PRESS RELEASE
CIRCLE GROUP PARTICIPATES IN THE DIGISTAR PROJECT WITH A NON -REPAYABLE GRANT OF
OVER €92,000 FOR THE AUTOMATION OF PORT AND INTERMODAL TERMINALS
Circle Garage joins the consortium led by Aitek to integrate satellite data, field systems and innovative technologies in support of more efficient, safe and sustainable logistics Milan, October 7, 2026 CIRCLE Group (“CIRCLE” or the “Company”) – an Innovative SME listed on the Euronext Growth Milan market, heading the eponymous Group specialised in process analysis and the development of solutions for the innovation and digitalisation of the port and intermodal logistics sectors, as well as in international consulting on Green Deal and energy transi tion matters – is participating, through Circle Garage, in the DIGISTAR – Data Integration for Geospatial Intelligence in SmarT and Automated teRminals project , which ranked first in the regional ranking with an initiative dedicated to the development of innovative solutions for the digitalisation and progressive automation of port and intermodal terminals.
The project, with a total value of over €747,000 and a duration of 18 months , has been launched within the framework of funding provided by the Liguria Region under the ERDF Regional Programme , dedicated to the development of innovative services based on space technologies, and benefits from a non-repayable grant of over €417,000 . Circle Garage is participating with activities worth approximately €174,000, supported by a non -repayable grant of over €92,000 , mainly aimed at developing the DIGISTAR Platform , with the objective of addressing the needs of terminals already in operation, which are increasingly required to improve the efficiency and digitalisation of cargo handling and management processes.
A key element of DIGISTAR is the creation of an information ecosystem capable of integrating data from space, such as satellite positioning data, with information collected directly in the field , including video streams from cameras, drone surveys and data from ground -based sensors.
The objective is to support port terminals and intermodal centres in their transition towards a model of progressive automation , capable of improving container tracking, yard space management and the organisation of transport flows, while minimising disruptions to operations.
The project is being developed by a consortium of companies led by Aitek , alongside Circle Garage and INNOVAL . The working group also collaborates with CIELI – the Italian Centre of Excellence on
Logistics, Transport and Infrastructure of the University of Genoa , which is involved in analysis and scientific research activities, as well as with major port and intermodal hubs participating in field testing activities.
Among the most innovative aspects of DIGISTAR is the ability to combine differential geolocation systems with video processing tools directly on board handling vehicles , while also integrating additional operational technologies, including drones to verify train composition and digital headsets to support operators .
The approach also makes it possible to proceed according to a gradual and interoperable model , introducing new technological functionalities within existing infrastructures and fostering cooperation between different systems and devices.
The expected impacts concern three main areas: operational efficiency , through a reduction in processing times and cargo positioning errors; safety , by reducing the need for direct operator intervention in handling areas; and environmental sustainability , through route optimisation, reduced waiting times and fewer empty movements, resulting in benefits in terms of energy consumption and emissions.
Luca Abatello, Chairman and CEO of CIRCLE Group , commented: “DIGISTAR is a very good example of the innovation model that we believe is necessary for the evolution of logistics: advanced technologies that are progressively integrated into processes, interact with existing infrastructures and systems, and generate t angible benefits in terms of efficiency, safety and sustainability. The integration of satellite data, field information and digital tools opens up new opportunities to make terminals increasingly intelligent and automated. Circle Garage’s participation in the project and the synergy with MILOS are fully aligned with the innovation and growth path set out in our Connect 4 Agile Growth plan.” CIRCLE Group’s participation in DIGISTAR therefore confirms its commitment to the development of technologies and interoperability models capable of supporting the digital evolution of the supply chain , with particular focus on process automation and the integrated use of data across the entire logistics chain.
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Founded in Genoa in 2012, Circle S.p.A. is the Innovative SME heading Circle Group , listed on Euronext Growth Milan since 2018 and specialised in process analysis and the development of solutions for the innovation and digitalisation of the port and intermodal logistics sectors, as well as in international consulting on Green Deal and e nergy transition matters.
The Group includes the software houses Info.era, NEXT Freight, eXyond, Cargo Start, QMap , the consulting firms Magellan Circle and Magellan Circle Italy , NEXT Customs , and the associate company ACCUDIRE .
In the field of digital innovation, the Milos® Intelligence platform integrates advanced AI, simulation and Digital Twin technologies to support decision -making processes and systems digitalisation, with solutions such as the Extended Port Community System , MasterSPED® , Milos® TOS, Milos® MTO, Milos® TFP, Milos® Global Supply Chain Visibility and StarTracking . Complementing the offer, Federated Services (cloud -based) enable a more efficient migration towards digital business models.
Through Magellan Circle and Magellan Circle Italy , the Group operates in Brussels and across Europe in advocacy activities with European Institutions, supporting public bodies and companies with Strategic Communication and Advocacy and EU Funding Accelerator services, with a focus on the Green Deal and energy transition.
With Cargo Start , specialised in technology solutions for air cargo, Circle has strengthened its offering in a segment that is strategic to the Connect 4 Agile Growth industrial plan. With eXyond , the Group is active in advanced infomobility services (InfoBluNewGen) and telematics solutions for the logistics, transport and insurance sectors (Kmaster).
Circle also holds a 20% stake in the innovative start -up ACCUDIRE , which provides a collaborative platform for document management along global supply chains, starting from e -CMR and e -DDT (electronic consignment notes). With NEXT Customs , the Group develops digital customs optimisation services, contributing to process harmonisation in line with the strategic directions of Connect 4 Agile Growth.
Circle S.p.A. has been listed on the Euronext Growth Milan market of Borsa Italiana since 26 October 2018 (alphanumeric code: CIRC; ordinary share ISIN code: IT. 0005344996).
*** For further information Circle S.p.A.
Registered office Via Giovanni Battista Pergolesi 26, 20124 Milano Operational headquarters Piazza Borgo Pila 40 (Torre A interno 46), 16129 Genova
Investor Relations
EMail: ir@circletouch.eu | Mobile: +39 348 3067877 Media Relations: Image Building Via Privata Maria Teresa, 11 20123 – Milano Email: circle@imagebuilding.it | Phone: +39 02 89011300 Euronext Growth Advisor: Integrae SIM S.p.A.
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