About The Klima – Team
Shaping the Future of Wind-Powered Shipping – Together.
We are an interdisciplinary team of innovators, engineers, strategists, and creators – united by one goal:
to significantly reduce the fuel consumption and emissions of ocean-going vessels with a patented sail system.
Our work combines expertise from mechanical engineering, wind energy, media, and maritime innovation – supported by strong partners from science and industry.
Our Core Team
As a heterogeneous start-up team with diverse professional backgrounds, we combine engineering, communication, strategy, psychology, and innovation management to develop scalable solutions for the future of maritime transport.
Herwig Klima Ph.D.
Founder, CEO
As Founder & Managing Director, Herwig brings decades of expertise in hydropower and power plant engineering, specializing in IT and electrical systems for critical infrastructure. He is the heart and brain behind our patented wind sail system, driving innovation with a vision for sustainable, real-world impact.
Susanne Klima LSB
Co-founder, Investor Relations Manager
As Co-Founder & Investor Relations Officer, Susanne builds and maintains strong relationships with our stakeholders and investors. With her background in pedagogy, coaching, and creativity, she combines strategic thinking with a deep understanding of the human factor – ensuring trust, clarity, and long-term partnerships
Lukas Klima BA
Co-Founder, PR Manager
As Marketing & Business Development lead, Lukas combines his background as a filmmaker, strategist, and entrepreneur with hands-on sailing experience. Having played a key role in the early-stage development of our wind sail system, he now drives our communication and strategic partnerships worldwide.
Laura Klima BA
Co-Founder, HR Manager
As Human Resources & Team Development lead, Laura draws on her background as an educational therapist and speaker to foster a strong, motivated team. She represents Klima-Sail at roadshows and events, ensuring our vision is communicated with authenticity and impact.
Ary Klima
Co-Founder, Finance Manager
In his final year of a business degree, Ary combines academic expertise with a keen eye for strategic opportunities. He ensures sound financial management and supports the growth of Klima-Sail through informed decision-making.
Our Project Partners
We are proud to collaborate with outstanding experts and partners.
Dipl.-Ing. Dominik Breitfuss, BSc, BSc
Structural Simulation & Engineering Lead (Virtual Vehicle Research GmbH)
Dominik is a mechanical and industrial engineer with a focus on finite element simulations and structural mechanics. He leads technical development projects by combining solid engineering expertise with a deep understanding of complex systems – from modeling to the implementation of sustainable solutions.
Vishwas Kulkarni, MSc, BSc
CFD & Thermal Simulation Specialist (Virtual Vehicle Research GmbH)
Vishwas is an aerospace engineer specializing in CFD, heat transfer, and aerodynamics. He develops numerical models for e-powertrain components and integrates machine learning into flow-based simulation processes. His work enables robust and efficient design of modern energy systems.
BE Energy GmbH
Utility
BE Energy GmbH, Austria’s largest wind farm operator, supports our project by providing retired wind turbine blades as well as valuable research and measurement data. Their partnership enables us to combine renewable energy expertise with maritime innovation, paving the way for a more sustainable shipping industry.
BE EnergyPublic Awareness and Recognition
The public interest in the implementation of our project is considerable. This is reflected not only in the coverage by leading and industry-relevant media outlets, but also in the successful approval of a publicly funded research project. In addition, a development project proposal has been submitted and is currently under review. The decision is still pending. The combination of media visibility and institutional recognition highlights the urgency and relevance of our solution for a more sustainable maritime future.
trend.
Business magazine
Austria’s leading business magazine trend approached us and featured our project in their article “Schub für digitale Innovation”, highlighting our innovative approach to combining wind energy and maritime transport in the context of digital transformation and sustainable technology.
Trend-Article
Austrian Research Promotion Agency
Public Funding
We proudly acknowledge the public funding agency supporting us from the early beginning.
Austrian Research Agency
European Commission
EU executive body
The European Commission has recognized our project as an official EDIH Success Story, showcasing Klima-Sail as one of Europe’s most promising digital and sustainable innovations. Our smart sail system for cargo ships was presented to a jury and will soon compete in the selection of the best EDIH projects.
European CommissionWhat Drives Us
Climate protection needs scalable solutions.
We believe in the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and family entrepreneurship – to create technologies that matter.
Want to learn more, support us, or become part of the journey?
Get in touch
Address:
Stockingfeld, 5760 Saalfelden
Lichtensteinstrasse, 1090 Vienna
Phone:
+43 664-381-4477