For scientists

About the mentor

Specialises in early-stage investments, commercialisation of science-intensive technologies and development of mentoring programmes. With more than 10 years of experience in investment, acceleration programmes and financial management, he has fostered high-tech innovation and the growth of young entrepreneurs. 

Andris works at Riga Technical University, supporting the transaction flow management of the BioPhoT platform. As UniLab Manager, he develops early-stage entrepreneurship programmes, develops university start-ups and leads the expansion of the mentor network, including the creation of the NATO DIANA Accelerator within UniLab Defence. 

Member of the Board of the Commercialisation Reactor Fund, leading early-stage investments and investor relations. While at ALTUM, he developed state-backed investment funds, including Baltic Innovation Fund I (EUR 130 million) and its EUR 156 million investment fund. EUR 156 million. Experience at the Latvian Ministry of Finance has given him a broad understanding of financial management and strategic investment planning. 

A passionate connector between science, industry and investment, supporting deep-tech start-ups, mentoring programmes and the development of innovation ecosystems in Europe. 

Davids Stebelis is experienced in deep tech and space industry, with expertise in developing innovation ecosystems, technology commercialization, and fostering collaboration between industry, science, and the public sector. He operates within Latvia's space and high-tech environment, promoting company growth, international cooperation, and development of new technologies. His acquired experience has provided a comprehensive understanding of the implementation and scaling of deep tech solutions. His professional work is based on his ability to combine technological competence with strategic vision, supporting startups, industry partners, and research-driven projects. He is actively involved in startup and innovation ecosystem, particularly in areas related to space technology, artificial intelligence, and data-driven solutions. He focuses on building partnerships, business development, and interdisciplinary collaboration, helping to advance high value-added technology initiatives.

About the mentor

Science-intensive (deeptech) is a technology entrepreneur and strategic mentor specialising in technology commercialisation, systemic change and career development in science-intensive industries. As co-founder and CEO of a biotech start-up, she has gained an in-depth understanding of innovation development and market uptake. She has advised early-stage start-ups and helped researchers translate scientific discoveries into market-ready solutions

Works closely with the European Innovation Council's accelerator, venture capital networks and mentoring programmes to support technology transfer and investment strategies. Her expertise lies in bridging research and business, managing innovation and fostering sustainable growth. 

About the mentor

Commercialisation expert, entrepreneur and business strategist specialising in technology transfer, start-up development and investment attraction. More than 10 years of experience in raising €700,000 of venture capital for high-tech start-ups, managed the first European Space Agency contracts for Latvian start-ups. 

As a senior expert at the Institute of Solid State Physics at the University, he accelerates the commercialisation of research in sensors, electronics, optics and biotechnology. He has co-founded several start-ups and mentored more than 20 deep-tech start-ups, building bridges between science and industry. 

Inga Berkoviča is a medtech entrepreneur and co-founder of Laflow – a women’s health startup developing an innovative medical device to address common lactation challenges. Her background combines healthcare, psychology and business, with a strong focus on medical innovation ecosystems and bringing early-stage health technologies closer to market. As a mentor, Inga supports teams in shaping commercial strategy, understanding user and market needs, and translating scientific ideas into investable, clinically relevant solutions.

Entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in startup development and technology-driven product creation. I’ve co-founded and led ventures across various sectors, including digital identity, document management, fintech, data governance and SaaS solutions. My focus is on early-stage development from idea to MVP and market validation, working closely with users and industry partners to build solutions that deliver real value.

I bring broad experience in fundraising through both traditional venture capital and alternative financing channels. Over the years, I’ve built a strong investor network across Europe and the US and have a deep understanding of what it takes to turn a concept into an investable opportunity.

As a mentor, I support teams in structuring their development path, identifying the right market fit, and crafting a clear value proposition. I’m particularly interested in helping research-based innovations successfully transition into scalable, growth-ready businesses.

About the mentor

Business development and innovation expert with more than 18 years of international experience working with corporations, start-ups and multinational organisations. She has worked for globally renowned companies including Microsoft, Procter & Gamble and NielsenIQ, where she learned the ins and outs of sales, marketing, strategic partnerships and operational management.

Deep understanding of business growth strategies in different sectors, based on experience in international markets and multi-stakeholder work.In addition to working in a corporate environment, she was an innovation and business development advisor at ECR Baltic. 

Active in the start-up ecosystem, combining entrepreneurial experience with strategic mentoring. She has been a mentor and evaluator at EIT Food, NewChip Accelerator and UniLab, supporting the development of early-stage startups. 

Her expertise lies in fostering innovation and industry collaboration, helping to create sustainable, scalable and impactful business models.

Entrepreneur and business angel specialising in science-intensive (deeptech) in technology, education and productivity. He has founded and led companies in various sectors and countries, acting as founder, CEO, investor, advisor and independent board member.

In 2021, he was named Investor of the Year by the Latvian Venture Capital Association and the Latvian Business Angel Network. Voldemārs is actively involved in the Nordic innovation ecosystem, supporting high-tech start-ups and investment networks.

A strategist with a strong problem-solving portfolio to help turn ideas into products and assets into capital. With extensive experience in mentoring, business growth and investment strategies, 

Voldemārs is a valuable mentor for start-ups moving towards technology commercialisation.