Next-Gen Biomedicine

Latvia stands as a leading biomedicine hub in the Baltic region, driven by strong research capabilities and rapidly growing innovation capacity. The country is at the forefront of precision medicine, particularly in the use of big data to advance diagnostics, therapeutics and personalized healthcare solutions. In full alignment with EU regulations, Latvia provides a state-of-the-art biomedical big data infrastructure, supporting secure, research-oriented data processing and analysis.

Latvia also offers one of the most competitive price-to-quality ratios for research clean-room facilities in Northern Europe, making it an attractive destination for R&D-intensive companies and academic–industry collaborations. This combination of scientific excellence, modern infrastructure and cost efficiency positions Latvia as a compelling choice for organizations seeking high-calibre biomedicine capabilities.

In recent years, Latvia’s biomedicine companies and research institutions have experienced significant growth, expanding their global footprint. Products and technologies developed in Latvia reach markets across Japan, the United States, Canada and many more countries worldwide, demonstrating the sector’s increasing international relevance.

Main subsectors​​​​​
  • Pharmaceuticals & Biopharmaceuticals
    Development and manufacturing of chemical, biological and biosimilar medicines; strong competencies in organic synthesis, drug discovery and active pharmaceutical ingredients.

  • Medical Technologies & Devices
    Production of diagnostic equipment, wearable technologies, implants, laser systems, smart materials and high-precision optical components.

  • Precision Medicine & Genomics
    Research in personalised therapies, genomic sequencing, biomarker discovery and big-data–driven health solutions.

  • Biotechnology & Industrial Biotech
    Innovations in fermentation technologies, enzymes, cell-based solutions, bioprocessing and sustainable bio-based materials.

  • Translational Medicine & Clinical Research
    Strong academic–industry cooperation supporting preclinical and clinical studies, laboratory testing, and technology transfer pathways.

  • Digital Health & HealthTech
    Development of e-health tools, medical software, telemedicine platforms, decision-support systems and AI-powered healthcare applications.

Fast facts
  • Latvia is a regional leader in precision medicine, genomic research and biomedical big-data infrastructure.

  • 77% of Latvia-made chemical and pharmaceutical products are exported.

  • The sector includes 500+ companies across pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, chemicals and medical devices.

  • Latvia offers one of the most competitive price-to-quality ratios for research clean-room facilities in Northern Europe.

  • Strong institutional base includes the Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre (BMC) and the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, both internationally recognised. In 2026, the two institutions will merge, forming the largest life sciences research institute in the Baltics.

  • The Baltic Biomaterials Centre of Excellence - leading Baltic R&D hub for advanced biomaterials.

  •  Latvian biomedicine research institutions cover the core R&D value chain, complemented by strong biomedical research at Universities.

  • Latvian-made biomedical products reach global markets such as Japan, the USA, Canada and the EU.

  • Growing investment in digital health, precision diagnostics, biotechnology and next-generation medical technologies.

  • Established EU-aligned regulatory environment ensures high quality standards for research, clinical trials and manufacturing.

Industry statistics
  • The chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing industry is one of Latvia’s largest high-value export sectors, with more than three-quarters (77%) of its output sold abroad.

  • The sector comprises 500+ companies, ranging from pharmaceuticals and biotechnology to medical devices, diagnostics, and chemical production.

  • Latvia’s pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical manufacturers contribute a significant share to national manufacturing turnover, consistently ranking among the top industrial sub-sectors.

  • The sector demonstrates steady year-on-year export growth, driven by increased demand for chemical products, active ingredients, and medical technologies across Europe and global markets.

  • Latvia hosts several internationally recognised research institutions, complemented by strong biomedical research at universities, which together generate a high volume of scientific publications, patents and commercialised technologies.

  • Investment in biotechnology, medical technology and laboratory infrastructure has grown substantially in recent years, supported by EU programmes and national innovation funding.

  • The sector employs a highly skilled workforce, including chemists, molecular biologists, pharmacists, engineers and data scientists, many trained through strong national life-science programmes.

  • Latvia’s alignment with EU regulatory frameworks ensures high manufacturing, research and clinical-trial quality, supporting competitive market access to Europe and beyond.

Employment and education
  • The biomedicine sector employs a highly skilled workforce, including chemists, pharmacists, molecular biologists, biotechnologists, engineers and data scientists.

  • Latvia’s life-science talent pipeline is supported by strong academic programmes at the University of Latvia, Rīga Stradiņš University, and the Riga Technical University, offering degrees in pharmacy, biology, chemistry, biotechnology, medicine and biomedical engineering.

  • Leading research institutions — including the Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre and the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis — provide advanced training, doctoral programmes and hands-on research experience.

