As Latvia strengthens its science and innovation ecosystem, Venture Catalysts offers a unique opportunity for researchers and entrepreneurs to acquire the skills, knowledge, and support needed to turn ideas into marketable products and services.
The program is designed for founders, academic teams and PhD students working at the intersection of science and business. Venture Catalysts is a practical training program that focuses on commercialisation, innovation strategy, leadership and startup development. Program participants learn step by step how to create a viable deep tech company - from assessing market potential to developing a business model and attracting investors.
The program is organised by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) and implemented by UniLab in cooperation with RTU Riga Business School and RISEBA. It is co-financed by the European Union and is part of a broader initiative aimed at promoting sustainable, research-based innovation development throughout Latvia.
"We see great interest among participants in finding team members, so we also offer those interested to join and explore the co-founder database "Pool of co-founders", which includes people with both scientific and commercial experience. During the program, participants also meet experienced startup leaders who share their team building challenges," shares Voldemārs Brēdiķis, mentor and trainer of the Venture Catalysts program.
Venture Catalysts combines ten workshops led by experienced experts, personalised mentoring and targeted networking to help participants turn ideas into real products. The program will run from July 29 to August 28, 2025, and applications are now open.
To apply or learn more, visit the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia website.
About Venture Catalysts
Venture Catalysts is a national training initiative that supports the development of science-based startups in Latvia. The program is a joint project of LIAA, UniLab, RTU Riga Business School and RISEBA, implemented within the framework of the ERDF project "Support for the Development of Innovative Entrepreneurship in SMEs". Its goal is to accelerate the commercialisation of deep tech innovations and promote a more dynamic, internationally competitive startup ecosystem in Latvia.
