Call for Innovators: Baltic MUPPETS Project

Focus Areas

• The following section outlines the specific challenges and opportunities available for applicants in two key areas:
  • Cluster 1 – Testing and Piloting Activities
  • Cluster 2 – Feasibility Studies, Market Strategies, and Business Plans.
• These clusters focus on developing innovative solutions for mussel farming and mussel-based products, ultimately creating high value pet food products, with a strong emphasis on testing, market readiness, and scaling up promising ideas.

Challenges

• Challenge 1.1: Test solutions for submerged farms – Assessment of durability and stability of ropes (Sweden)
  • In Sweden, four different types of ropes are used as substrate for the growth of mussels at specific mussel farming sites in the open sea and these ropes perform differently, in terms of harvest biomass per meter rope. The performance of a certain rope-type is different between different farm locations, for example, one type of rope performs well at one farm-site but is useless on another site, presumably because of different environmental conditions. It is difficult to tell in general which type of rope is best, because there is no “one type fits all” solution.
• Challenge 1.2: Test solutions for submerged farms – Regulatory requirements, such as marking systems to document ownership. (Denmark)
  • According to the Danish regulation, all elements on a Mussel farm must be marked with a unique code to identify the equipment owner. The marking system should be robust, and it should allow the read of the unique number after the equipment has been submerged and exposed to biofouling. This includes the development of a marking system with the possibility of identifying unique codes to be applied to the equipment.
• Challenge 1.3: Pilot the solution for submerged farms – New logistic solutions for harvested mussels. (Sweden)
  • In the low saline part of the Baltic Sea, it takes 2 years for a blue mussel to reach good size for harvest. Harvest is performed with a specialized floating harvest machine, and because of the high costs associated with the harvest, it is important to optimize the transport of harvested mussels from the offshore farm to quay.
• Challenge 2.1: Strategy on how to overcome barriers for market entry of new mussel products
  • The project proposal must examine the obstacles to the market introduction of new mussel products – pet food products based on small mussels.
• Challenge 2.2: Strategy to increase consumer acceptance for mussel products
  • The project proposal shall study consumer acceptance for mussel products, especially petfood products, by performing a research analysis of consumer acceptance for mussel products. The proposal should bring detailed characteristics of consumers and their needs regarding mussel-based pet products and provide a tailored strategy for increasing consumer acceptance in Sweden/Germany/Denmark.
• Challenge 2.3: Go-to-market strategy with assessment of willingness to pay for mussel products
  • The project proposal shall study the mussel products market landscape, customer preferences and positioning of mussel products. The proposal should also survey potential customers to gather data on customer preferences regarding the price of mussels’ products. The strategy should cover analysis of pricing models, market surveys and gathering consumer feedback.
• Challenge 2.4: Recommendation for certification to improve mussel production
  • The project proposal shall propose a study of the certification to improve mussel production. This includes a list of standards and benefits for the identified certificates and provide criteria and compliance requirements for each certificate. Additionally, the study should provide relevant information concerning requirements to obtain the certification.
• Challenge 2.5: Sales of goods and services from mussel farming
  • The project proposal shall include a study for market goods and services from mussel farming, including sale of nutrient catch, sales of improved water quality, sales of improved quality of bathing water, sales and relaying of mussels for habitat restoration of biogenic reefs.

Benefits

• Baltic MUPPETS provides an unique opportunity for innovators to make a tangible impact on sustainable mussel farming and product development. They support forward-thinking solutions that enhance local economies and improve Baltic Sea ecosystems. Through funding, collaboration, and real-world testing, they aim to help you bring your ideas to life and scale them to market success.
• Direct Collaboration
  • Work alongside experienced partners in your region, benefiting from cutting-edge submerged farming techniques and expertise in mussel production and pet food innovation.
• Real-World Application
  • Test and pilot your ideas in real-world conditions, with access to Baltic MUPPETS’ mussel farms and other facilities to validate and scale your innovations.

Funding Information 

• Receive up to €50,000 to develop and pilot one of challenges.

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to single applicants that are SMEs or start-ups (micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises).
• Applicants must meet EU criteria for SMEs, which include size, employee count, and turnover requirements.
• Micro, small and medium-sized enterprise (SMEs) will be considered eligible ONLY if complying with the Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC and the SME user guide.
• Geographical Eligibility
  • Entities must be eligible to work in the EU or Horizon Europe associated Member State and have a valid PIC number. Applicants must be legally registered within the 10 specified regions.

For more information, visit Baltic MUPPETS.