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Illuminating Depths, Safeguarding Seas - A Fraunhofer Institute Initiative for Advanced AI Underwater

30/06/2024

Winter Semester 2023 / Fraunhofer

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

In collaboration with the renowned Fraunhofer IOSB Institute, our project delved into the realm of underwater biodiversity monitoring under the banner of Project UFOTriNet. The initiative seeks to lay a foundation for future technology transfer endeavors for Fraunhofer IOSBs newest generation of AI-powered underwater monitoring systems.

Goal

The primary objective was to conduct comprehensive market research and identify potential fields of application for an underwater biodiversity monitoring AI algorithm currently under development by Fraunhofer. In collaboration with experts in the field, our intention was to gather information through insightful interviews. Additionally, the market aimed at establishing a first contact into industry and to potential users of Fraunhofer’ innovation. The overarching objective was to combine the research work with the empirical information and thus make a clear recommendation for further action about which markets to tackle and how to proceed in doing so.

Methodology

The market research conducted for the UFOTriNet employed a comprehensive methodology combining secondary research from diverse sources and 14 expert interviews. This approach was designed to provide a thorough understanding of potential fields of application as well as ensuring a robust foundation for the project's strategic recommendations. The initial phase of our methodology involved an extensive review of scientific literature, industry reports, and market analyses relevant to the project's focus. To complement the insights gained from secondary research, we conducted targeted expert interviews with key stakeholders in relevant industries. Our expert interviewees included industry professionals, decision makers and lead scientists who possessed in-depth knowledge of the market landscape.

Results

As the Project UFOTriNet concludes its market research phase, we have unearthed valuable insights that will guide the development of advanced underwater monitoring solutions. During the course of our research eight potential application fields were chosen to be thoroughly looked into. Among which the most prominent turned out to be the offshore wind energy industry, marine protected areas, sustainable fisheries, fish bypasses as well as research institutes. Furthermore, an overview of potential commercialization strategies was given and put into context of Fraunhofer’s innovation.

Concluding from the literature research and the conducted expert interviews, a clear set of recommendations was given. To ensure a successful market entry, our primary recommendation is to adopt a beachhead market strategy, focusing on a specific niche or target market. Given the current market development of the offshore industry combined with its great will to be as sustainable as possible, we propose to concentrate efforts on penetrating this market. Next steps should be exploiting the contacts to the offshore wind industry we established by following up on invitations to different conferences and engaging in additional product validation with present experts and representatives. Additionally, we recommend contacting the interview partners from the fish bypass industry, who already work with AI-based monitoring systems and to look into including eDNA as a parameter as it currently enjoys a very prominent and innovative status in research and could potentially increase the functionality as well as the prominence of the innovation.

Cooperation Partner

Contact Person 

Student Team

  • Benjamin Rabl

  • Lea Krammer

  • Nikolas Schmid

  • Alexander Bründlinger

  • Sophia de Lijzer

  • Viktoria Hönig

Project Manager

  • Peter Vandor

  • Reinhard Millner

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