Marine Technology Excellence Hub

What MarTe is

MarTe is a Horizon Europe project running from 2025 to 2028. It brings together partners from Estonia and Latvia and has a wider Baltic Sea region focus. The project connects researchers, companies, public organisations and costal communities to support new ideas and practical solutions linked to the sea. 

The project responds to a clear regional need. The blue economy — the sectors connected to the sea  —  has strong potential in this region, but marine innovation is still developiong unevenly compared to more advanced European areas. New ideas need better support to reach real use. 

MarTe helps build a more connected innovation environment where knowledge, cooperation and practical support make it easier for marine ideas to move forward.

What MarTe does 

MarTe partners analyse what the marine innovation ecosystem needs in order to grow. They identify gaps and opportunities linked to regulation, testing conditions, skills, mentoring, investment readiness and cooperation between sectors. 

Based on this work, MarTe develops practical tools and recommendations that help the sector move forward. These include ecosystem analysis, policy recommendations, action and investment plans, testbed and incubator concepts, training activities and support for pilot projects through the Open Call. 

This helps future marine technology ideas move closer to real use and supports stronger cooperation between research, business, the public sector and communities. 

Marine innovation support tools 

• Baltic Sea Marine Testbed Concept 
  By December 2026 
  A framework for testing and validating new marine technologies and solutions in real sea conditions. 
• Marine Data Platform 
  By May 2026 
  A digital platform for collecting, sharing and analysing marine data. 
• Ice Field Forecasting Framework 
  By December 2027 
  A model that improves forecasting of sea ice conditions to support maritime operations and safety. 
• Sustainable Use of Hydrogen By-products 
  By May 2026 
  Research on how hydrogen production by-products can be reused in sustainable marine and industrial applications. 
• BlueInnovation Open Call 
  Opening in early 2027 
  Funding and mentoring support for pilot projects that test new ideas and solutions in marine technology and the sustainable blue economy. 

Strategy and policy development 

• Policy Review and Recommendations 
  By June 2026 
  An analysis and comparison of relevant policies and regulations in Estonia and Latvia, including gaps that affect testing, innovation and sustainable use of marine resources. 
• Action & Investment Planning 
  Developed during 2026 - 2028 
  Strategic plans that identify priority investments and actions for developing marine innovation. 
• Research & Innovation Strategy 
  By December 2028 
  A joint strategy defining future priorities for research and innovation. 

Ecosystem development and knowledge sharing 

• Trainings & Seminars 
  During 2025–2028 
  Activities that support knowledge exchange and skills development across the marine innovation ecosystem. 
• Publications 
  During 2025–2028 
  Open-access scientific publications based on project results. 

Who is involved

Research institutions: Tallinn University of Technology (TALTECH), University of Tartu (UTARTU), Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS), Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology (LHEI).

Public sector institutions: Estonian Environmental Investment Centre (EIC), Kurzeme Planning Region (KPR), Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), Saare Development Centre (SAK).

Industry representatives: Association of Estonian Marine Industries (MERLI), Freeport of Ventspils Authority (PV).

Communities and conservation organisations:  World Wide Fund for Nature of Latvia (WWF), Baltic Coasts Association (BK), Saaremaa Leader Action Group (SKK).

Stay informed 

Follow project developments, events, opportunities and be the first to hear about the upcoming Open Call for BlueInnovation, supporting new pilot projects and innovative marine technology solutions.

Project focus

The project 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.