BUILDING ON HISTORY TO SHAPE THE FUTURE OF AQUACULTURE

Building on History to Shape the Future of Aquaculture

With a strong focus on land-based fish farming, NP Innovation has spent more than a decade refining the design of drum filters, disc filters and CO₂ degassers to optimise water quality in aquaculture systems. Since its formal establishment in 2012, the company has become a global leader in water treatment technology for recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). However, the foundations of its success were laid long before that.

NP Innovation was founded in Sweden by entrepreneur Nils-Åke Persson

NP Innovation was founded in Sweden by entrepreneur Nils-Åke Persson, whose involvement with the fish farming industry dates back to the late 1970s. A construction and industrial engineer with a specialisation in energy efficiency — including heat exchangers and heat pump systems — Persson recognised early opportunities to improve aquaculture operations. Working alongside others in the industry, he began developing heat pump technology specifically tailored to the needs of fish farming.

By 1984, this work expanded into the development of water purification technology. Over the course of the 1980s and 1990s, the drum filter technology that would later define NP Innovation evolved into a world-leading industry standard. When the company was officially founded in 2012, these proven products were introduced to the market within its first year, marking the start of a period of steady growth focused on advancing established purification technologies for aquaculture.

Today, products based on this Swedish-developed technology are used in the majority of land-based aquaculture facilities worldwide that operate with recirculating water systems. For NP Innovation, this global reach is a source of pride and a testament to Sweden’s strength and expertise in water treatment innovation.

The company’s momentum continued into 2025, a year marked by several defining developments. NP Innovation launched BioGuard SWIFT, representing a significant breakthrough in water treatment technology, while also strengthening its organisation through the successful integration and reorganisation of Aqua.is, now operating as NP Innovation Iceland.

A major milestone came with HAF Investment and Alfa Framtak becoming majority owners of NP Innovation. This new ownership structure has brought additional strength, expertise and experience, positioning the company for continued innovation and sustainable growth within the aquaculture sector.

Operationally, NP Innovation also made the strategic decision to bring final assembly operations in-house. To support this move, the company relocated to larger facilities in Sweden at the end of the year. With final assembly under its direct control, NP Innovation aims to achieve tighter operational oversight, improved lead times, and enhanced quality and efficiency for customers.

CEO Michael Bäärnhielm

Commenting on the company’s direction, CEO Michael Bäärnhielm said:
“We are deeply committed to continuing the journey we’ve started. Our ambition is to be the most trusted and forward-thinking supplier in the aquaculture industry — ensuring the best possible conditions for fish health worldwide. There’s so much happening here, and I’d like to take this opportunity to invite everyone to join us and be part of this exciting journey.”

Looking ahead, NP Innovation will be exhibiting as a new exhibitor at IceFish 2026, where visitors can meet the team on stand H25 in the new Aquaculture Hub and learn more about the company’s latest innovations and the plans for further expansion of NP Innovation throughout 2026 and beyond.

www.npinnovation.se

Images © NP Innovation’s

Main Image Caption: NP Innovation’s new headquarters — featuring expanded warehouse facilities and their own in-house final assembly.