In early 2027, as part of the MarTe project under the European Union’s “Horizon Europe” program, an open call for proposals for marine technology innovations is planned, with funding available for six projects – up to 60 000 euros each. Funding 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 government agencies discussed opportunities and prerequisites for the development of marine technologies.
The two-day seminar, “Development of the Blue Economy: Challenges, Solutions, and Future Directions,” took place at the Latvian Maritime Academy of Riga Technical University (RTU). Participants learned about the MarTe research and innovation strategy and discussed attracting investment, testing technologies, and bringing new solutions to market. The seminar was held as part of the MarTe project, in which the Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIAA) is also a partner.
Testing and Market Access Are Essential for the Growth of Marine Technologies
The seminar featured a presentation of the MarTe research and innovation strategy, with a vision to bring together and coordinate various local blue economy innovation initiatives. Latvia is home to research institutions, engineering companies, and ports with relevant expertise, but further growth requires closer collaboration 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 NGOs, and policymakers assessed opportunities to accelerate the market entry of new technologies. Particular attention was paid to the commercialization of research results, attracting investment, and opportunities for companies to find their first customers.
The presentations highlighted several promising areas of development – smart ports and shipping technologies, marine data solutions, the use of renewable energy, and sustainable management of marine resources. Participants also emphasized the need to coordinate collaboration among research, business, and the public sector so that innovation development is more closely aligned with the sector’s practical needs.
Latvian companies are already demonstrating practical marine technology solutions
Seminar participants had the opportunity to see firsthand the technological solutions used and developed in Latvia. The company LVR Flote demonstrated an unmanned surface vessel used for hydrographic surveys, while the Ventspils-based company Aspired presented a boat.
At the RTU Latvian Maritime Academy, participants explored a ship engine room simulator, maritime communications equipment, as well as the technological capabilities of RTU SkyLab and the Product Development Center.
The seminar also addressed marine environmental safety, including the risks posed by munitions dumped in the Baltic Sea and opportunities for scientific research on them.
The solutions demonstrated highlight the diversity of Latvia’s maritime technology development – ranging from navigation safety and environmental monitoring to the use of new materials and more efficient resource management.
Up to 60 000 euros are earmarked for each of the six innovation projects
As part of the MarTe project, an open innovation competition called BlueInnovation is scheduled to be announced in early 2027, open to startups, small and medium-sized enterprises, technology developers, and other interested parties from the Baltic Sea region.
The competition aims to support six early-stage innovation projects, awarding up to 60 000 euros to each for prototype development, testing, and further technology development. In addition to funding, the selected projects will receive individual mentoring support to assess the practical application of their solutions, prepare for attracting investment, and develop sustainable business models.
The competition’s priorities will include the use of renewable energy at sea, smart ships and ports, the sustainable use of marine resources, and the protection of marine ecosystems. Detailed competition terms and conditions and the application process are scheduled to be published in January 2027.
LIAA is involved in developing opportunities for innovation and commercialization in marine technology
LIAA is one of the partners in the MarTe project, which brings together research institutions, business organizations, ports, and public sector representatives from Latvia and Estonia. The project assesses the maritime innovation ecosystem, develops technology testing capabilities, and formulates proposals for commercializing research results and attracting investment.
LIAA’s participation in the project aligns with the agency’s operational priorities: fostering innovative entrepreneurship, attracting investment, and strengthening the international competitiveness of Latvian companies. The development of marine technologies opens up additional opportunities for creating new high-value-added products and entering export markets.
The MarTe project brings together 13 partners from Latvia and Estonia. Its total funding amounts to approximately five million euros, and implementation is scheduled to continue through 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 competition is available on the website www.marinetechub.eu.
About the Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIAA)
LIAA promotes the competitiveness of Latvian businesses, export growth, and the attraction of investment, while also developing the tourism sector and implementing the country’s image policy. The agency acts as the government’s partner in business development—from the initial idea to international markets. With an extensive network of representative offices abroad and regional business centers in Latvia, LIAA helps companies grow and positions Latvia as a safe, innovative, and open country in the global economy.