURITY CONCERNS

As vehicles become increasingly connected, handling sensitive data securely becomes increasingly important. MegaRide has developed comprehensive approaches to data security, particularly relevant to its onboard sensing technologies.

“MegaRide addresses data privacy and security concerns in tyre technology through a robust combination of encryption, secure data management protocols and role-based access controls,” Sakhnevych explains.

COMPETITION FROM INDUSTRY GIANTS

As a small company operating in an industry dominated by global corporations, MegaRide faces significant competitive pressures. However, Sakhnevych sees advantages in the company’s nimble structure.

THE FUTURE: EXPANSION AND DIVERSIFICATION

Looking ahead, MegaRide plans to continue expanding through organic growth and the development of new ventures within its holding structure.

“The ‘MegaRide holding’ concept will allow us to diversify our strategies, expanding into various sectors we consider strategic,” Farroni explains.

“MegaRide’s models are increasingly used by OEMs, tyre manufacturers and racing teams, and the technological landscape is moving towards a greater adoption of physics-based models like ours, driven by the growing use of real-time simulations.”

Each company within the holding structure has its strategic direction. “VESevo, originally founded to produce a portable device for motorsport, is now evolving – thanks to key strategic partnerships – into a provider of non-destructive testing solutions and quality control systems for tyres, directly integrated into production lines,” says Farroni. The newest addition, RIDEsense, targets emerging opportunities in vehicle automation. “The increasing onboard computational power of vehicles has led to the creation of a new company, RIDEsense, focused on developing ‘Virtual Sensors’ – real-time algorithms capable of estimating otherwise unmeasurable quantities and providing critical insights for ADAS and autonomous driving systems, which will be pivotal in tackling the mobility challenges of the coming years,” explains Farroni. VESevo’s Genovese describes a similar approach to balancing immediate market needs with long-term innovation: “At VESevo, balancing short-term business goals with long-term research and development is part of our DNA. As an academic spinoff from the University of Naples Federico II and an innovative company, we follow the same path that MegaRide successfully pioneered, transforming cutting-edge research into commercially viable solutions while maintaining a strong focus on technological advancement.”

He elaborates on their dual-track strategy: “In the short term, we focus on delivering market-ready solutions that meet the immediate needs of our customers, particularly in motorsport and industrial applications. By working closely with teams and manufacturers, we ensure our technology provides tangible value and rapid returns, allowing us to sustain growth and reinvest in innovation.”

Meanwhile, the academic connection remains vital: “Our strong ties to the academic world allow us to act as a ‘bridge’ between research and industry. This close connection enables a constant exchange of knowledge, technology, expertise and skills, accelerating innovation while ensuring our developments translate into real-world impact,” says Genovese.

A MODEL FOR RESEARCH COMMERCIALISATION

MegaRide’s success offers a blueprint for commercialising academic research in highly technical fields. The company has carved out a unique position in the automotive technology ecosystem by maintaining close ties to academia while developing practical market applications.

The company’s ‘researchpreneur’ model provides a case study in technology transfer that may be increasingly relevant as universities worldwide seek to translate research into commercial impact. MegaRide demonstrates that deep technical expertise can be successfully paired with entrepreneurial vision when the right structures and leadership are in place.

As vehicle electrification, automation and connectivity create new challenges for tyre performance and safety, MegaRide’s physics-based approach to simulation and testing positions the company to play an increasingly important role in the future of mobility.

What began as academic research in a Naples university laboratory has evolved into a group of companies pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in understanding the complex interactions between tyres and roads – knowledge that underpins both the thrilling spectacle of motorsport and the mundane safety of everyday driving.

Fornnax Technology has taken a decisive step to strengthen its European footprint by formalising a service partnership with industry veteran Lukas Baur of NOBA Maschinenservice. The agreement, ratified by company CEO Jignesh Kundaria, transitions the Indian manufacturer’s support model from remote coordination to an on-the-ground operational presence. This strategic alignment is designed to address the growing demand for immediate technical intervention across the continent’s recycling sector.

