Kraken Innovations

Kraken Innovations GmbH, a deep-tech enterprise based in Graz, Austria, is redefining drive systems with a gearless coaxial gearbox. The company's journey began in early 2019 when the idea for a revolutionary gearbox, the "Smart Gear," was initiated by Michael Michelitsch and Philipp Eisele during their Master's studies at Graz University of Technology. Kraken Innovations GmbH was officially founded on February 19, 2021, by Philipp Eisele, Michael Michelitsch, and Daniel Fürhapter. The company operates as a spin-off of the Graz University of Technology.

The core of Kraken Innovations' business is its patented coaxial gearbox, which utilizes an unconventional design with pistons as transmission elements instead of traditional gears. This architecture allows for a flat power transmission, which significantly increases the transmissible torques compared to conventional solutions. Key features of the product include exceptional precision, high rigidity, backlash-free operation, and self-locking capabilities. A significant advantage is the ability to seamlessly integrate sensor technology directly into the gearbox housing. This integration creates an intelligent drive unit capable of real-time monitoring of torque, speed, rotation angle, and temperature directly at the point of contact, enabling AI-based analysis and predictive maintenance. The technology is designed to be more compact, precise, and powerful than existing gearbox solutions.

Kraken Innovations targets several industrial markets, including robotics, renewable energy (specifically wind turbines and solar trackers), machine tools, and special machinery. By providing more efficient and intelligent drive systems, the company aims to contribute to the green transformation. The business model appears to be centered on the development, production, and sale of these advanced gearbox systems to industrial clients. The company has received funding from sources like the Styrian Economic Development Agency (SFG) and was incubated at the Science Park Graz. Milestones include filing its first patent for the coaxial gearbox in July 2019, securing initial funding in 2021, and a €400,000 investment from SFG at the end of 2022. However, the company faced significant challenges, leading to the opening of bankruptcy proceedings on July 21, 2025.

Keywords: coaxial gearbox, gearless drive, intelligent drive systems, predictive maintenance, high-torque gearbox, precision mechanics, robotics components, industrial automation, drive technology, sensor integration, mechatronics, TU Graz spin-off, advanced manufacturing, motion control, wind turbine gearbox, machine tool components, compact drive systems, backlash-free gearbox, Philipp Eisele, Michael Michelitsch, Daniel Fürhapter