Naut: High-Powered Electric Propulsion Systems, Built in Northland
What started as a one-off solution for a local boat builder has grown into a bold Northland innovation story—with support from Callaghan Innovation helping Naut build talent, access funding, and stay ahead of the curve.
Naut CEO Fiona Bycroft explains how electric boat technology works to Northland Inc Growth Advisor Andrea Primrose-Netzler
Innovation born from a real-world need
When a local boat builder asked Fiona Bycroft and her team for advice on electrifying a customer’s vessel, the options on the market were slim to none.
“We looked around the world to see what was available—and there was nothing. So we said, ‘Well, we’ll do it ourselves.’ And we did.” says Fiona, CEO of Naut.
That one-off project turned into something bigger. After successfully delivering a custom-built electric outboard, Fiona and Lindsay Mackay, majority owner of Whangārei-based Mackay, realised they’d uncovered a market gap.
“Lindsay said, ‘Let’s set up a separate business to focus on building and selling electrified propulsion systems.’ That’s how Naut was officially born—about four years ago.”
Since then, Naut has developed several electric propulsion prototypes, both inboard and outboard. The inboard system has been running successfully for three years, and the team is now preparing to launch a second-generation outboard system with up to 500 horsepower.
“We’re focused on high-powered propulsion. Some people say electric’s not the future—but once they experience it, they’re converted.”
Although Naut doesn’t build boats as a core business, they’ve designed their own vessel to test and showcase their systems, while they work toward becoming a go-to supplier for boat builders.
Tapping into Callaghan Innovation support
As a startup founder, Fiona knew she needed help to make the business sustainable. She turned to Callaghan Innovation early in the journey—and it paid off.
“One of the first things we accessed was an R&D Experience Grant for a summer intern in our first year of operation. That student still works with us today.”
Since then, Naut has hosted multiple summer interns through Callaghan Innovation’s Experience Grants. One stayed on during their final year of study, returned the following summer—and is now a full-time team member.
“Even the students who didn’t stay on made a big impact - taking on projects that we simply wouldn’t have had the time or resources to tackle otherwise. One in particular was just amazing, she picked things up quickly and ran with them, often exceeding my expectations.”
On top of building talent, Naut also benefits from the R&D Tax Incentive (RDTI), which gives the business a much-needed cash injection to keep innovating.
“In the early stages, when cash is tight, getting some financial return on our R&D has made a huge difference. It’s extended our runway—critical in today’s tough investment climate.”
Naut CEO Fiona Bycroft and Northland Inc Growth Advisor and Callaghan Innovation Customer Navigator, Andrea Primrose-Netzler.
Fiona credits their Callaghan Innovation Customer Navigator as a key part of their success.
“Working with Callaghan helped us understand what was available—from the Experience Grants to the RDTI. Having a Customer Navigator has been key. They point us in the right direction, and just as importantly, they tell us when something isn’t worth pursuing. That kind of clarity saves a lot of time and effort".
“It’s also been helpful to have awareness of what’s needed on the finance side—how to track costs properly so claims are smooth, and the cash gets back into the business quickly".
“Without that support, we simply wouldn’t have brought those students on board. It wouldn’t have been an option financially. That would’ve been a missed opportunity—for us and for the students, who need real-world experience. Looking back, we absolutely needed them.”
Staying ahead of the game
For Naut, timing is everything.
“We’ve applied for Experience Grants on the very day applications open for the past two years. Knowing the dates and being ready is crucial.”
Thanks to regular check-ins and a proactive relationship with their Customer Navigator, Naut stays on top of opportunities and deadlines.
“They’ve been amazing at prompting us—especially around the Experience Grants—saying, ‘This is coming up—are you ready for it?’ They genuinely want to see us succeed.”
Fiona also appreciates the help navigating the financial side of R&D.
“It’s been helpful understanding how to track costs properly so claims go smoothly and the cash gets back into the business quickly.”