MERLIN Marketplace (Demo Version/Final Version) (09/2025)

Key messages

1. The MERLIN Project has developed the MERLIN Marketplace, a distinctive platform designed to showcase innovative products and services supporting freshwater ecosystem restoration.

2. The platform enables representatives of natural areas to engage directly with solution providers, fostering potential collaborations to mitigate environmental threats

3. The MERLIN Marketplace was designed to integrate with external platforms, facilitating further development, scalability, and broader adoption.

4. The platform currently hosts 60 registered products and services, including several with a Seal of Excellence, and has 251 active users who are associated with both the platform and its solution providers.

5. The MERLIN Marketplace has been actively promoted, with the MERLIN Innovation Awards (MIA) - held annually from 2023 to 2025 - serving as a key pillar. The MIA recognised innovative restoration solutions and actively connected participants with the Marketplace.

6. Despite extensive outreach and innovative formats such as MIA, motivating companies and restoration managers to engage with the platform remains challenging, highlighting adoption barriers in the sector.

7. Long-term success will depend on leveraging MERLIN Marketplace’s unique niche and target audience while addressing challenges such as limited financial transaction capabilities and relatively low investor engagement.