Deep‑tech Commercialization forum “Innovation Impact Forum 2026”

On 12 May 2026, from 8:30 AM, the University of Latvia’s House of Science, Jelgavas Street 3, Riga, in the “Alfa” auditorium, will host the international deep‑tech commercialization forum “Innovation Impact Forum 2026”, organized by the UL Innovation and Acceleration Center. The event will bring together representatives of the Baltic innovation ecosystem, European investors, policymakers, and industry experts, creating a strategic platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and investment development.

The forum is designed as a high‑level space for discussions and networking, where key factors influencing the transition of deep‑tech innovations from scientific discoveries to commercially viable solutions in global markets will be examined. The program covers intellectual property management, technology transfer mechanisms, investment structures, and international cooperation models.

Participants will have the opportunity to gain insight into the development pathway of deep‑tech innovations — from patent to market — meet policymakers, patent institutions, technology transfer offices, venture capital funds, and industry partners, acquire in‑depth knowledge of intellectual property strategies and investment architecture, and build professional connections with international investors, industry experts, and startup representatives.

The forum program is structured into four thematic blocks.
The first block focuses on intellectual property, analyzing the role of patents in innovation commercialization.
The second block highlights technology transfer and collaboration models between academia and industry.
The third block presents international success stories, emphasizing innovation development in a cross‑border context.
The fourth block features parallel “BioPhoT” pitch sessions, where deep‑tech teams will present their solutions to potential investors.

The forum will feature internationally recognized experts from leading institutions and industries. Among the speakers are Ali Jazairy from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Andrea Basso from MITO Tech Ventures, Cyrus Gunalan Veloo from Caetan, Michael Norton from Wolven Industries, and Raj Mendhir from Wippd. Panel discussions will include representatives from WIPO, Kaunas University of Technology, TALTECH, the University of Latvia, and other international and regional innovation ecosystem stakeholders, providing a multidimensional perspective on intellectual property management, technology transfer, and investment strategies.

Throughout the day, thematic discussions, networking breaks, and a lunch break are planned to encourage informal connections among participants from various sectors. The forum will conclude with an awards ceremony for the best “BioPhoT” pitch presentations and a networking event attended by investors, industry representatives, and the research community, fostering new partnerships and investment opportunities.

The goal of “Innovation Impact Forum 2026” is to strengthen the Baltic region’s position within the European innovation landscape while promoting knowledge transfer, international cooperation, and the commercialization of high value‑added technologies.
The event will be held in English. More information about the program and registration is available.