H2BOAT is an innovative system using hydrogen energy to power small boats, especially sailing boats. This is an eco-friendly approach exploiting new and cleaner energy sources.

Here, they tell us more about their project.

Where does the idea come from?

Hydrogen technology is the future. We think we have identified the best market to begin with using an existing technology innovatively, that is taking a military use and turning it to a civil use. We decided to launch a startup for different reasons – team competence, university research group, external relations, member motivation…

How is the team made up?

H2BOAT is a 7-member cooperative including 4 doctorate students from the Thermochemical Power Group (TPG) of the University of Genova and 3 professors from the Mechanical Engineering Department of the University of Genova.

Thomas Lamberti,  president, naval engineer
Alessandro Sorce, mechanical engineer
Lorenzo Di Fresco, mechanical engineer
Stefano Barberis, mechanical engineer
Loredana Magistri, prof in mechanical engineer
Alberto Traverso, prof in mechanical engineer
Aristide Massardo, dean of Polytechnic School

What is your medium/long term goal?

Our medium term goal is to exploit our spinoff status to develop the first Energy Pack prototype and, at the same time, begin offering consultancy and training, find investment and industrial partners to develop a second prototype. The long-term goal, by 2020, is to sell the Energy Pack, initially for sailing craft, then motor craft and then other markets.

Why a cooperative?

Because it matches our idea of a work ethic being a democratic company form. Furthermore, it provides a flexibility for new member entry so important in the field of research.

Website: www.h2boat.it