The object
Gustav Hasselskog developed Candela's electric hydrofoil boats, combining foil-borne hulls with battery propulsion to reduce drag and energy use. The manufactured vessels moved electric boating from incremental propulsion changes toward a practical hydrofoil platform for private craft and passenger ferries.
What Gustav did
Invented patented electric-hydrofoil vessel hardware used in Candela boats and developed the company's foil-borne electric craft platform.
Why it matters
Candela describes itself as a global leader in electric hydrofoil vessels, while Hasselskog's named patents document his direct hardware-invention role.
Living-status check
Candela's April 2026 transition announcement quotes Hasselskog as its founder and chief executive, positive evidence he was alive and active in 2026.