Technology Transfer Office Attends Demo Day for 6th Techseed Programme

The Techseed programme supports the development of innovative solutions for the maritime industry in the areas of sustainability, renewable energy, and advanced marine technologies. Over the course of eight months, participants developed their projects under the guidance of mentors, benefiting from business workshops, expert consultations, and support in preparing investor pitches.

During the event, five teams presented their solutions addressing the contemporary challenges of the maritime and defence sectors:

• Jastrząb – a drone detection system designed to protect critical infrastructure,
• Nanomilitary – nano-technology based solutions for the defence and space sectors,
• Raylock System – a drone flight path tracking platform,
• Raywatch – an intelligent IoT system enabling early detection of electrical system failures on vessels;
• Subsee – autonomous underwater vehicles and robots aimed at increasing the safety of maritime operations.

The projects were evaluated by a jury consisting of representatives from the Gdańsk Entrepreneurship Foundation STARTER, Gdynia Maritime University, Infoshare, Bitdefender, and Cobin Angels. The primary criteria for evaluation were the commercial appeal of the idea and the market readiness of the solution. 

The Subsee team was unanimously declared the winner of the 6th iteration of the programme. They presented an innovative solution for the automated assessment of vessel hull fouling levels prior to port entry.  The project addresses the issue of biofouling – the accumulation of organisms on ship hulls – which can lead to the spread of invasive species and negatively impact the marine environment. The solution also assists shipowners and ports in meeting environmental requirements and biosecurity procedures.  Crucially, the core of the Subsee team consists of Gdynia Maritime University graduates – further cause for pride for the University.

The event highlighted the vital role of the Techseed programme in driving innovation within the maritime sector and supporting start-ups and young entrepreneurs through access to expert knowledge and industry contacts. Demo Day also provided an excellent opportunity to build networks between start-ups, investors, tech sector representatives, and the wider innovation ecosystem.

Participation in the event aligns with the core objectives and activities undertaken by the Technology Transfer Office under Task No. 1, 'Development Incubator', of the non-competitive project entitled 'Science4Business – ‘Biznes Dla Nauki’ (link: https://umg.edu.pl/science4business). The initiative aims to strengthen cooperation between the scientific and business communities while enhancing the efficiency of knowledge and technology transfer.

The activity is carried out under Task No. 1, 'Development Incubator', of the non-competitive project entitled 'Science4Business – Science for Business', co-financed by the European Union under Measure 2.5 of the European Funds for a Modern Economy Programme 2021–2027.