News

Welcome to the webinar “Research Integrity and Inclusion”

Pasākums Paziņojums

Research integrity and inclusiveness are central principles in the research and innovation projects funded by the BioPhoT platform. To strengthen the understanding of these principles, to foster reflection and discussion among researchers, and to build a shared understanding of responsible and inclusive research practices in the context of BioPhoT, interested parties are invited to Workshop on “Research Integrity and Inclusion”, on 28 November at 10.00 live on Zoom.

The seminar will be moderated by RSU lecturers and researchers Dr Uldis Vegners, Laura Bitiniece and Diana Kiščenko.

The seminar will be held in two parts:

Part 1 will include two short presentations on integrity and inclusion:

  • Laura Bitiniece will address the topic of research integrity, focusing on issues of collaboration and communication.
  • Diana Kishchenko will provide insights on inclusion and diversity.

Part 2 - practical workshop:

Participants will be invited to take part in an ethical reflection and discussion game on dilemmas related to research integrity in order to develop their capacity to make critically considered and ethically sound decisions.

Working language: latvian

Registration: https://luma.com/aoa1mxp2

Please note that Part 1 of the seminar will be recorded.

[Published: 19.11.2025.]

“BioPhoT strengthens links with industry at the National Innovative Capital Companies Initiative

Attīstība

On 11 November, the BioPhoT team - platform manager Osvalds Pugovičs and mentors Kaija Kurme-Jansone and Jānis Latvels - participated in the State Innovative Capital Initiative (SICI) event at Getliņi EKO, where they presented the platform's mission - to build a bridge between science and industry.

Participants were introduced to the BioPhoT platform, which brings together experts in biotechnology, photonics and high-tech, as well as to the new Industry Challenge initiative. This platform invites companies to submit their challenges, where scientists can offer innovative solutions, fostering collaboration and new product development.

The event took place at Getliņi EKO - a place where innovation meets sustainability. Participants had the opportunity to learn about the landfill's operations, see state-of-the-art greenhouses and learn about the solutions that are shaping the circular economy of the future. “BioPhoT's participation in this event is an important step towards closer cooperation with industry and joint innovation.

[Published: 12.11.2025.]

“99 scientists” ideas in second BioPhoT call for €4.8 million

Paziņojums

On 7 November, the second call for Research and Innovation Projects (RIPs) of the research platform “Biomedical and Photonics Research Platform for Innovative Products” (“BioPhoT”) closed with an indicative amount of €4,826,110 available for researchers. 99 project applications were received from 14 research organisations.

“The 40 projects in the first call have already started and the interest of scientists in the second call for BioPhoT funding opportunities is also very high. The number of applications shows that the research community is ready to continue the path of Latvian science towards international recognition, to think boldly, to collaborate with the commercial sector and to move scientific ideas towards practical commercialisation. Innovation starts with an idea, but it grows where there is trust, support and the opportunity to act,“ says Osvalds Pugovičs, BioPhoT Platform Manager said.

The most active applicants were Riga Technical University with 26 projects and the University of Latvia (LU) with 20 projects. Riga Stradiņš University, the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis and the Institute of Solid State Physics of the University of Latvia are each participating with 11 projects. The Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre has submitted eight project applications, as have the Institute of Electronics and Computer Science, the Scientific Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health Environment “BIOR” and the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry. In addition to the consortium members, researchers from Daugavpils University, Ventspils University College, Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, Latvian University of Biosciences and Technology and Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music have also applied for participation in the competition, thus significantly broadening the range of participants and promoting interdisciplinary cooperation in Latvian science.

The second BioPhoT call for proposals will approve 25 research projects and make €4,826,110 indicatively available to scientists to implement innovative solutions in two of Latvia's Smart Specialisation (RIS3) areas - biomedicine, medical technologies and pharmaceuticals, as well as photonics and smart materials research, technologies and engineering systems. Each PIP can receive up to €190,000 and has a duration of 8 months, with the possibility to extend it for a further 3 months without additional funding.

The Latvian Research Council has already started the administrative eligibility check of project applications. In early December, project teams will have the opportunity to present their ideas to a panel of industry experts, who will assess the innovative potential of the ideas and their relevance to market and user needs.

“BioPhoT competitions aim to bridge the gap between science and the commercial sector by promoting the development and commercialisation of new technologies. Alongside the competitions, the platform offers free training programmes on technology transfer, intellectual property protection and commercialisation of innovations, as well as mentoring to assess the readiness of projects.

O. Pugovičs emphasises that the first BioPhoT competition has proved the ability of Latvian scientists to generate ideas with high technological and commercial potential, with 40 projects supported for a total of EUR 8 million. The projects will be presented on 24 November, when the first BioPhoT - Biomedical and Photonics Research Platform for Innovative Products Conference “BioPhoT - Latvia's Innovation Springboard”.

“BioPhoT is implemented by the Latvian Institute of Electronics and Computer Science, the Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, the Institute of Solid State Physics, the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, the Scientific Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment ”BIOR“, Riga Stradins University and Riga Technical University under the leadership of the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis. By 2032, the platform plans to develop at least 35 new technologies, more than two thirds of which will be developed to validation in real or full-scale conditions and at least four will reach the commercialisation phase.

