venture catalysts
providing hands-on support to
aspiring deep tech entrepreneurs
aspiring deep tech entrepreneurs
Are you a visionary scientist or entrepreneur
with a groundbreaking idea
waiting to be unleashed?
Whether you're looking to launch a startup or commercialize your research,
Venture Catalysts is designed to guide you every step of the way.
Our 5-week hands-on training program—developed by UniLab in collaboration with RTU Riga Business School and RISEBA, and supported by LIAA—equips you with both theoretical insights and practical tools to turn your innovations into thriving ventures.
From navigating commercialization and intellectual property to mastering leadership and securing funding, this course gives you the foundation you need to build and scale a knowledge-intensive business.
Venture Catalysts is designed to guide you every step of the way.
Our 5-week hands-on training program—developed by UniLab in collaboration with RTU Riga Business School and RISEBA, and supported by LIAA—equips you with both theoretical insights and practical tools to turn your innovations into thriving ventures.
From navigating commercialization and intellectual property to mastering leadership and securing funding, this course gives you the foundation you need to build and scale a knowledge-intensive business.
The Venture Catalysts Experience
Key benefits
Expert Guidance
Learn from industry leaders
and experienced entrepreneurs
and experienced entrepreneurs
Practical Skills
Develop the skills needed
to commercialize your research
to commercialize your research
Networking Opportunities
Connect with like-minded individuals
and potential investors
and potential investors
What makes Venture Catalysts unique?
At Venture Catalysts, we focus on building a solid foundation—just as a building needs strong groundwork to last, so does your business. This course goes beyond just product development and market strategies (though those are important too!). You’ll learn how to create the critical building blocks for long-term success, such as effective team dynamics, intellectual property strategy, and innovation management, all while adapting to uncertainty and change.
Program Details:
- Duration: 5 weeks
- Dates for Cohort 1: October 22 – November 22, 2024 (Registration open till October 18)
- Schedule: Join our online sessions every Tuesday and Thursday from 17:00 to 19:00
- Format: Experience the best of both worlds with interactive online classes and opportunities for traditional offline learning and networking
- Starting from Week 3 participants can apply for individual sessions (subject to 100% attendance of group sessions)
1
Program Opening and Introduction
Innovation and Commercialization as Main Catalysts in Venture Creation
Online
Online
2
How to Start Commercialization of Research
Ella Kalniņa
Online
(Everyone invited yet more focused on researchers)
Online
(Everyone invited yet more focused on researchers)
3
Principles of Innovation Management
Aldis Greitans
Online
Online
4
Startup and Organization Building
Greg Mathers
Online
Online
5
Entrepreneurial Leadership
Irina Sennikova
Online
(For entrepreneurs)
Online
(For entrepreneurs)
6
IP Strategy and Transfer Mechanisms
Dāvids Štēbelis and Solvita Kostjukova
Online
Online
7
Startup Team
Voldemārs Brēdiķis
Online
Online
8
Assessing Technological Advantages of Your Invention
Ella Kalniņa
Online
(For researchers)
Online
(For researchers)
9
Startup Roadmap Creation
Voldemārs Brēdiķis
Online
Online
10
Securing Funding for Your Venture and Program Closing
Voldemārs Brēdiķis
Online
Online
- For Aspiring Entrepreneurs:Learn how to lead and build a dynamic team, assess the technological advantages of your product, secure funding, and create a roadmap for your venture's growth.
This course will give you the tools and confidence to transform your idea into a viable business! bringing together
start-up dreamers
from various fields
- For Researchers:If you want to commercialize your research, Venture Catalysts will show you how to identify projects with commercial potential, apply innovation management principles, and effectively communicate the value of your invention.
By the end of this program, you’ll have a clear strategy for taking your research to the market!
Diverse Thinking, Strong Teams
Success comes from collaboration. Venture Catalysts emphasizes the importance of diverse thinking within your entrepreneurial team. Researchers and entrepreneurs will learn to leverage each other's strengths — blending scientific innovation with business acumen to drive success.
Course Highlights:
- Hands-on sessions to develop a commercialization roadmap tailored to your idea
- Strategies for handling uncertainty and leading teams through growth
- Dedicated tracks for both researchers and entrepreneurs, addressing their unique challenges
- Practical experience with funding, intellectual property, and team building
Join Venture Catalysts
and turn your innovative ideas into impactful businesses!
and turn your innovative ideas into impactful businesses!
Partners
The "Venture Catalysts" training program is implemented under the ERDF project
"Support for SMEs for the development of innovative business" (ID No. 1.2.3.1/1/23/I/001).
"Support for SMEs for the development of innovative business" (ID No. 1.2.3.1/1/23/I/001).