At the beginning of 2027, an open call for marine technology innovations is scheduled to be launched under the European Union’s “Horizon Europe” project MarTe, allocating funding for six projects—up to €60,000 each. Support will be available for the development, testing, and preparation for commercialization of new technologies. On November 5 and 6 in Riga, industry entrepreneurs, researchers, and representatives of ports, environmental organizations, and public administration discussed the development opportunities and prerequisites for marine technologies.
The two-day seminar, “Development of the Blue Economy: Challenges, Solutions, and Future Directions of Action,” took place at the Latvian Maritime Academy of Riga Technical University (RTU). Participants were introduced to the MarTe research and innovation strategy and discussed attracting investment, testing technologies, and introducing new solutions to the market. The seminar was held within the framework of the MarTe project, of which the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) is also a partner.
Testing and Market Access Are Essential for Marine Technology Growth
The seminar presented the MarTe research and innovation strategy, with a vision to unite and coordinate various local blue economy innovation initiatives. Latvia is home to research institutions, engineering companies, and ports with relevant competencies; however, further growth requires closer cooperation between science and business, simpler and more transparent access to testing infrastructure, and funding for innovation development.
In the seminar’s working groups, entrepreneurs, researchers, port representatives, environmental non-governmental organizations, and policymakers evaluated ways to accelerate the market entry of new technologies. Particular attention was paid to the commercialization of research results, attracting investments, and helping companies find their first clients.
Presentations highlighted several promising areas for development—smart ports and shipping technologies, marine data solutions, renewable energy utilization, and sustainable management of marine resources. Participants also emphasized the need to coordinate cooperation between research, business, and the public sector so that innovation development is more closely aligned with the practical needs of the industry.
Latvian Companies Already Demonstrate Practical Marine Technology Solutions
Seminar participants had the opportunity to get acquainted in person with technological solutions developed and used in Latvia. The company LVR Flote demonstrated an unmanned surface vessel used for hydrographic measurements, while the Ventspils-based company Aspired presented a boat.
At the RTU Latvian Maritime Academy, participants explored a ship engine room simulator, maritime communication equipment, and the technological capabilities of the RTU SkyLab and Product Development Center.
The seminar also addressed marine environmental safety, including the risks posed by dumped munitions in the Baltic Sea and possibilities for their scientific investigation.
The demonstrated solutions highlight the diversity of Latvia’s marine technology development—from maritime safety and environmental monitoring to the use of new materials and more efficient resource management.
Up to €60,000 Earmarked for Six Innovation Projects
Under the MarTe project, an open innovation call, BlueInnovation, is planned for launch in early 2027, open to startups,small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), technology developers, and other interested parties from the Baltic Sea region.
The call aims to support six early-stage innovation projects, awarding up to €60,000 to each for prototype development,testing, and further technological advancement. In addition to funding, selected projects will receive individual mentoring support to evaluate the practical application of their solutions, prepare for attracting investment, and develop sustainable business models.
The call’s priorities will cover offshore renewable energy utilization, smart ships and ports, sustainable use of marine resources, and the protection of marine ecosystems. Detailed competition rules and application procedures are scheduled to be published in January 2027.
LIAA Engages in Developing Marine Technology Innovation and Commercialization Opportunities
LIAA is one of the partners of the MarTe project, which brings together Latvian and Estonian research institutions,business organizations, ports, and public sector representatives. The project evaluates the marine innovation ecosystem,develops technology testing opportunities, and drafts proposals for the commercialization of research results and investment attraction.
LIAA’s participation in the project aligns with the agency’s operational priorities—developing innovative entrepreneurship, attracting investments, and strengthening the international competitiveness of Latvian companies. The advancement of marine technologies opens up additional opportunities for creating new high-value-added products and tapping into export markets.
The MarTe project unites 13 partners from Latvia and Estonia. Its total funding is approximately five million euros, and implementation is scheduled to run until the end of 2028. The project aims to promote sustainable economic growth in the Baltic Sea region by strengthening cooperation between research, business, and the public sector.
More information about the project and the planned innovation call is available at www.marinetechub.eu.
