University of Tartu cooperates with Gelatex Technologies OÜ, a technology company producing innovative materials

On 17 September, the University of Tartu signed a cooperation agreement with Gelatex Technologies OÜ, a technology company operating in the field of materials science. The partnership focuses on research and development, knowledge transfer, and traineeship and study opportunities for students.

The Estonian deep-tech company Gelatex Technologies OÜ develops and manufactures nanofibre materials using its patented HaloSpinning™ technology. The company was established in 2016 by Märt-Erik Martens and Mari-Ann Meigo Fonseca, both alumni of the University of Tartu.

The company has developed an innovative nanofibre production technology with a wide range of applications, from medicine to the food industry. Compared to traditional electrospinning-based methods, HaloSpinning™ offers a significantly more cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative, enabling the production of nanofibre and microstructured materials faster, in larger volumes, and with lower energy consumption, using a broad selection of polymers – biodegradable and biostable, natural and synthetic. This makes it possible to develop entirely new materials and products for medicine (e.g., wound care, implants, tissue engineering), pharmaceutics, cosmetics, and food technology. Gelatex’s technology makes the use of nanofibres feasible even in areas where it was previously considered too expensive or complex.

Märt-Erik Martens, representative of Gelatex Technologies OÜ, sees significant potential in developing nanofibre technology through collaboration with the University of Tartu. “The growth of our company is directly linked to the best scientific knowledge and specialists. The cooperation agreement with the University of Tartu gives us the opportunity to work more closely with the university, contribute to the development of new materials, and offer students topics that are strategically important for our company. This ensures access to cutting-edge knowledge and helps create innovative solutions,” said Martens.

The framework agreement between the University of Tartu and Gelatex Technologies OÜ opens the door to extensive collaboration, including joint research and development projects, intersectoral doctoral studies, and traineeship opportunities for University of Tartu students. It also lays the foundation for offering opportunities for degree studies and continuing education and the provision of thesis topics.