The project "Biomedical and Photonics Research Platform for Innovative Products" or "BioPhoT" is implemented under the long-term national research programme "Innovation Fund - Long-term Research Programme" funded by the Ministry of Economics. Project number: IVPP-EM-Innovation-2024/1-0002.

[Published: 08.11.2025.]

“BioPhoT - Latvia's Innovation Launchpad”. A conference to discover Latvia's emerging innovations

Pasākums Paziņojums

On 24 November, the first BioPhoT conference “BioPhoT - Latvia's Innovation Launchpad” will take place. It will introduce the biomedical and photonics industry, science policy makers and the scientific community to the innovation projects launched in Latvia and the future plans of the platform, offer insights into a number of international success stories in the sector, and stimulate expert discussions on the importance of developing innovation in a broader context.

“BioPhoT is not just a project - it's a reform to help Latvia's scientific ideas become products with a real impact on people's lives and the country's economy. Our goal is to create an environment where researchers and entrepreneurs come together to create innovations with exportability and sustainable value,“says Osvalds Pugovičs, BioPhoT Platform Manager.

The conference will take place on 24 November from 9.00 to 13.30 at the Science and Innovation Centre of Riga Technical University (RTU), Moon Hall. Working language - English.

Conference programme:

The conference is free to attend in person and online, with advance registration:

Representatives of international and Latvian companies, whose scientific ideas have already been turned into commercialised products or who have helped foreign partners to implement their innovations in collaboration with Latvian researchers, will share their success stories at the conference.

The panel discussion “From academia to commercial value - highlights and pitfalls, role of smartly selected support instruments” will highlight the need for a national platform for the development of science and its translation into practice.

Special guests -Scott L. Dax, former  CerSci Therapeutics Scientific Director, will present on how innovation is driven by “Build-to-Buy” a strategy for biotechnology, one of the world's leadingartglass manufacturers, Latvian company Ltd. Groglass, as well as Ltd. Cellbox Labs - a company developing new solutions in cell biotechnology using innovative microfluidics solutions.

At the conference, everyone will have the opportunity to get to know the first 40 research and innovation projects (RIPs) that have been funded by the BioPhoT platform. These include innovative approaches to sepsis, cancer and infection diagnostics, new devices, sensors and diagnostics, fibre optic sensors, fluorescent coatings and infrared spectroscopy, innovative biomaterials and sustainable composites, as well as PIPs related to environmental and energy topics. The best posters in the categories “Biomedicine” and “Photonics” will be awarded.

Participants will have the opportunity to hear the Central Statistical Office (CSO) report “CSO - a source of valuable data - opportunities and challenges”, which will show how data can become a resource for the development of new products and services. The conference will also include the signing of a cooperation agreement between Latvenergo and RTU on the implementation of the Industrial Professor project. Presentations by Normunds Bergs, President of the Latvian Electrical Engineering and Electronics Industry Association, and Vitālijs Skrīvelis, Chairman of the Board of the Latvian Chemical and Pharmaceutical Entrepreneurs Association, are also expected.

[Published: 05.11.2025.]

“BioPhoT establishes working group to strengthen support for EU projects

Attīstība

“The BioPhoT platform has set up a working group to strengthen partners” capacity to prepare competitive European Union (EU) project proposals. It brings together EU-funded research project support specialists - project attraction officers, project managers, technology transfer and innovation experts from the Platform's partner organisations.

The BioPhoT Working Group will foster cooperation and exchange of experience between EU project support professionals, providing the opportunity for mutual consultation and practical solutions to day-to-day challenges, from building international consortia to administrative compliance issues and budgets. Access will also be provided to jointly developed materials and tools to facilitate the preparation of project applications for both researchers and support staff.

The main activities of the working group are: identifying the needs of researchers and project support officers in the preparation of competitive project applications; summarising the support available in each partner institution; assessing and developing possible additional support mechanisms that can be provided within the BioPhoT project.

To find out which support tools and activities would be most useful, the Working Group invites researchers and project support officers from partner organisations to complete a short survey by 16 November: https://forms.gle/f5Y1x6LGABYJ744s9

The questionnaire will take 2-5 minutes to complete and the feedback will help improve support for the preparation of competitive project proposals.

The Task Force invites BioPhoT partner organisations to join the initiative: professionals involved in the day-to-day preparation of EU-funded project applications - project managers, administrative and financial specialists, as well as technology transfer and innovation experts, especially those working on projects at higher levels of technology maturity. To apply for the Working Group, please contact: elina_priede@osi.lv.

[Published: 04.11.2025.]

VIDEO: 2nd Infoday of the competition with the participation of the Latvian Council of Science and the Ministry of Defence

Attīstība Pasākums Video

30 October at the Latvian Organic Synthesis Institute (OSI) The 2nd BioPhoT Infoday with the participation of the Latvian Science Council (LSC) and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) was held, with around 30 participants in person and another 60 online. The aim of the event was to help project applicants to better prepare their applications, familiarise themselves with the evaluation phases, and receive advice on the conditions applicable to the development of dual-use technologies and projects.

