Austria: Sharkskin riblets make for a smooth ride

A shark’s skin possesses microstructures that reduce friction in water, making them ultra hydrodynamic. Mirroring this biological marvel, Austrian company Bionic Surface Technologies develops riblets that can coat the outside of aircrafts, ships and industrial components.

The shark skin-inspired riblets have sparked curiosity in Austria, with local readers of a news article on Bionic Surface Technologies believing the company was harvesting shark skins to coat airplanes. Rest assured, the riblets are instead an engineering feat made from metal or plastic that, when applied to vehicles and equipment, improve aerodynamic and hydrodynamic efficiency.

Bionic Surface Technologies optimised its riblet films and coatings in several targeted Eureka projects. Partnering with universities, companies and end-users in Spain, Montenegro, Germany, Japan, Denmark and the United States, the Austrian company analysed computational fluid dynamics simulations, innovated in new materials and created large-scale prototypes. The output was a breakthrough surface design that delivers a 60% higher performance than traditional shark skin riblets. Bionic Surface Technologies are marketing this product as Beyond Riblets.

Participating in Eureka projects transformed our technology from research to real-world application. The international collaboration, funding support and visibility enabled us to validate and scale our Beyond Riblets technology. Eureka not only accelerated commercialisation but also strengthened our innovation culture, positioning Bionic Surface Technologies as a global leader in sustainable surface technologies.

Dr. Andreas Flanschger – Chief Executive Officer at Bionic Surface Technologies

The international collaboration helped to establish robust manufacturing processes for applying and maintaining the riblets and validating their performance in demanding real-world environments. Bionic Surface Technologies overcame the challenge of scaling laboratory-proven concepts to durable certified industrial applications.

Facilitated by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG), Eureka’s international ecosystem allowed the company to work directly with future customers and regulators in the aviation and shipping industries, ensuring market relevance from the outset. Eureka’s framework has fostered openness to cocreation, a multidisciplinary approach and a resultsoriented innovation mindset, positively shaping Bionic Surface Technologies’ organisational culture.

The outcomes have been transformative: Bionic Surface Technologies expanded its workforce, accelerated commercialisation and entered new markets. Eureka’s support directly translated into industrial validation and tangible commercial growth stemming from Beyond Riblets. Ultimately, Bionic Surface Technologies was empowered to grow from a deep tech small- and medium-sized enterprise into a recognised global leader in efficiency-enhancing surface technologies.

From the outset, Bionic Surface Technologies has been committed to addressing global challenges such as energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. With Beyond Riblets, the Austrian company offers an effective aid: the application of its riblet technology delivers measurable drag reduction potential of up to 14%, contributing to sustainable decarbonisation in the aviation and shipping industries.

Beyond Riblets has already seen widespread adoption across aircraft, ships and industrial components, demonstrating both its durability and real-world performance. Now, Bionic Surface Technologies is poised to speed aerodynamically to greater commercial success.