Building on History to Shape the Future of Aquaculture
With an unwavering focus on land-based fish farming, NP Innovation has dedicated over a decade to fine-tuning the design of drum filters, disc filters, and CO₂ degassers. These innovations are aimed at optimizing water quality in aquaculture systems. Since its formal establishment in 2012, NP Innovation has emerged as a global leader in water treatment technology for recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). However, the roots of its success were nurtured long before the company’s inception.
NP Innovation was founded by entrepreneur Nils-Åke Persson
NP Innovation was founded in Sweden by entrepreneur Nils-Åke Persson, whose journey in the fish farming sector began in the late 1970s. A construction and industrial engineer specializing in energy efficiency—including heat exchangers and heat pump systems—Persson identified early opportunities for enhancing aquaculture operations. He collaborated with industry stakeholders to develop heat pump technology specifically tailored for fish farming applications.
By 1984, this work transitioned into the realm of water purification technology. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, drum filter technology, which would later become synonymous with NP Innovation, evolved into an industry-standard of excellence. Once the company was officially founded in 2012, these validated products were launched to the market within the first year, heralding a period of sustained growth focused on advancing purification technologies for aquaculture.
Today, products developed from this Swedish technology are utilized in the majority of land-based aquaculture facilities around the globe that employ recirculating water systems. For NP Innovation, this widespread adoption is both a point of pride and a testament to Sweden’s expertise in water treatment innovations.
The company’s trajectory continued to flourish into 2025, a pivotal year marked by significant advancements. NP Innovation introduced BioGuard SWIFT, which represents a notable breakthrough in water treatment technology. Additionally, the successful integration and reorganization of Aqua.is, now functioning as NP Innovation Iceland, strengthened its organizational capabilities.
A significant milestone was reached when HAF Investment and Alfa Framtak became majority stakeholders in NP Innovation. This new ownership framework has infused the company with additional strength, expertise, and experience, positioning it for ongoing innovation and sustainable growth within the aquaculture sector.
In a strategic move, NP Innovation also brought final assembly operations in-house, relocating to larger facilities in Sweden by the end of the year. With control over the final assembly process, NP Innovation aims for tighter operational oversight, improved lead times, and enhanced quality and efficiency for its clients.
CEO Michael Bäärnhielm
Regarding the company’s future, CEO Michael Bäärnhielm stated:
“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 forward, NP Innovation will debut as a new exhibitor at IceFish 2026. Attendees can meet the team at stand H25 in the new Aquaculture Hub and discover more about the company’s latest innovations and its plans for further expansion throughout 2026 and beyond.
For more information, visit www.npinnovation.se.
Images © NP Innovation
Main Image Caption: NP Innovation’s new headquarters — featuring expanded warehouse facilities and their own in-house final assembly.
