On February 6–7, 2025, the international kick-off seminar of the MarTe project took place in Pärnu, Estonia, 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 programme, aimed at advancing top-level marine research and innovation in the Baltic Sea region and strengthening cooperation between research institutions, businesses, 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, Freeport of Ventspils Authority, Baltic Coasts Association, World Wide Fund for Nature - 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 programmes 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 Marine Technology Competence Centre leads the TalTech's activities within the project, with support from the Marine Systems Institute. Prof. Kristjan Tabri “The MarTe project was initiated to assess and leverage Estonia's and Latvia's strengths in sustainable marine technology, aiming to create a blue economy innovation strategy and position the region as a pioneering leader in this expanding, innovation-driven market."
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.
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