  • Continuous collaboration between universities, research centres and industry ensures skills development in emerging fields such as precision medicine, genomics, biostatistics, bioprocessing, and digital health technologies.

  • Research facilities offer access to state-of-the-art laboratories, clean-room environments, and biomedical big-data infrastructure, enabling workforce training aligned with international standards.

  • The sector attracts both local and international professionals, reflecting Latvia’s growing role as a regional hub for life-science innovation.

Industry leaders
  • Grindeks
    One of Latvia’s largest pharmaceutical manufacturers. Its product portfolio includes original products, generics and active pharmaceutical ingredients sold in over 100 countries globally. Grindex focuses on core areas such as the cardiovascular system, central nervous system, oncology, diabetes and dermatology. 

  • Olainfarm
    A leading Baltic pharmaceutical company with 50+ years of experience, producing active pharmaceutical ingredients, intermediates, and finished dosage forms. The company exports to over 60 countries and delivers a diverse portfolio across more than 10 therapeutic areas.

  • Biosan
    World-class laboratory equipment, medical devices and diagnostic kit producer. Biosan produces modern equipment for biotechnology and biomedical laboratories. The company’s instruments are designed to prepare samples for further analysis in genomics, proteomics and cellomics. Its state-of-the-art equipment is used in laboratories worldwide.

  • Cellbox Labs
    An industrial organ on chip company providing an all-in-one system for advanced in vitro models for more effective drug discovery and disease research. The technology has been successfully applied to a vascularized gut-on-chip with microbiota, cancer models, and others.

  • Longenesis
    The Baltics’ leading digital health startup, offering patient-engagement, data-collection, and analytics ecosystem that has already involved 1M+ patients. Leveraging privacy-by-design data pipelines and applied AI, Longenesis fast-tracks trial recruitment, real-world evidence generation, and discovery-to-therapy timelines to get treatments to patients sooner

  • Printymed
    A biotech startup shaping the future of healthcare with a nature-inspired material—artificial spider silk—for regenerative medicine. The company is currently developing scalable production technology, membranes for organ-on-a-chip systems and heart valves.

  • Bdetect
    Bdetect develops a handheld, noninvasive melanoma screening device that uses multispectral imaging and AI to support earlier skin cancer detection and clinical decisions.

  • Exonicus
    A company bridges theory and real-world medical practice through immersive virtual reality, with a VR trauma simulator that enables military medical personnel to train in realistic combat and emergency scenarios.

  • Síbiotec
    Specializes in sustainable extraction of natural bioactive compounds, producing high-purity omega-3 and omega-7 fatty acids and vitamins from microalgae and plant-based sources using advanced CO₂ technologies.

  • CastPrint
    A leading medical 3D-printing company producing custom orthopaedic solutions and personalised immobilisation devices for hospitals and clinics worldwide.

  • Meditec
    A HealthTech company developing e-health tools and medical information systems that support digital clinical workflows for hospitals and healthcare providers.

Research and Development
  • Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis (LIOS)
    Latvia’s leading drug-discovery and organic synthesis competence centre, internationally recognised for developing new biologically active compounds, APIs and technologies used by global pharmaceutical companies.

  • Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre (BMC)
    The country’s flagship institution for genomics, molecular biology and biotechnology. A key driver of precision medicine, biobank development and biomedical big-data initiatives.

  • The Baltic Biomaterials Centre of Excellence (BBCE) is a leading research and development hub established through strategic cooperation between international and Latvian partners to provide a complete cycle of advanced biomaterials development, from material science and preclinical testing to clinical applications.

  • The Institute of Solid State Physics at the University of Latvia (ISSP UL) is an internationally recognized leader in materials science and interdisciplinary research. The institute has strong expertise in organ-on-chip technologies, sensors, biomarkers, and antimicrobial coatings, delivering innovative solutions for industry and healthcare.

  • Latvian biomedicine research institutions cover the core R&D value chain, complemented by strong biomedical research at Universities.

Healthcare sector in Latvia

 ​​​Latvia’s healthcare sector offers strong growth potential, supported by a combination of highly qualified medical professionals, competitive operational costs, and modern clinical and research facilities. The country is also home to a growing ecosystem of innovative health-tech start-ups — including Sepsiscan, Bdetect, Anatomy Next, Longenesis and BirgerMind — which have gained international recognition for their advanced digital and medical solutions. To get further information on Healthcare sector in Latvia click here.

Life science sector in Latvia

 Latvia’s life science sector is one of the country’s strongest innovation engines — driving growth, competitiveness, and the development of sustainable, high value–added products and services. With deep historical roots in Latvia’s scientific tradition, the sector today combines robust R&D capacity, an established manufacturing base, and a strategic geographical and cultural position that connects Eastern and Western markets. To get further information on Life science sector in Latvia click here.

 

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