In the second research and innovation project call of “BioPhoT,” funding has been awarded to 26 top-rated projects. A total of EUR 4,710,859 will be invested in their implementation, with each project receiving up to EUR 190,000 for eight months of research and innovation activities.
The largest share of supported projects—seven—will be implemented by research groups from the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia. They are followed by the University of Latvia with five projects, and the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis and Riga Technical University with four projects each. Two projects each will be carried out by teams from the Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre and Rīga Stradiņš University, while one project each will be implemented by research groups from the Institute of Electronics and Computer Science and Ventspils University of Applied Sciences.
A significant portion of the supported initiatives focus on healthcare solutions. These include the development of next-generation patient monitoring and diagnostic devices, such as a continuous microcirculation assessment solution for intensive care patients and a device for blood coagulation analysis. Innovative ultrasound solutions for assessing bone and muscle condition will also be developed, alongside an artificial intelligence platform for early osteoporosis risk detection using dental computed tomography images.
Oncology and precision medicine are also strongly represented. Projects aim to identify specific cancer metabolic types for targeted therapy and to create a real-time drug efficacy testing platform for pancreatic cancer.
Demonstrating Latvia’s expertise in pharmaceutical innovation, plans include developing a prototype anticancer vaccine and establishing a specialized compound library for fragment-based drug discovery. Other projects will develop evidence-based new dietary supplements, oxygen carriers, and novel drug delivery systems. The biomaterials and regenerative medicine field is represented by a project developing an injectable hydrogel for the treatment of bone infections.
Among interdisciplinary solutions, funding has been awarded to a project developing laser-structured titanium surfaces with antibacterial properties for medical applications.
Supported projects in photonics, optics, and sensor technologies include the development of polarizing optics for augmented reality devices, an adaptive infrared laser communication system for underwater communication, a polymer-based ammonia sensor, and semiconductor surface processing technologies to improve imaging quality. Innovative solutions are also planned for road safety, including long-lasting luminescent coatings for standard road signs.
The portfolio also includes smart materials and defense technology solutions, such as polymer composite materials with enhanced radiation shielding for medical, space, and defense applications. In the fields of energy and sustainability, solutions will be developed for the electrocatalytic conversion of carbon dioxide into valuable chemical products, hydraulic gas compression technologies, and next-generation unmanned aerial vehicle concepts.
In total, 99 project proposals were submitted in the second call, with the strongest applications selected after two evaluation rounds based on innovation potential and scientific excellence.
The goal of “BioPhoT” is to promote the development of high value-added technologies in biomedicine, medical technologies, pharmaceuticals, photonics, and smart materials, bridging the gap between science and industry. By 2032, at least 35 new technologies with high commercialization potential are expected to be created.
Since the platform’s launch, 223 research and innovation project applications have been submitted across two funding calls, demonstrating strong interest from the scientific community. In the first call, 40 projects received support. Approximately one quarter focused on biomedicine and healthcare, including innovative approaches to diagnosing sepsis, cancer, and infections. Another quarter addressed medical technologies, including new devices, sensor systems, and diagnostic solutions. Significant attention was also devoted to photonics and optical technologies, such as optical fiber sensors, luminescent coatings, and infrared spectroscopy. Eight projects focused on smart materials, including innovative biomaterials and sustainable composites, while four addressed environmental and energy topics.
The third research and innovation funding call is planned for August 2026.
The “Biomedical and Photonics Research Platform for the Development of Innovative Products” (“BioPhoT”) is led by the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis and implemented in cooperation with the Institute of Electronics and Computer Science, the Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, the University of Latvia, the Institute of Solid State Physics of the University of Latvia, the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, the Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment “BIOR,” Rīga Stradiņš University, and Riga Technical University.
The project “Biomedical and Photonics Research Platform for the Development of Innovative Products” (“BioPhoT”) is implemented within the long-term national research program “Innovation Fund – Long-Term Research Program,” funded by the Ministry of Economics of Latvia. Platform No. IVPP-EM-Innovation-2024/1-0002.
