The regional research alliance BlueHealthTech will receive an additional €6.75 million in funding from the Federal Ministry of Research to support its implementation phase until the end of 2028, bringing the total funding to €15 million. Prof. Dr Anton Eisenhauer from GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel coordinates the alliance. BlueHealthTech aims to harness the ocean’s potential for developing innovative health technologies, thereby creating new long-term economic prospects for northern Germany.
The BlueHealthTech research alliance is receiving a total of €15 million in funding from the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) until the end of 2028, as part of the federal programme WIR! – Change through Innovation in the Region. At the interim evaluation in June 2025, the alliance presented its expanded strategic concept. Following a positive review by an expert panel, the remaining €6.75 million for the second funding phase has now been approved.
“The fact that we have been awarded the maximum funding sum is impressive recognition of our work to date,” says Prof. Dr Anton Eisenhauer, Professor of Marine Environmental Geochemistry at the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, and coordinator of the BlueHealthTech alliance. “This vote of confidence is both encouragement and obligation. Together with our partners and the expert BlueHealthTech advisory board, we will make progress in the second funding phase to develop a maritime health economy that will benefit medicine and the people in our region.”
The BMFTR expert panel praised BlueHealthTech, commending it as a scientifically excellent alliance with a clear strategic direction and professional structure. They also recognised the exceptional fit of its innovation field with the region.
Broad Partnerships for a Maritime Health Economy
BlueHealthTech currently brings together over 70 partners in a regional alliance that is driving innovation-based structural change in the healthcare sector around Kiel. The network was initiated by a steering group consisting of Kiel University (CAU), Stryker Trauma GmbH, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), and GEOMAR. Alongside further partners from academia, industry, and civil society, they are developing processes, products, and business models that harness the ocean as a source of new health technologies, ranging from marine bioactive compounds for pharmaceuticals to novel diagnostic and preventive approaches.
Research Projects with Marine Innovation Power
Since the beginning of the first funding phase in December 2021, the BlueHealthTech alliance has launched over 20 research and development projects, forging new connections between marine science and medicine. Over 60 proposals were submitted in four project calls, which clearly demonstrates the innovative potential at this intersection.
The strategic framework is set by the innovation management team, led by Alliance Coordinator Prof. Dr Anton Eisenhauer and Strategic Manager Prof. Dr Carsten Schultz (CAU).
Two current projects demonstrate how interdisciplinary collaboration can lead to concrete innovations: MorphoMarin combines pharmaceutical research with marine biotechnology. The project aims to make active substances from marine microorganisms usable for bone healing, tissue engineering and cell replacement therapy. The IsoOx project transfers complex analytical methods from marine geochemistry to medicine. This results in a novel procedure for precisely determining oxidative stress, which can damage cells and contribute to chronic diseases.
Looking ahead: Focus on Market Launch and Sustainability
During the second funding phase, the emphasis will be on building on previous results and establishing them as a lasting feature. Inventions and patents will be translated into innovative products and services. The focus will be on diagnostics, therapy, and prevention, with a strong emphasis placed on technology transfer and the development of a sustainable model to secure the alliance’s long-term future.
BlueHealthTech as Innovation Engine Driving Structural Change in Schleswig-Holstein
By linking marine sciences and healthcare, BlueHealthTech is positioning Schleswig-Holstein as a pioneer in ocean-based medical innovation. With over 70 partners from the worlds of research, business, and society, the alliance is promoting the diversification of the regional economy and creating new jobs, particularly in the areas of biomedical research, digital diagnostics, the development of marine bioactive compounds and preventive healthcare.
Prof. Dr Katja Matthes (Director of GEOMAR), Prof. Dr-Ing. Eckhard Quandt (Vice President of CAU), Dr Nils Reimers (Director of R&D at Stryker) and Prof. Dr Jens Scholz (CEO of UKSH) all agree: BlueHealthTech is a prime example of excellent research and outstanding innovation potential in the region. By closely networking marine sciences, medicine and business, concrete solutions for people’s health are being created, as well as an innovation engine for structural change in Schleswig-Holstein.
This article was first published on 8 September by Geomar (via Kiel University website)
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