Osteochondral defects are caused by severe trauma, sports injuries or disease (osteoarthritis), which lead to joint pain and deformity. In 2012 in the US, an estimated 31 million people suffered from osteoarthritis, of which 9.2% had osteochondral defects. The project proposal aims to develop an innovative strategy for osteochondral regeneration by creating a novel, biodegradable, composite hydrogel based on natural polypeptides (gelatin), natural polysaccharide components (glycosaminoglycans) and Si-bioceramics (hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate enriched with silica and akermanite) containing small molecules (flavonoids). A key aspect is the use of Si-bioceramics as a better alternative to conventional bioceramics. The enrichment of the composite hydrogel with flavonoids (icariin and quercetin) as growth factor replacers will improve bone and cartilage healing. Physico-chemical and structural analysis of the composite hydrogel will be performed by spectrometry, X-ray diffractometry, Raman spectroscopy, ion-chromatography and mathematical modelling of the crystallisation process. The validation of the functionality and usefulness of the biomimetic system will be performed by analysing genotoxicity, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity, the ability of stem cells to proliferate and differentiate into osteoblasts and chondrocytes in the presence of the composite hydrogel and angiogenesis in stem cell/HUVEC coculture. The in vitro biological activity will be demonstrated on experimental/demonstration models in cell culture by flow cytometry, ELISA, RT-PCR, spectrometry and fluorescence microscopy. The original product and laboratory technology results will be patented for transfer to the partner SME.The interdisciplinary public-private partnership will facilitate the development of new products that will benefit human health and access to European funds.