“The ”BioPhoT“ platform's project ”OsteoWood" at the Baltic's largest science-based technology conference Deep Tech Atelier 2026 international startup pitch competition Deep Tech Startup Pitch Competition 2026 in the final MedTech received in the category EuroQuity Visibility & Pitching Package award.
At the project competition, “OsteoWood” co-founder and leading researcher at the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, Laura Andže, presented. A multidisciplinary team is involved in the project's development, including Mārtiņš Andžs, Vadims Ņefjodovs, Antons Sizovs, and Sigvards Krongorns, who combine expertise in materials science, biomaterial development, engineering, health technologies, and innovation development.
The project is being developed under “BioPhoT“Quote“ within the platform and focuses on developing innovative birch wood-based materials for bone fixation. This technology was created as an alternative to traditional metal implants, which are often much stiffer than bone itself. When the implant takes on all the load, the bone becomes “lazy” during healing, weakens, and loses its natural support function. “OsteoWood” aims to create implants that share the load with the bone and allow it to heal more naturally.
The competition at this year's event was particularly strong. Thirty-five technology teams from various countries participated in the competition's semifinals, including three other “BioPhoT” projects – “Sorting validation available for stem cell therapy at an affordable price (DEPCELL)” Riga Technical University, “Thermoelectric generators for self-powered microelectronics and sensors (TEPOWER)” and “Development of an optical sensor for smart packaging of fresh seafood – FRESHWAVE” (University of Latvia). Only the ten best research teams were nominated for the final, and only three of them represented Latvia.
The competition took place during an intensive multi-day program, which included presentation trainings, meetings with industry professionals, and extensive networking opportunities in an international setting. deep tech See. It was especially important to have the opportunity to present the idea to an international audience and receive valuable feedback from investors and innovation environment experts.
“Although the competition was very strong, one of the most valuable experiences was talking to people who had never heard of our project before but showed genuine interest, asked thoughtful questions, and wanted to learn more. This gave us extra motivation to continue developing the project,” says Laura Andže, co-founder of “OsteoWood.”.
Received EuroQuity Visibility & Pitching Package The award is a significant testament to the audience and investor interest in the project's potential and its possible applications in the medical field. Congratulations!
