MARTE Project Launched in Pärnu

On February 6–7, 2025, the international kick-off seminar of the MarTe project took place in Pärnu, bringing together leading experts, researchers and different interest groups in the field of marine innovation and the blue economy from Estonia and Latvia. The project Marine Technology Excellence Hub for Sustainable Blue Economy in the Baltics (MarTe) is an initiative funded by the Horizon Europe program, aimed at advancing top-level marine research and innovation in the Baltic Sea region and strengthening cooperation between research institutions, businesses, the public sector and coastal communities.

The project involves key research and development institutions: Estonian Environmental Investment Centre, Tallinn University of Technology, University of Tartu, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology, Kurzeme Planning Region, Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, Association of Estonian Marine Industries, Saare Development Centre (SAK), Freeport of Ventspils Authority, Baltic Coasts Association, World Wide Fund for Nature of Latvia and Saaremaa Leader Action Group.

The main objectives of the MarTe project are:

• Establishing a research and innovation excellence hub to support the development of the blue economy;
• Developing a joint research and innovation strategy for Estonia and Latvia, focusing on sustainable marine use;
• Strengthening collaboration between science and industry to support the development and implementation of innovative technologies;
• Creating investment and action plans to foster marine innovation;
• Launching the Blue Innovation Open Call to support new innovative solutions in marine technology;
• Organizing awareness-raising and training programs to enhance regional research and innovation capacities.

During the kick-off seminar, the project’s strategic directions, partner roles and collaboration opportunities were introduced.

„The MarTe project allows us to engage all key stakeholders to carefully assess Estonia’s and Latvia’s strengths and opportunities in the development, commercialization and adoption of sustainable marine technology solutions. A sustainable blue economy innovation strategy will be created to identify our position in this field and contribute to global value chains. Moreover, the blue economy and marine technology could serve as a niche sector where our region excels in technology adoption. This market is expanding globally, requires innovation and does not compete on production scale, making it an ideal space for the region to pioneer breakthrough solutions,” said Anni Hartikainen, R&D adviser of the Association of Estonian Marine Industries and one of the main initiators of the project.

The project will run for four years, resulting in practical solutions and policy recommendations that support the development of the blue economy in Estonia and Latvia. The project is funded by the European Union.