UniLab

Venture Catalysts Cohort 5 Comes to a Close, Supporting the Growth of Science-Based Innovation in Latvia

2026-07-30 12:43
On June 18, the fifth course of Venture Catalysts, one of Latvia’s leading training programs for science-driven innovation, came to a close. The program was successfully completed by 32 participants, marking another significant step in Latvia’s innovation ecosystem’s efforts to accelerate the commercialization of research outcomes and support early-stage deep tech ventures.
Over the past five weeks, researchers, entrepreneurs, and aspiring startup founders took part in an intensive training program designed to provide participants with a foundation in research commercialization. Through interactive workshops, practical assignments, and expert mentoring sessions, participants enhanced their skills in commercialization processes, team building, intellectual property management, investment readiness, and innovation strategy development.
The program was developed and delivered by UniLab in collaboration with RTU Riga Business School, RISEBA, and the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA). The fifth Venture Catalysts course provided comprehensive support for innovators working at the intersection of research, technology, and entrepreneurship.
The fifth course featured interactive sessions led by industry and academic experts, one-on-one mentoring tailored to participants’ individual needs, and opportunities to learn directly from experienced startup founders. By the end of the program, participants had strengthened their foundations for transforming research ideas into market-ready innovations and future business ventures.
With the completion of the fifth course, Venture Catalysts continues to expand its impact on Latvia’s innovation ecosystem, having supported nearly 200 researchers, innovators, and aspiring entrepreneurs across its first five cohorts.
About Venture Catalysts
Venture Catalysts is a nationwide training initiative that supports the development of science-based startups in Latvia. It is a joint initiative by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), UniLab, RTU Riga Business School, and RISEBA, funded through the ERDF project “Development of Innovative Entrepreneurship in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises” (1.2.3.1/1/23/I/001). The program aims to accelerate the commercialization of deep tech innovations and promote a dynamic and competitive startup ecosystem in Latvia.