On 12 May 2026, starting at 8:30, the international deep‑tech commercialization forum Innovation Impact Forum 2026, organized by the University of Latvia Innovation and Acceleration Center, will take place at the University of Latvia House of Science, Jelgavas Street 3, Riga, in the “Alfa” auditorium. 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, focusing on the key factors that drive the transition of deep‑tech innovations from scientific discoveries to commercially viable solutions in global markets. The programme covers intellectual property management, technology transfer mechanisms, investment structures, and international cooperation models.
Participants will have the opportunity to understand the development pathway of deep‑tech innovations from patent to market, meet policymakers, patent office representatives, technology transfer offices, venture capital funds, and industry partners, gain in‑depth insights into intellectual property strategies and investment architecture, and build professional connections with international investors, industry experts, and startup representatives.
The forum programme is structured into four thematic blocks. The first block is dedicated to intellectual property, analysing the role of patents in innovation commercialization. The second block focuses on technology transfer and collaboration models between academia and industry. The third block highlights 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.
Internationally recognized experts from leading institutions and industry will speak at the forum. 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 feature representatives from WIPO, Kaunas University of Technology, TALTECH, the University of Latvia, and other international and regional innovation ecosystem stakeholders, ensuring a multidimensional perspective on intellectual property management, technology transfer, and investment strategies.
The day will also include thematic discussions, networking breaks, and a lunch session to encourage informal connections among participants from different sectors. The forum will conclude with an awards ceremony for the best BioPhoT pitch presentations and a networking event bringing together investors, industry representatives, and the research community, fostering new partnerships and investment opportunities.
The aim 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 programme and registration is available here.
