DERMA will focus on developing new healthcare technologies to improve the quality of life of the ageing population –a key EU priority (Art. 18 EU reg. 1303/2013). We will advance capabilities in the management of dermal ulcers and the related skin condition, peristomal inflammation, with focus on our established technologies using marine materials. By 2025 more than 20% of Europeans will be 65 or older, a vulnerable group in relation to illness. This is a crossborder phenomenon that will challenge healthcare providers. Ulceration of the extremities of this group is a major societal challenge. Moreover, the presence of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, fungating tumours and longterm immobilisation, exposes all age groups to dermal ulceration. Dermal ulcers account for 24% of the total EU healthcare budget. Venous leg ulceration affects 1% of the EU population with costs of €10,000 per patient (EU total is €6.5 billion per annum). There are 700,000 ostomates in the EU who face the problem of inflammation, infection and pain of the peristomal (surrounding) skin. DERMA will apply its technologies for innovative solutions for the management and treatment of such dermal skin conditions. The wound care market is worth €16 billion worldwide. The expected developed dressings will be more effective and require less frequent replacement and thus will reduce wound management costs by an estimated 30%, with cost savings in excess of the ERDF contribution.