Jacky (Neptune Robotics)

Overview

Jacky Im is the Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Neptune Robotics, a prominent company specializing in robotic solutions for the maritime industry. Founded in 2018 and based in Hong Kong, Neptune Robotics aims to revolutionize ship maintenance by providing advanced, AI-powered hull cleaning technology. This technology is designed to optimize fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, making significant strides towards the industry's decarbonization goals. Under Jacky Im’s leadership, Neptune Robotics has played a key role in developing underwater robots that scrape algae, barnacles, and other biofouling from ships' hulls, thus improving operational efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

Recent Developments

June 2025: Neptune Robotics announced it raised $17.4 million in Series A funding to expand its operations, showcasing significant investor confidence in robotics-led maritime solutions.
April 2025: Featured in a report by IndiaTimes, Neptune's robots were highlighted as impactful tools in reducing carbon emissions within the shipping industry.
November 2024: Neptune Robotics expanded its service network by launching operations in Singapore, as reported by PR Asia. This move strategically positioned the company to handle the rising demand for multi-port vessel cleaning.
March 2024: Bloomberg and Japan Times highlighted the technological advancements and contributions of Neptune Robotics in improving ship efficiency through robotic hull cleaning.
January 2024: The company was recognized by various industry reports as a leading player in robotics for maritime decarbonization.

Personal Information

Attribute	Information
Full Name	Jacky Im
Born	Hong Kong
Nationality	Chinese
Occupation	Co-founder & CTO of Neptune Robotics
Known For	Underwater robotics and maritime decarbonization
Net Worth	Not publicly disclosed
Education	The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Early Life and Education

Jacky Im was born in Hong Kong, where he developed a keen interest in technology and innovation from an early age. He pursued higher education at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, where he specialized in robotics and engineering. During his university years, Jacky was actively involved in several robotics competitions, honing his skills and passion for underwater robotics. His educational background set a strong foundation for his future endeavors in the technology sector, ultimately leading to the co-founding of Neptune Robotics.

Career and Notable Achievements

Jacky Im embarked on his professional journey by co-founding Neptune Robotics in 2018 alongside Elizabeth Chan and Kate Ma. Together, they aimed to address key environmental challenges facing the maritime industry by leveraging robotic technology.

2018: Co-founded Neptune Robotics, focusing on decarbonization through robotic hull cleaning.
2023-2025: Expanded Neptune’s operations to over 61 ports globally, including major expansions into markets like Singapore and Mainland China.
2017: Won the IET Young Professionals Exhibition & Competition for a dynamic underwater robot project.
2013-2014: Secured championships in the Hong Kong Regional Underwater Robotics Competition.

Current Work and Impact

Currently, Jacky Im spearheads Neptune Robotics' technology development, focusing on enhancing the efficiency and scalability of hull cleaning robots. These robots are pivotal in reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions by up to 30% by preventing the spread of marine biofouling. Jacky continues to push the boundaries of AI and robotics, contributing to global maritime sustainability. His work at Neptune Robotics ensures the company remains at the forefront of eco-friendly shipping solutions, with a mission to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Conclusion

Jacky Im’s vision and technological expertise have significantly impacted the maritime industry through eco-friendly, efficient robotic solutions. By enhancing ship hull maintenance and reducing emissions, his contributions align with global sustainability goals. As Neptune Robotics continues to expand its operations worldwide, Jacky Im's leadership and innovation position him as a pivotal figure in maritime decarbonization. His enduring legacy will likely inspire further advancements in robotic applications for environmental conservation in the shipping industry.