Based in Worbis, Germany, Baur commands a fully integrated service infrastructure that includes a 1,000-square-metre workshop fitted with a 5-tonne crane system, a dedicated hydraulic bay and specialised tooling for bearing replacements. His mobile response unit comprises 12 Mercedes Sprinter vans and a workforce of 24 certified technicians, enabling rapid deployment across a 1,000-kilometre radius. This setup guarantees that Fornnax customers can expect emergency assistance within 24 hours of a service call.

Baur’s professional history spans over 20 years of hands-on work with prominent shredder brands such as Eldan, Lindner and Vecoplan, giving him intimate knowledge of the operational challenges faced by European plant operators. His decision to join forces with Fornnax was driven by the manufacturer’s distinctive combination of competitive pricing, rugged construction and advanced wear-resistant engineering. He recognised that the current market turbulence – marked by tight margins, postponed capital expenditures and a dwindling labour pool – demanded a partnership capable of delivering both technical depth and logistical speed.

Under the new arrangement, Baur assumes full responsibility for the entire equipment lifecycle, covering system commissioning, scheduled upkeep, urgent breakdown recovery and the supply of mechanical, hydraulic and electrical components. He has also expressed a long-term vision to transform his Worbis facility into a regional spare parts consolidation centre, particularly if Fornnax opts to stock inventory at that location. To match anticipated growth, he plans to augment his fleet and technician count by two to three units annually.

This collaboration signals Fornnax’s broader commitment to building a dedicated European service network rather than relying on generalized support structures. With Baur’s proven capabilities now formally integrated, the company aims to deliver faster resolution times and technically nuanced assistance that aligns with the high-throughput demands of modern recycling operations. The partnership ultimately positions Fornnax as a formidable contender in the European shredding equipment landscape, with service excellence as its cornerstone.

Jignesh Kundaria, Director and CEO, Fornnax, said, "We strongly believe that by continuously improving our service quality and customer satisfaction index, we can build long-term relationships with our customers. Higher customer satisfaction leads to greater trust, which significantly increases repeat orders and ultimately drives sustained growth in our sales revenue."

Apollo Tyres is accelerating investments in manufacturing technology, artificial intelligence and international expansion as the company seeks to strengthen its position in premium tyre markets while expanding its global production footprint.

The tyre maker said its long-term strategy, branded Momentum 2.0, is centred on financial discipline, product premiumisation, manufacturing expansion and sustainability, following a year in which it outperformed the industry across several segments and delivered strong international revenue growth.

The company has reinforced its global manufacturing network, operating six manufacturing facilities across India and Hungary and two global R&D centres in Chennai and the Netherlands. Its products are now sold in more than 100 countries, supported by continued investments in research, development and an expanding global distribution network.

Apollo is also increasing investment in digital manufacturing, describing technology as a key driver of future competitiveness. During FY26, the company rolled out its Advanced Manufacturing Execution System (AMES) across major manufacturing plants, enabling real-time production monitoring, end-to-end traceability and greater integration between factory operations and enterprise systems.

To accelerate digital transformation, Apollo established a dedicated AI Innovation Unit that is developing artificial intelligence and machine-learning applications for manufacturing, engineering and business operations. The company said generative AI and agentic AI assistants are being deployed to improve simulations, operational planning and enterprise-wide decision-making, positioning AI as a core element of future factory operations.

Research and development remains another strategic investment priority. Apollo said it invested INR 460.87 million in R&D during FY26 while establishing advanced DoJo Centres at its Chennai and Andhra Pradesh facilities to strengthen engineering capabilities and accelerate product innovation.

International manufacturing continues to underpin Apollo's export ambitions. The company's Gyöngyöshalász plant in Hungary has become a strategic hub for serving European markets, allowing Apollo to manufacture closer to customers while strengthening supply-chain resilience amid evolving global trade dynamics.

Management said Europe remains a key growth market, particularly in premium passenger car tyres, while North America offers opportunities through higher-value products. During the year, Apollo expanded its dealer network by adding more than 250 dealers across the United States and Canada, strengthening distribution for the Vredestein brand and improving access to replacement markets.

Despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, energy price volatility and changing trade policies, Apollo said it would continue investing in innovation, operational efficiency and manufacturing excellence rather than slowing capital deployment.

