Incipientus Ultrasound Flow Technology

Incipientus Ultrasound Flow Technologies AB operates as a deep-tech entity focused on altering industrial process monitoring for liquids. Founded in Gothenburg, Sweden, in September 2017 by Johan Wiklund, Reinhardt Kotzé, and Michal Kotzé, the company spun out of the Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE). The core technology is the culmination of over 16 years of research. The founding background is rooted in deep technical expertise; CEO and co-founder Johan Wiklund is the primary inventor, holding a Ph.D. from Lund University of Technology and having extensive experience in ultrasound technology, rheology, and fluid dynamics. Co-founder Reinhardt Kotzé serves as the company's CTO.

The firm develops and markets non-invasive, clamp-on systems that use pulsed ultrasound for the in-line characterization of industrial fluids. Its client base is in the process industry, including sectors like Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), where it provides solutions for monitoring opaque and non-Newtonian liquids. The business model centers on selling these advanced monitoring systems, which are designed for Industry 4.0 applications. Revenue is generated through the sale of hardware products and accompanying software capabilities. This approach addresses the costly and time-consuming traditional method of quality control, which involves manual sampling and lab testing.

Incipientus's key product is a touch-free, in-line process monitoring system that delivers real-time data on fluid properties. Its main features include the ability to measure a complete velocity profile and rheogram without needing prior calibration. The system's non-invasive sensors can be clamped onto existing pipes, including high-grade stainless steel, eliminating any risk of contamination and simplifying installation. This provides clients with continuous process insights, leading to improved product quality, increased production safety, cost savings from reduced waste, and energy efficiency. The company secured a significant eight-figure funding round in September 2023, led by Butterfly Ventures, to accelerate its commercial scale-up and enhance its product platform.

Keywords: industrial process monitoring, ultrasound flow technology, non-Newtonian fluids, rheology, in-line fluid characterization, process control, clamp-on sensors, flow visualization, Industry 4.0, fluid dynamics, sustainable production, quality control systems, process analytical technology, food processing, FMCG manufacturing, touch-free sensors, real-time data, velocity profile measurement, deep-tech, RISE spin-out