Zparq

Zparq AB is a Swedish company specializing in electric propulsion systems for the marine industry, targeting both leisure boats and commercial vessels. The company was founded in 2020 by engineers and entrepreneurs Jonas Genchel and Mikael Sundberg, along with researchers Nicholas Honeth and Ivan Stenius from the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH). The technology originated from a collaboration with KTH, where it was developed and tested on underwater robots and foiling vessels starting in 2017.

Zparq's core product is a complete powertrain system featuring a patented direct-drive electric motor designed to be fully submerged in water. This technology, called Hyperflow Cooling™, allows the motor to be significantly smaller, lighter, and more efficient than conventional marine motors. The design reduces raw material consumption and the CO2 footprint by over 50% compared to competitors and enables a circular business model with a focus on recycling and reuse. The company provides the entire system, including the motor, advanced electronics, battery management, and control systems, all developed in-house. Its product line is scalable, offering solutions from 10kW motors for small boats up to megawatt-powertrains for large commercial ships.

The company serves a broad market, from recreational boat owners to commercial vessel operators and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Its business model involves the development, sales, and service of these electric powertrain components. Key benefits for clients include quiet, emission-free propulsion, minimal maintenance, and a lower total cost of ownership. The compact nature of the technology also allows for greater design freedom in naval architecture, which is particularly beneficial for applications like hydrofoiling vessels. Zparq has established strategic partnerships with the Swedish Sea Rescue Society (SSRS) and KTH's Centre for Maritime Robotics. The company has raised €2.5 million in a seed funding round co-led by Santander InnoEnergy Climate Fund and Almi Invest GreenTech, with participation from its first institutional investor, EIT InnoEnergy.

Keywords: electric marine propulsion, submersible electric motors, direct-drive powertrain, sustainable marine technology, Hyperflow Cooling, electric boats, commercial vessels, marine electrification, cleantech, hydrofoil propulsion, circular economy, quiet boat motors, low maintenance marine engines, emission-free boating, powertrain systems, marine robotics, sustainable transportation, Z10 outboard, Almi Invest GreenTech, EIT InnoEnergy