On May 14 and 15, four “BioPhoT” projects will represent Latvia’s science and innovation ecosystem at the international level – in the international startup presentation competition “Deep Tech Startup Pitch Competition 2026” at Northern Europe’s leading deep technology conference “Deep Tech Atelier 2026”.
““Deep Tech Startup Pitch Competition” is intended for early-stage deep technology startups from around the world in sectors such as medical technologies, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, defense technologies, energy, materials science, and others. To participate in the competition, teams had to meet specific quality criteria – to combine scientific and business competence, to demonstrate high project growth and internationalization potential, as well as to have developed at least a laboratory-level prototype,” says Andris Baumanis, Head of Innovation Project Selection, Implementation, Monitoring and Sustainability at “BioPhoT”.
He emphasizes that the achieved participation in the competition, together with 33 other international projects, is significant for promoting the international visibility of Latvian researchers, as well as a valuable opportunity to present their technological solutions to international investors, industry leaders, and innovation experts, building collaborations and attracting cooperation partners for the implementation of the projects.
In the project “Validation of Accessible Sorting for Affordable Stem Cell Therapy (DEPCELL)”, a team of scientists from Riga Technical University, using advanced cell selection and artificial intelligence solutions for quality control, is developing innovative cell therapy technologies. In the future, they may provide safer, more effective, and more accessible treatment options for patients with psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn’s disease.
The Latvian University team, in the project “Flexible Thermoelectric Generators for Self-Powered Microelectronics and Sensors (TEPOWER)”, is developing a new generation wearable device technology that can operate using human body heat, thereby reducing dependence on batteries and the waste they generate. The project promotes the availability of more convenient, longer-lasting, and environmentally friendly health and environmental monitoring devices for society.
In the project “Development of an Optical Sensor for Smart Packaging of Fresh Seafood – FRESHWAVE”, researchers from the University of Latvia are developing an easy-to-use sensor that allows quick and accurate determination of seafood freshness without opening the packaging. It will help to detect product spoilage in a timely manner, improve food safety, and reduce the risk for consumers of purchasing or using low-quality products. At the same time, the technology will promote reduced food waste and more efficient use of resources throughout the entire food supply chain.
The Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry project “Next-Generation Birch Wood Solution for Bone Fixation – A Sustainable Path from Forest to Functional Implants (OsteoWood)” focuses on developing new materials made from birch wood to be used for bone fixation as an alternative to metal implants for patients for whom these cause allergies or inflammation. Such a solution will provide safer and more patient-friendly treatment options, while at the same time using sustainable and environmentally friendly materials in medicine.
In the semi-final of the competition, participants will present their solutions in a three-minute presentation, followed by questions from the jury and a discussion with international experts. In the final, the most promising deep technology solutions with the highest commercialization and investment attraction potential will be selected and presented on the main stage of “Deep Tech Atelier 2026”. In preparation for the competition, participants will have the opportunity to improve their presentation skills, receive professional pitch training, as well as take part in a special investor bootcamp session.
Additionally, the “DEPCELL” project and seven other “BioPhoT” platform projects, along with the prototypes developed so far, will be available for exploration in the conference exhibition area during “Deep Tech Atelier 2026”. Meanwhile, on May 13, a special additional “BioPhoT” event – Open Door Day – will also take place, during which anyone interested will be able to visit the University of Latvia, the Institute of Solid State Physics of the University of Latvia, and the Institute of Organic Synthesis, getting acquainted with their infrastructure, research, and innovation development.
