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PopaBoat
Published on 12 March 2021
Lithuania
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About this good practice
Popa LT is a start-up delivering electronic catamarans rental services. In order to develop their business, the company implemented a project to create a prototype of an inland waterway vehicle with intelligent features for management, monitoring and organization of waterborne transport. Based on this prototype, the company now has an electric water vehicle able to carry up to 4 people or cargo up to 500 kg. using only solar energy.
Environmentally friendly electric-only watercraft requires optimized weight, speed and water resistance, stabilized centre of gravity, draft, and electric propulsion to protect it against shallowness. It also requires the use of solar energy charging and 220V charging from the standard mains, as well as intelligent IoT control on a mobile phone, which would be adapted for the simple use of it. As a result, in order to create an innovative prototype, modern methods of digital modelling, production and experimental research was implemented with the help of financial support “Inostartas” under the first priority of the Lithuanian Operational Programme.
Environmentally friendly electric-only watercraft requires optimized weight, speed and water resistance, stabilized centre of gravity, draft, and electric propulsion to protect it against shallowness. It also requires the use of solar energy charging and 220V charging from the standard mains, as well as intelligent IoT control on a mobile phone, which would be adapted for the simple use of it. As a result, in order to create an innovative prototype, modern methods of digital modelling, production and experimental research was implemented with the help of financial support “Inostartas” under the first priority of the Lithuanian Operational Programme.
Resources needed
The total value of this project is 15 843,76 EUR, of which 11 090,63 was funded from ERDF.
Evidence of success
Created prototype allowed company to develop a final version of an intelligent and electric catamaran which is vital for the acceleration of this start-up. Created product is a must for the company in order to provide their services. This company offers various services related to this mean of transportation, including various tours on the water and unique sailings which are unique in the context of Lithuania. Overall, this new product allowed company to start their operations.
Potential for learning or transfer
Start-ups face some challenges in obtaining financing for the development of their businesses. In order to solve this issue, financial measure “Inostartas” was prepared and implemented in Lithuania in accordance with Priority 1 of the Operation Programme for Investment of the EU Funds for 2014-2020 “Strengthening research and development and innovation”. The main objective of this measure is to promote the creation and development of new innovative SME entities, ensuring the development of innovative ideas, products and services, to promote the independence of companies in carrying out R&D work within the company. Funded activities under this measure are: R&D activities carried out by innovative SMEs; recruitment of researchers and scientists; enterprise development through R&D. Projects are selecting using continuous project selection method while the form of financing is non-repayable subsidy.
Further information
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Good practice owner
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Organisation
Popa LT Ltd
Lithuania
Contact
Expert