The finalists have now been recommended by an expert jury to proceed to the next phase of the competition. In Rostock, a six-month, publicly funded concept development phase involving regional and national stakeholders will begin in May 2020. Under the leadership of the Department of Maritime Systems at the University of Rostock, the Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics Research IGD, the Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde (IOW), and the Research Association Mecklenburg–Western Pomerania e.V. (FMV) aim to further develop the idea of the OTC as an innovation engine for the region. The Rostock vision for the future focuses on developments for the sustainable use of the oceans. After this second round of the competition, the networks selected will receive funding for an initial period of three years, with up to €5 million per year.

Located at the Rostock cargo and fishing port, the OTC creates a productive environment in which ocean-capable high technology can be developed and tested through close collaboration between industry and research across various disciplines. Successful technology transfer from science to product is expected to be further enhanced by this spatial proximity, enabling faster and more effective innovation. This very approach was sought by the BMBF future cluster competition, and the strong regional networking was confirmed by the jury’s selection.

“With the OTC, Rostock can take on a leading role in Germany as a hub for marine technology research in digital underwater technology. Science and industry, regional and local stakeholders are working together. I am pleased that this forward-looking project has received great recognition not only locally but also beyond state borders. I congratulate the OTC on this success and wish it every success in the next round of the competition,” said Science Minister Bettina Martin.

The Rector of the University of Rostock also welcomed the success in the first round: “Being selected for the next round of the ideas competition has brought nationwide recognition to our practice-oriented research partnership in Rostock. We are eager to see how we can meet the high expectations placed on the Ocean Technology Campus during the concept development phase.”

• Ocean Technology Campus in Rostock