At the closing ceremony of the European Union Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS 2025), special prizes were awarded by the Ambassador of Switzerland to Latvia and the Latvian Council of Science. Within the framework of the Swiss–Latvian Cooperation Programme “Partnership in Applied Research,” six teams of young researchers from the USA, Italy, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and South Korea received awards. This initiative not only gives young researchers the chance to develop their scientific ideas but also raises the programme’s visibility among youth on an international scale.
The award winners gain a unique opportunity to participate in the international online training course "Turning Science into Business", designed to help young researchers transform their scientific ideas into viable projects and business models. Through two interactive workshops, participants will learn the fundamentals of idea management – from the initial concept to a concrete plan – as well as methods of validation and development. These skills will enable them to assess risks, identify potential users, and prepare an initial project plan. During the course, young people will work alongside international experts, receive direct feedback to refine their ideas, and build professional contacts within the international science and innovation community. The RTU Design Factory, part of the Design Factory Global Network, a worldwide innovation and entrepreneurship network, provides the training.
The Ambassador of Switzerland to Latvia Anja Zobrist Rentenaar: said, "Switzerland is delighted to support the curiosity and creativity of young talent. Our Programme is built on strong partnerships, which lead to better results that can be transferred to industry and society. I am honoured to present the award and the special gift, "How to Turn Ideas into Business," to these innovative minds who will help build a safer, greener, and more innovative Europe."
Lauma Muižniece, Director of the Latvian Council of Science: "Every beginning needs support, and every idea needs someone who believes in it. Scientific processes are often long and complex, requiring patience, perseverance, and long-term investment. That is why it is so important for young people choosing this path to receive encouragement and opportunities to grow from the very start. The award and training programme are not just symbolic recognition – they provide a platform to help young researchers shape and strengthen their ideas, gain international experience, and see how their work can benefit society. I sincerely thank Switzerland for its significant contribution to the development of science and innovation in Latvia – this cooperation strengthens our scientific ecosystem and empowers the next generation of researchers."
The award was presented under the Swiss–Latvian Cooperation Programme “Partnership in Applied Research”, which forms part of Switzerland’s European policy to reduce economic and social disparities in Europe while deepening bilateral relations between Switzerland, partner countries, and the European Union as a whole. The programme strengthens scientific and innovation capacity, especially by supporting projects in the fields of smart materials, information technologies, and smart energy. Through this initiative, Latvia and Switzerland jointly help young researchers take their first significant steps in the international scientific community, while promoting cooperation and knowledge exchange on a broader scale.
The awards were granted to six teams of young researchers whose projects received the highest jury evaluations in the thematic areas of the Swiss–Latvian programme: smart materials, advanced technologies, information technologies, and energy. These projects not only demonstrated scientific excellence but also showed the potential to create sustainable solutions of societal value. Their success proves that young people can think boldly, work internationally, and bring fresh ideas into the global scientific arena.
- More information about the Swiss–Latvian Cooperation Programme: https://swiss-contribution.lv/en/applied-research/about-program/
- More information about the European Union Contest for Young Scientists: https://www.eucys2025.eu/en/
