News

VIDEO: Webinar - Learning from experience: submitting ERC Starting Grant applications

Pasākums Video

In early September, BioPhoT hosted an online workshop to exchange experiences with leading researchers involved in theEuropean Research Council, ERCin the preparation of Starting Grant applications.

Dr. Sanita Reinsone, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Humanities, University of Latvia and Head of the Centre for Digital Humanities, shared the process of preparing the application for ERC Starting Grant .

In 2022, she applied for a project on new participatory practices in digital folklore archives and reached the interview stage. In the webinar, Dr Reinsone looks back at the application process, shares lessons learned and offers advice to other applicants.

Presentation was followed by Senior researcher at the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis Dr. Jānis Velikswho has prepared a competitive ERC Starting Grant application and participated in the Stage 2 evaluation phase.

He leads the project “Fluorinated Compounds by Nodal Synthesis” (F-NODE), originally submitted to ERC Starting Grant scheme and later refinanced through the European Regional Development Fund.

For those interested, see the presentation by J. Veliks:

Janis_Veliks_ERC seminar_03.09.2025Download at

[Published: 12.09.2025.]

DEEP TECH SUMMIT 2025 to be held in Warsaw in October

Pasākums

DEEP TECH CEE SUMMIT 2025 - one of the most ambitious and influential deep tech ecosystem activities in Central and Eastern Europe - will take place in Warsaw from 27 to 29 October deep tech Find out more and book your ticket now!

The event will bring together innovative start-ups, scientists, corporate representatives, venture capital funds, corporate venture capitalists and experienced business angels from across the region and beyond.

Participants can look forward to a wide and varied programmewhich includes:

  • Latest news and deep tech presentations on trends, and technological breakthroughs
  • Networking opportunities with investors, industry leaders and entrepreneurs
  • Practical workshops, thematic panels, targeted networking sessions
  • Inspiring stories and examples of successful innovations
  • Opportunities to launch international collaborations and projects with high growth potential

"Don't miss this opportunity to raise funds, build valuable partnerships and take part in the most cutting-edge event of the season!" the organisers invite.

We invite everyone to find out more about this event and take the opportunity to participate!

More information and tickets available: https://deeptechsummit.eu/

[Published: 20.08.2025.]

RTU invites to join the industrial symbiosis innovation programme SINERGIA

Paziņojums

BioPhoT partner Riga Technical University is implementing the SINERGIA: Industrial Symbiosis Innovation Accelerator programme. BioPhoT scientists are invited to familiarise themselves with the programme conditions and to apply for an alternative source of funding in other RIs3 areas. More information on the programme can be found at: https://sinergia.lv/akselerators/ . Application deadline 8 August https://ej.uz/pietekties_SINERGIA!

Latvia's leading dairy processing companies AS Valmieras piens and AS Smiltenes piens are looking for partners who can offer solutions to two major challenges:

Processing of sour milk juice - each year, companies produce more than 20 000 tonnes of rennet, a liquid, chemically aggressive by-product with a complex composition, high chemical oxygen demand (COD) and low pH. This resource is currently under-utilised despite its potential for high value-added products. 

Flotation sludge management - flotation sludge from wastewater treatment contains significant amounts of organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus and trace elements. However, their use is currently severely limited due to technological, economic and regulatory barriers.

The Accelerator aims to develop solutions that turn these challenges into new resources or products with market potential. To help do this, the programme offers: 

- work on a real industry challenge

- develop your idea with business representatives;

- get financial support to develop your idea;

- receive expert training and mentoring.

    Teams, companies or individuals with relevant knowledge and ideas are welcome to apply. 

    [Published: 05.08.2025.]

    Pitch Science - an event for researchers

    Pasākums

    On 21 August, from 15.00 to 17.00, Startup House will host the Community Forum in Riga, bringing together startups, researchers and innovation ecosystem players.

    As part of the event, we invite researchers to apply to participate in a special deeptech section - "Pitch Science" - where scientists will have the opportunity to present their solutions and receive practical feedback from experienced start-up founders.

