Latvia: where science drives innovation

From cutting-edge research to globally competitive businesses, Latvia is proving that big ideas can thrive in this Baltic country.

Backed by world-class research and a collaborative innovation ecosystem, the Baltic country is fast becoming Northern Europe’s go-to destination for trailblazers, thinkers, and investors. ‘Latvia is purposefully building an economy rooted in knowledge, innovation, and high-value technology,’ says Ieva Jāgere, the director of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA).

That vision is reflected in the close cooperation between research institutions, businesses, and government, creating an environment where scientific discoveries can grow into export-ready companies. Investors benefit from digital public services, a streamlined business environment, coordinated support for investment projects, and the Green Corridor programme, which accelerates strategically important investments.

The results are already visible. Nearly a quarter of Latvian start-ups operate in deep tech, which is one of the highest shares in Europe. These companies are developing high-value technologies that compete internationally while attracting growing interest from global investors. ‘We welcome every investment, but we place particular value on investments in deep tech sectors, because they strengthen Latvia’s long-term competitiveness and export capacity,’ adds Jāgere.

Deep tech has become one of the key drivers of Latvia’s economic growth and export competitiveness. It fuels the development of high-value products and helps Latvian companies compete successfully in global markets.

The country’s ambitions are also reflected in Deep Tech Atelier, Northern Europe’s largest deep tech conference. This year, the event brought together more than 2300 participants from 69 countries, including investors, scientists, entrepreneurs, and technology leaders, highlighting Latvia’s growing role in the international innovation landscape.

‘Our strengths lie in photonics and optical technologies, information and communication technologies, robotics, and bioeconomy as well as defence and dual-use technologies,’ notes the LIAA director. ‘This ecosystem is built on strong science, entrepreneurial ambition, and government support for innovation.’

With strong foundations already in place, Latvia is focused on helping more scientific breakthroughs grow into globally competitive businesses. ‘Our goal is to create an environment where world-class technology is born in Latvia, attracts international investment, and becomes a successful export story on global markets,’ concludes Jāgere.

GroGlass

(advanced materials/specialty glass)

GroGlass is a Latvia-based manufacturer of high-performance glass and acrylic coatings that specialises in anti-reflective and UV-protective solutions for museums, framing, displays, and architecture, and positions itself among the world’s leading players in the field. It shows Latvia’s ability to grow a niche industrial technology with global reach.

groglass.com

Origin Robotics

(defence tech)

Origin Robotics is a Latvian defence technology company developing autonomous systems for the security needs of Europe and NATO allies, combining hardware, software, and AI-driven computer vision. It shows how Latvia is building high-tech autonomous defence solutions that align with NATO priorities and strengthen the region’s capacity for globally relevant dual-use technology.

origin-robotics.com

Naco Technologies

(deep tech/green energy)

Naco Technologies develops advanced nanocoatings and material solutions for hydrogen technologies, including electrolysers and fuel cells, improving efficiency and reducing reliance on costly materials. This company is a strong example of ‘science to industry’, combining materials science and manufacturing with Europe’s green energy transition.

naco.tech

Asns Ingredient

(foodtech/bioeconomy)

Asns Ingredient is building a modern yellow-pea processing plant in Jelgava that will turn Latvian-grown peas into high-value plant-based protein ingredients, with the launch planned for Q1 2027. The company shows how an agricultural resource in Latvia can become an export-ready bioeconomy product, driving manufacturing growth beyond Riga.

asnsfood.com

Light Guide Optics International

(photonics/medtech)

Light Guide Optics International, based in Līvāni, develops and manufactures optical fibres, fibre bundles, and laser delivery systems for medicine, science, and industry, including minimally invasive medical instruments. It combines regional manufacturing in the Latgale region and photonics expertise with a high-value export-ready industry.

lightguide.com

This article was produced in collaboration with Aibaltic’s in-flight magazine, “Baltic Outlook”.