The Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), in cooperation with UniLab, Riga Business School as a structural unit of Riga Technical University and RISEBA, offers a five-week training program “Venture Catalysts” designed to support researchers, entrepreneurs, and start-up creators on their way to commercialization of innovative ideas. The program provides in-depth insight into translating scientific discoveries into real market products or services, intellectual property management, innovation management, business strategies, and a theoretical and practical approach to business development.
Participants will be able to learn the skills needed to start and develop a successful business, including team management, market research, and fundraising. The program’s content is tailored to scientists who want to commercialize their research and entrepreneurs who plan to set up start-ups in the field of technology and innovation.
Ieva Jāgere, Director of LIAA: “We are pleased to continue to organize training in 2025, where every aspiring and existing business leader will gain essential insights into the sector and practical tools to implement their business plan. I hope the participants will apply the skills they have learned to create successful, high-value-added businesses in the future.”
Andris Baumanis, UniLab CEO: “This kind of training is an important step in developing the innovation ecosystem in Latvia. Commercializing scientific research is essential to strengthen the country’s competitiveness and foster economic growth, and Venture Catalysts provides the necessary knowledge and tools to achieve these goals.”
Voldemārs Brēdiķis, program lecturer: “The program will provide participants with theoretical and practical skills to help them build innovative and sustainable businesses. It is important to create technologically advanced solutions and know how to market them effectively.”
During the training, participants will gain practical experience and individual project development approaches. Special attention will be paid to team dynamics and strategic thinking, which are key factors in building a sustainable business.
The training will take place from 25 March to 24 April 2025, combining interactive online sessions with face-to-face meetings. Applications are open until 20 March 2025 here: https://www.liaa.gov.lv/lv/notikums/venture-catalysts-praktisks-celvedis-zinasanu-ietilpiga-biznesa-uzsaksanai-2025
The program is implemented under the ERDF project “Support for Innovative SME Entrepreneurship Development” (ID No 1.2.3.1/1/23/I/001), providing participants a unique opportunity to develop their innovation and entrepreneurship skills.