Looking ahead, the company said it will maintain a disciplined capital allocation strategy while continuing investments in product innovation, brand building, manufacturing efficiency and digital transformation, with a strong focus on improving return on capital employed and supporting sustainable long-term growth in both domestic and export markets.

CEAT will invest about INR 12.05 billion to expand its manufacturing capacity by roughly 53,000 tyres a day over the next five years, as the RPG Group company prepares for sustained demand growth while reporting a weaker first-quarter profit.

The investment, which will be implemented in phases through the end of FY2031, will be financed through a mix of internal accruals and debt. The expansion comes as CEAT's existing manufacturing facilities are operating at around 95 percent capacity utilisation, with the company stating that production at its Nagpur two-wheeler tyre plant is approaching full utilisation. The additional capacity could be created through greenfield and/or brownfield expansion, depending on internal assessments.

The capital expenditure announcement accompanied CEAT's results for the quarter ended June 30, which reflected resilient revenue growth but pressure on profitability.

Standalone revenue from operations rose 18.2 percent year on year to INR 41.63 billion, from INR 35.21 billion a year earlier. However, net profit declined 27.4 percent to INR 980 million, compared with INR1.35 billion in the corresponding quarter last year. Profit before tax fell to INR 1.32 billion from INR 1.81 billion.

Material costs increased sharply to INR 28.80 billion from INR 22.39 billion a year earlier, reflecting continued input cost pressures, while finance costs and depreciation also rose. Total expenses increased to INR 40.46 billion, compared with INR 33.63 billion in the year-earlier period.

ZC Rubber has received the Second Prize of China's State Science and Technology Progress Award for a project focused on high-performance tyre technologies and green intelligent manufacturing, developed jointly with Harbin Institute of Technology. The award recognises the project, titled Key Technologies and Green Intelligent Manufacturing of High-Performance Tires.

According to the company, ZC Rubber is the only Chinese tyre manufacturer to receive the State Science and Technology Progress Award at the Second Prize level or above during the past decade. The award is among China's highest state honours for scientific and technological innovation.

The company said the recognition reflects its investment in research and development and its efforts to integrate tyre development with intelligent manufacturing. In 2025, ZC Rubber invested RMB 1.54 billion in research and development, equivalent to 3.43 percent of annual revenue, according to its annual report.

The award recognises technologies that have moved beyond laboratory research into industrial application, linking high-performance tyre development with green and intelligent manufacturing processes.

Central to the company's research strategy are two proprietary technology platforms: the X-Tech System for truck and bus radial tyres and the Phecda Tech System for passenger car radial tyres. The platforms combine compound formulation, tyre structure design, process engineering, simulation, testing and intelligent manufacturing within a single development framework.

Rather than adapting an existing product architecture, the platforms define performance targets according to vehicle application, operating conditions and customer requirements before developing compounds, structures and manufacturing processes. ZC Rubber said this enables it to develop tyres for different duty cycles, climates, road conditions and regional requirements rather than using a standardised design.

Henry Shen, Senior Vice President of ZC Rubber, said: “Our objective is not simply to develop an individual material, tread pattern or manufacturing process. X-Tech and Phecda are complete development systems that connect user requirements with simulation, materials, tire engineering, manufacturing and validation. This award recognizes the direction we have pursued through sustained R&D investment.”

The company has applied the X-Tech and Phecda platforms across products developed for different regions. In Asia, the X-Tech System underpins the X-Elite truck tyre series. In Europe, it is used in the WESTLAKE Gen II commercial tyre range, while the Phecda Tech System supports passenger car tyres including the WESTLAKE ZuperAce Z-007 and GOODRIDE Solmax 1. Technologies from both platforms have also been applied across ARISUN's truck and passenger car tyre ranges in the Americas.

Shen said: “International markets do not have identical requirements. A tire developed for European highway fleets, Southeast Asian transport operations or passenger vehicles in the Americas must respond to different vehicles, roads, climates and customer priorities. Our technology platforms allow us to address those differences through a consistent and systematic development process.”

The company said the award-winning project incorporates green and intelligent manufacturing technologies intended to improve product consistency, production efficiency and energy performance. It added that the X-Tech and Phecda platforms will continue to support original equipment and replacement market product development across its WESTLAKE, GOODRIDE, ARISUN and other brands.