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MoU (vlnr) Wirtschafts-Staatssekretärin Julia Carstens, Jan Christian Kaack, Inspekteur der Deutschen Marine Vizeadmiral und WTSH Geschäftsführer
Economy
6. March 2026
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New partnership between TechHUB SVI Nord and the German Navy

WTSH and the German Navy sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

The Schleswig-Holstein innovation network for the security and defence industry, “TechHUB SVI Nord”, is collaborating with the Royal Navy.

To mark the launch event of TechHUB SVI Nord, a joint Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formally signed today in Kiel by the Inspector of the German Navy, Vice Admiral Jan Christian Kaack, and WTSH Managing Director Hans-Peter Petersen. Representatives from TechHUB SVI Nord’s partner institutions and companies were also present for the MoU signing. The subsequent launch event featured specialist presentations and an informal exchange.

Joint initiative for maritime safety technologies

TechHUB SVI Nord is a joint initiative of the State Government of Schleswig-Holstein and stakeholders from industry, business development and academia. The network aims to create the best possible conditions in the ‘real north’ to accelerate the development of maritime security technologies to the point of application readiness, thereby establishing Schleswig-Holstein in the long term as a leading location for maritime dual-use innovation. In this context, dual-use applications refer to products and technologies that can be used for both civilian and military purposes.

At the launch event, attended by around 170 guests, State Secretary for Economic Affairs Julia Carstens emphasised that the ‘Real North’ offers an ideal environment for the new innovation centre.

Global changes in security policy call for a new form of cross-sectoral and inter-departmental cooperation: Schleswig-Holstein’s response to these challenges is the TechHUB SVI Nord. Direct access to the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, a strong maritime industry, an excellent research environment and close links with the Navy make Schleswig-Holstein an ideal location for this innovation network.

Julia Carstens
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Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business 

Through our partnership with WTSH, we are not only gaining a reliable partner, but also gaining access to the TechHUB Security and Defence Industry North in Schleswig-Holstein. Our Navy needs this exchange. It is of vital importance when it comes to our future viability, our operational readiness and, most importantly, our ability to hold our own in a potential conflict.

Vice Admiral Jan Christian Kaack
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Inspector of the German Navy 

The network’s secretariat is based at Wirtschaftsförderung und Technologietransfer Schleswig-Holstein GmbH (WTSH).

TechHUB SVI Nord sees itself as a neutral platform for collaboration. Its aim is to drive innovation in a targeted manner and to pool technological expertise. Our focus is on networking and initiating collaborations and projects. Our joint efforts are intended to support the development and commercialisation of maritime defence technologies.

Hans-Peter Petersen 
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Managing Director of WTSH

Objectives and stakeholders of the initiative

The services offered by TechHUB SVI Nord include, amongst other things, targeted networking between industry, academia and public institutions, access to trial and test infrastructure, dialogue with military and civilian users, and comprehensive advice on procurement processes.

As early as 24 September 2025, 15 partner institutions had committed to participating in the network in a joint Letter of Intent (LOI).

The signatories include: Anschütz GmbH, Bayern Innovativ GmbH, CAU – Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, CAU Innovation GmbH, HAW Kiel, FEZ – Research and Development Centre of Kiel University of Applied Sciences GmbH, GERMAN NAVAL YARDS Kiel GmbH, IHK Schleswig-Holstein, KiWi GmbH, the State Government of Schleswig-Holstein, Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH, TKMS, VdW.SH e.V., Wissenschaftszentrum Kiel GmbH and WTSH GmbH.

Responsible for this press release:
Ute Leinigen | WTSH Wirtschaftsförderung und Technologietransfer Schleswig-Holstein GmbH | Lorentzendamm 24, 24103 Kiel | Telephone 0431 66666 820 | Email: leinigen@wtsh.de | www.wtsh.de

Harald Haase | Ministry of Economic Affairs, Transport, Labour, Technology and Tourism | Düsternbrooker Weg 94, 24105 Kiel | Telephone 0431 988-4420 | Fax 0431 988-4705 | Email: pressestelle@wimi.landsh.de | State Government press releases online: www.schleswig-holstein.de

Header image: WTSH

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