LZP: Innovation and applicability - BioPhoT priority

Ineta Kurzemniece, Director of the Research Programme Implementation and Monitoring Department of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, presented the detailed application and evaluation procedure, reminding that the main focus of BioPhoT competitions is on innovation and applicability, not on the number of high quality publications. She also highlighted a new feature: PhD students and PhD candidates can also apply for the competition.

The LFA also presented a simplified administrative evaluation procedure and explained the principles of expert recruitment, where the keywords provided by the applicants play a key role. These are used to find experts with the relevant expertise and experience.

Council representatives also confirmed that feedback after the first call for proposals has been taken into account to improve the application process and that every effort is being made to make the evaluation process as objective and accurate as possible.

LZP presentation:

VPP_seminars_2025_Platforma_2karta_30102025_final_PDFDownload at

AM: Innovation with a purpose

Jānis Erno, Senior Expert at the Innovation and Research Policy Division of the AM Innovation and Research Policy Department, presented the regulatory framework governing the development and licensing of dual-use goods, services and technologies. He highlighted that such innovations cover ten categories of goods, including sensor technologies, lasers, software, navigation systems and other solutions with both military and civilian applications.

Erno urged applicants to develop such solutions in a deliberate and targeted way, not with the idea that they might be useful for defence in the future, but with a specific vision of their application from the outset.

Funding and deadlines

“BioPhoT Call 2 will fund projects up to €190 000 for up to eight months, with a possible extension until November 2026.

The deadline for applications is 7 November and the results will be announced by March 2025.

[Published: 31.10.2025.]

"BioPhoT Call 2 Info Day with the Latvian Science Council and the Ministry of Defence

Pasākums Paziņojums

On 30 October, the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis will host the BioPhoT Research and Innovation Project Call 2 Info Day with the Latvian Council of Science and the Ministry of Defence.

The event will take place from 15.00 to 16.30 in the Institute's Large Conference Hall (Aizkraukles iela 21, 4th floor) and will also be available online.

During the Info Day, participants will be introduced to the current conditions of the 2nd call for BioPhoT Research and Innovation projects and the procedure for preparing applications in the National Scientific Activity Information System (NZDIS). Also, a presentation on dual-use technologies - their nature, development and commercialisation opportunities - will be given by Jānis Erno, Senior Expert of the Innovation and Research Policy Division of the Ministry of Defence.

The programme will start with participants' arrival and lunch coffee at 14.30, followed by informative presentations and concluded by an informal discussion with afternoon coffee.

Participants are invited to register for the event in advance by filling in the application form: https://luma.com/9dmypvvb

[Published: 28.10.2025.]
Pasākums

Networking should be seen as a strategic tool for career and professional development, not as a source of stress or anxiety. This intensive 2-hour workshop will help you change the way you look at networking by teaching you how to overcome the fear of talking to strangers and make the most of every interaction.

Participants will learn a three-step methodology that helps them make the most of every networking opportunity to achieve a professional breakthrough:

Before the event - Set your goals and expectations, research your key players and build your digital visibility before you arrive.
During the event - Learn proven tactics, including the “60-second rule” to help you make contacts quickly and assess their potential.
After the event - Schedule time for targeted networking to turn new acquaintances into real collaborations and opportunities.

Coach: Voldemārs Brēdiķis - experienced entrepreneur and deep-tech mentor at Riga Stradiņš University. His approach is based on practical experience gained through participation in high-level events - exhibitions, conferences, trade missions and international visits.

More information and registration: https://biophot.lv/event/tiklosanas-introvertiem/

[Published: 24.10.2025.]

Latvian experience in technology transfer: the BioPhoT platform as an example from the Baltic region

Attīstība Pasākums

On 16 October, the Baltic Technology Transfer (Technology Transfer Office, TTO) Networking Conference 2025, which brought together knowledge and technology transfer experts from Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania. The event took place as part of the Lithuanian Science Forum Week (re)search 2025, offering a platform for discussions on strengthening innovation ecosystems, managing intellectual property and fostering an entrepreneurial culture in the Baltics.

One of the conference events was a panel discussion on the role of Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) in the development of the innovation ecosystem, where Latvia was represented by Jurijs Jastržemskis, a leading technology and innovation transfer expert at the University of Latvia.

The Baltic TTO Network panellists shared examples of good practice and discussed the potential of regional cooperation to foster the development of start-ups, the business environment and the strengthening of transnational innovation networks.

During the discussion, J. Jastržembskis highlighted the importance of the BioPhoT platform as a pilot programme in Latvia that successfully connects science and business, offering new, efficient and proactive opportunities for technology transfer. This initiative demonstrates that Latvia is already taking concrete steps towards the commercialisation of knowledge and the development of innovation through stronger cooperation between research institutions and industry. Read more about the conference On the Lithuanian Science Forum website.

[Published: 23.10.2025.]