As Latvia continues to strengthen its science and innovation ecosystem, Venture Catalysts offers a unique opportunity for researchers and entrepreneurs to gain the skills, knowledge and support needed to bring knowledge-intensive ideas to market.
Developed for early-stage founders, academic teams and PhD researchers working at the intersection of science and business, Venture Catalysts is a practical, high-impact training program focused on commercialization, innovation strategy, leadership and startup growth. Participants are guided through every stage of building a viable deep tech venture, from evaluating market potential to developing business models and engaging with investors.
The program is delivered by UniLab, in collaboration with RTU Riga Business School, RISEBA and the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA). It is co-funded by the European Union and is part of a broader initiative to foster sustainable, research-driven innovation across the country.
“Among participants we see great interest in finding new team members, so we also offer to explore the co-founder team database “Pool of co-founders”, which includes people with both scientific and commercial experience. During the program, participants also meet with established startup founders who share their team building challenges,” shares Voldemārs Brēdiķis, mentor and educator at the Venture Catalysts program.
Venture Catalysts combines 10 expert-led workshops, personalized mentoring and targeted networking to help participants move from idea to impact. The program will commence from 29th July to 28th August 2025, and applications are now open.
To apply or learn more, visit the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia.
About Venture Catalysts
Venture Catalysts is a national training initiative that supports the development of science-based startups in Latvia. A joint effort by LIAA, UniLab, RTU Riga Business School, and RISEBA, and funded from the ERDF project “Development of Innovative Entrepreneurship of SMEs” (1.2.3.1/1/23/I/001), the program is designed to accelerate the commercialization of deep tech innovation and foster a more dynamic and globally competitive startup ecosystem.
