Zero Emission Marine Accelerator

Cal EPIC (California Energy, Power, and Innovation Collaborative) proposed Innovation Hub would allow the Zero Emission Marine Accelerator (ZEMA) to develop and assist in the marine decarbonization sector in a 130,000 square foot research, development, and manufacturing space in Sacramento. 

Sacramento is the ideal location for marine decarbonization with SF Bay Area (90 miles), Lake Tahoe (85 miles), Lake Berryessa, Lake Natoma, and the Sacramento and American Rivers all within driving distance. California Energy Commission, California Air Resources Board and CORE staff are within 10 minutes of the innovation hub to see next generation technology and exchange information on funding needs. 

Cal EPIC Innovation Hub has partnerships with Rivian, UC Davis, Greater Sacramento Economic Council, SMUD, Southern California Edison and exploring a partnership with a third utility (PG&E) in addition to partnerships with the City of Sacramento and City of West Sacramento. These partnerships provide proving grounds at local boat launches and parking lots.

ZEMA is a purpose-built ecosystem designed to accelerate the growth of the electric, hydrogen and zero-emission marine ecosystem—connecting innovators, oems, workforce, dealers, infrastructure developers, and capital to drive the future of clean boating.

The Accelerator supports consumer and commercial electric boat manufacturers, propulsion companies, battery and charging providers, and marine service innovators through a structured program that combines workforce development, real-world deployment, market and venture capital access.

At its core, the program delivers hands-on workforce training to prepare technicians, electricians, marina operators, naval architects, and maritime professionals for the electrification of vessels and waterfront infrastructure. Participants gain practical experience in electric propulsion systems, marine battery integration, charging hardware, software, safety standards, and ongoing operations and maintenance—building a skilled talent pipeline aligned with industry needs.

The Accelerator also provides direct access to policymakers and public agencies shaping the future of maritime decarbonization. Through curated briefings, site visits, demonstration projects, and pilot programs, participants engage with state, regional, and federal leaders to inform policy, unlock incentives, and align projects with programs such as CEC, Go-Biz, CARB, DOE, MARAD, and port authorities. This policy engagement ensures innovations move from prototype to permitted, funded, and deployed solutions.

Equally critical, ZEMA connects companies to investors, strategic partners, and customers. Startups and growth-stage companies gain exposure to venture capital, infrastructure investors, utilities, ports, marinas, and fleet operators through demo days, investor roundtables, and curated introductions—accelerating commercialization and scaling.

By bringing together talent, technology, capital, and policy, the Charged Marine Electric Boat Accelerator is building an inclusive, job-creating clean maritime economy—one that modernizes marinas and ports, strengthens domestic manufacturing, and positions electric boating as a cornerstone of the zero-emission transportation future.

Cal EPIC / ZEMA Commitment Options:

  • Dedicated 900 to 1,000 sq ft Space, with access to all Cal EPIC resources (conference rooms, maker manufacturing space). This level of membership gives you a high-level of sponsorships for Cal EPIC events, a sponsored industry dinner in their EPICurious industry leader dinner series, and a speaking slot at a Cal EPIC event or communication during the year. There are only 10 slots available for this level of sponsorship.

  • Flex Space with 100 hours a month of access to co-working space and other Cal EPIC resources. 

  • Manufacturing and Assembly Space @ $2k/sq ft. Plus access to the Manufacturing Lab, which would include welding stations (MIG and TIG), 3D printers, laser cutters, laser welders, graphic vinyl cutters and production, band saws, drill presses, and other heavy duty machinery.  

  • ZEMA Membership 

Why Participate in the Zero-Emission Marine Accelerator (ZEMA)?

1. Help Shape Policy and Industry Standards
 Engage directly in policy and regulatory discussions with federal, state, and local stakeholders to help shape infrastructure, grid readiness, and deployment frameworks that support the growth of the zero-emission marine industry.

2. Gain a Strategic Voice in Industry Decisions
 ZEMA provides members with a seat at the table to address the most pressing challenges facing commercial and marine electrification — including power availability, interconnection timelines, and deployment barriers.

3. Connect with Industry Leaders and Innovators
 Participate in curated networking opportunities, panels, and events alongside OEMs, utilities, infrastructure developers, fleets, ports, marinas, and technology providers advancing zero-emission solutions.

4. Elevate Your Organization’s Visibility
 Increase your profile through exclusive briefings, public-facing events, and industry showcases that highlight your leadership within the zero-emission transportation and marine ecosystem.

5. Collaborate on Research and Best Practices
 Contribute to working groups, research initiatives, and thought leadership — including reports and white papers — that establish best practices and accelerate adoption of clean transportation technologies.

6. Stay Informed with Actionable Industry Insights
 Access curated insights, market intelligence, and technical resources focused on infrastructure development, grid integration, and scalable solutions for medium- and heavy-duty and marine electrification.

 


Who Participates in ZEMA?

ZEMA brings together a diverse, cross-sector coalition of vessel OEMs, charging and energy solution providers, utilities, fleets, ports, marinas, and engineering and technology partners — creating a powerful collaborative platform to advance zero-emission transportation on land and water.


For Tours or Questions: 

Ollie Danner, Founder ZEMA, ollie@joinzema.com 

Orville Thomas, CEO Cal EPIC, orvile@calepic.com



Water Access

Sacramento River Marinas:

  • Sacramento Marina (10 minutes)

  • Riverbank Marina (10 minutes)

  • River View Marina (15 minutes)

  • Miller Park Marina (15 minutes)

Lakes Near Sacramento: 

  • Lake Natoma/Sacramento State University Aquatic Center (20 minutes)

  • Folsom Lake (30 minutes)

  • Lake Berryessa - DCFC coming April 2026 - (1 hour)

  • Clear Lake (1.5 hours) 

  • Lake Tahoe - DCFC available (1.5 hours) 

Bays: 

  • Suisun Bay (45 minutes) 

  • Grizzly Bay (45 minutes) 

  • San Pablo Bay (1.25 hours)

  • Sausalito Marina - DCFC available (1.25 hours)

  • San Francisco Bay (1.5 hours)

Ports: 

  • Port of West Sacramento (30 minutes)

  • Port of Stockton (1 hour)  

  • Pittsburg/Contra Costa Green Empowerment Zone (1 hour)

  • Port of San Francisco (1.5 hours)