    Format:

    • 5-minute idea presentation
    • 10-15 minute comments from startup representatives:
      • potential industrial applications
      • business model options
      • improving presentation and communication

    Scientists are also invited to highlight a specific challenge they face - for example, the need for pilot partners, industry collaboration or scaling issues. The event is free of charge for scientists (limited number of places, participation on a first-come, first-served basis).

    The aim of the event is to foster collaboration between academia and business, to promote the emergence of deep-tech entrepreneurs and the commercialisation of scientific innovations.

    If you have any questions, please contact Alina Dolmati, EIT Community Coordinator in Latvia: alina.dolmate@rtu.lv

    Working language.

    Link to the application form.

    Organisers: The event is organised by the Latvian Start-up Association "Startin.LV", EIT Community Hub Latvia and Riga Technical University. The event is supported by FINEST Scaleup and the project is in collaboration with the long-term national research programme project BioPhoT.

    [Published: 29.07.2025.]

    74 applications with high innovation potential are submitted for scientific evaluation

    Paziņojums

    The Latvian Science Council has completed the administrative evaluation of the second round of research and innovation project applications and 74 applications with high innovation potential have been submitted for scientific evaluation by foreign experts.

    The projects represent 11 smart specialisation areas and 14 scientific fields, with a strong focus on engineering, life sciences and health research.

    The projects demonstrate a strong focus on translational innovation - from medicine and pharmaceuticals to material sciences and digital technologies.

    The University of Latvia, RTU - Riga Technical University and the Institute of Solid State Physics of the University of Latvia have the highest number of applications, with a broad coverage of topics and visible leadership, while providing a high-quality scientific framework.

    Equally important and significant is the participation of the Institute of Organic Synthesis, Riga Stradiņš University, Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Institute of Electronics and Computer Science, Daugavpils University, LV Institute of Wood Chemistry and Latvian University of Life Sciences and Technologies, which provide specialised competences and high precision approach to specific scientific fields. This allows the development of research projects based on existing infrastructure and accumulated knowledge.

    Thoughtful partnerships and active inter-institutional cooperation are important. Many applications can be implemented jointly between different institutions, thus ensuring more efficient use of resources, knowledge transfer and a multidisciplinary approach to research.

    [Published: 27.07.2025.]

    Industry-defined challenges for researchers

    Paziņojums

    "The BioPhoT platform has compiled the first challenges defined by industry partners, which you are invited to read by downloading the annexes:

    Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital
    PSKUS_BioPhoTDownload at
    EU Innovate Together initiative
    EUInnovateTogether_R&I_BioPhoTDownload at
    Cellbox Labs
    Cellbox Labs BioPhotDownload at

    Contacting the contact details provided will help you to find out about the specific requirements of the sectoral challenges and to decide whether your research experience, infrastructure and partners are suitable to address them in the next call for Research and Innovation.

    [Published: 02.07.2025.]

    VIDEO: Preparing the documents for the 2nd evaluation round of research and innovation project proposals

    Video

    Workshop on the preparation of the BioPhoT Research and Innovation Projects (RIP) 2nd evaluation round application documents.

    The workshop introduced participants to the requirements for a full application, the evaluation criteria and the procedure for completing the forms in the National Research Activity Information System (NZDIS). It also answered questions sent in advance and provided practical advice on how to present a high-quality project.

    Moderated by Ineta Kurzemniece

    Presentation materials:

    O. Pugovičs_ Long-term national research programme platform "Biomedical and Photonics Research Platform for Innovative Products"Download at
    I.Kurzemniece_ 2nd round of evaluation of projects (PIP)Download at

    [Published: 01.07.2025.]

    Applications are invited for the free Venture Catalysts training programme

    Pasākums

    Applications are now open for Venture Catalysts, a free training programme for budding entrepreneurs and scientists in Latvia to develop their innovative ideas into competitive businesses. The five-week training programme will run from 29 July to 28 August.

    "The Venture Catalysts programme is designed for founders, academic teams and PhD students working at the intersection of science and business. "Venture Catalysts is a hands-on, training programme focusing on commercialisation, innovation strategy, leadership and start-up development. Participants learn step-by-step how to build a viable deep tech from assessing market potential to developing a business model and attracting investors. The programme is free of charge for all selected candidates.

