The California Energy, Power Innovation Center (Cal EPIC) and the Zero Emission Marine Accelerator (ZEMA) announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on June 19th, 2026 to collaborate on accelerating the development, demonstration, and commercialization of low and zero-emission marine technologies.
The agreement establishes a strategic partnership between Cal EPIC’s advanced energy innovation campus in Sacramento and ZEMA’s growing network of electric vessel manufacturers, propulsion companies, marina operators, utilities, policymakers, and investors working to modernize the marine and maritime sector.
Through the MOU, the organizations will work together to support companies developing electric boats, marine charging infrastructure, battery systems, and clean maritime technologies, while creating opportunities for pilot projects, demonstrations, and workforce development initiatives.
“California is leading the transition to clean transportation, and the marine sector represents a major opportunity for innovation,” said Orville Thomas of Cal EPIC. “This partnership with ZEMA will help bring together technology developers, researchers, and industry stakeholders to accelerate the deployment of zero-emission marine solutions.”
Under the collaboration, ZEMA companies and partners will be able to engage with Cal EPIC’s research facilities, prototyping resources, manufacturing labs, and innovation programs, enabling faster development and commercialization of emerging marine electrification technologies.
The partnership will also support industry convenings, demonstration events, and policy discussions designed to help scale the electric boating ecosystem and support California’s broader climate and air quality goals.
“ZEMA was founded to bring the marine electrification ecosystem together,” said Ollie Danner, founder of ZEMA. “By partnering with Cal EPIC, we’re creating a platform where innovators can collaborate, test technologies, and accelerate real-world deployment of cleantech marine solutions.”
As part of the collaboration, the organizations plan to work with electric vessel manufacturers, propulsion developers, charging providers, marinas, utilities, and government agencies to advance pilot deployments and showcase emerging technologies through industry demonstrations and public events.
The partnership aligns with California initiatives focused on clean transportation, maritime decarbonization, and economic development, while helping position the state as a global hub for marine electrification.
About the California Energy, Power Innovation Center (Cal EPIC)
Cal EPIC is an innovation hub based in Sacramento focused on accelerating the development and commercialization of clean energy and advanced transportation technologies. Through research collaboration, prototyping facilities, and industry partnerships, Cal EPIC supports startups, manufacturers, utilities, and public agencies working to deploy next-generation energy solutions.
About the Zero Emission Marine Accelerator (ZEMA)
The Zero Emission Marine Accelerator (ZEMA) is a collaboration platform dedicated to accelerating the transition to low and zero-emission marine technologies. ZEMA brings together electric vessel manufacturers, propulsion companies, charging infrastructure providers, marinas, utilities, policymakers, and investors to help commercialize clean boating solutions through partnerships, demonstrations, and industry initiatives.