    The programme is organised by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) and implemented by the BioPhoT platform partner UniLab in cooperation with RTU Riga Business School and RISEBA. It is co-funded by the European Union and is part of a broader initiative to promote sustainable, research-based innovation across Latvia.

    Programme: from 29 July to 28 August, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 17.00-19.00, in English. Format: Interactive online sessions with face-to-face networking opportunities.

    The programme has been developed by UniLab in cooperation with RTU Riga Business School, RISEBA and with the support of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA).

    More information and application: https://www.liaa.gov.lv/lv/notikums/apmacibu-programma-venture-catalysts

    About Venture Catalysts "Venture Catalysts is a national training initiative that supports the development of science-based start-ups in Latvia. The programme is a joint project of LIAA, UniLab, RTU Riga Business School and RISEBA, implemented within the framework of the ERDF project "Support for Innovative SME Entrepreneurship Development" (ID No. 1.2.3.1/1/23/I/001). Its aim is to accelerate the commercialisation of deep tech innovations and foster a more dynamic, internationally competitive start-up ecosystem in Latvia.

    [Published: 26.06.2025.]

    VIDEO: Seminar to analyse the results of the first round of evaluation of research and innovation proposals

    Video

    "The BioPhoT Platform for Research and Innovation Projects (RIPs) attracted 117 applications in the first round of evaluation, of which 79 reached the qualification threshold.

    On 20 June 2025, a workshop was held on the results of the first round of evaluation of the RDP applications. "The BioPhoT industry panel was represented by Matīss Neimanis, Managing Partner of Buildit Latvia Accelerator.

      [Published: 26.06.2025.]

      VIDEO: Seminar "Intellectual property - from idea to patent and beyond"

      Video

      The seminar "Intellectual Property - From Idea to Patent and Beyond" aims to provide researchers and IP professionals with in-depth knowledge on IP protection, patenting and commercialisation.

      Today, when innovation is an integral part of science and business, it is essential to understand how to effectively protect your ideas and turn them into commercially successful solutions. The workshop will cover a wide range of topics, from the basics of intellectual property types and authorship issues to a detailed analysis of the patenting process and how it links to commercial opportunities.

      Workshop leader:
      European Patent Attorney, Dr.sc.ing. Artis Kromanis - an expert with many years of experience in patenting inventions and technology transfer.

      Part 1:

      1. Introduction
      2. Who is an inventor? How is the inventor connected to his/her workplace and/or co-inventors?
      3. What laws govern an inventor's activities in scientific institutions?
      4. What is intellectual property? Copyright, industrial property (patents, trademarks, designs, semiconductor topographies).
      5. What is know-how?
      6. What is a trade secret?
      7. What does licensing and transfer/alienation mean?

      Part 2:

      1. Patents for invention - type of right; owner vs inventors; territory; term; patentable inventions vs unpatentable inventions; patentability criteria
      2. Utility model registrations - type of right and its features; owner vs inventors; territory; term; inventions to be registered
      3. Designs - type of right; owner vs designer; territory; term; grace period
      4. Trade marks - nature and division of rights; registrability; territory; term
      5. Semiconductor topographies - type of right; registrability; territory; term
      6. Plant varieties - type of right; registrability; territory; term

      Part 3

      • Drafting and filing a patent application
      • Conducting a patent examination, including defining the subject matter of the invention for patent examination
      • What are claims? Why the claims of a patent application are the most important part of a patent application. Why does a patent application need a description and, in some cases, drawings? Who needs a summary of the patent application?

      Part 4

      • Patent protection for the invention created, i.e. patenting strategy and plan
      • Preparation and filing of a priority patent application; priority period; filing and maintenance of the international application; significance and effect of the publication of the patent application; filing of national and/or regional patent applications based on the international patent application; maintenance of patents abroad

      Part 5:

      • European patent system, including the European unitary patent and the European Patent Court

      [Published: 26.06.2025.]