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Putting Latvia on the Global Innovation Map

Deep Tech Atelier: a recognized brand in Northern Europe

Latvia is a deep tech powerhouse. Local innovations have already contributed to a European Space Agency mission, are helping power the green energy revolution, and advancing cutting-edge medical technologies. In recognition of the strengths and potential of Latvia’s scientists, innovators, and entrepreneurs, the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) founded Deep Tech Atelier, a free-to-attend conference gathering the brightest minds from the Baltic Sea region and beyond. 

First held in 2018, this annual celebration of science, tech, and talent gathered 495 participants, representing eight countries. In its first year alone, 10 deep tech startup teams were established during the event! Since then, the conference has grown to host over 1500 participants in 2024, representing 53 countries, with Latvia, Estonia, the United Kingdom, Lithuania, Austria, Germany, and the USA leading in participant numbers.

Deep Tech Atelier stands out among other industry events by drawing not just startups and investors but also the academic ecosystem. Its program is designed to educate, elevate, and facilitate productive new connections. While the conference team invests in marketing and PR, they have found that word of mouth has been the strongest force, with Deep Tech Atelier now a recognized brand in Northern Europe. People apply for the chance to speak at the conference.

Every year, the organizers gather feedback from conference participants to enhance the program and tailor it to the most pressing needs. In 2023, for example, partners from Sweden and Finland suggested including an optics and photonics stream, which proved to be highly successful. Together with Latvia’s political and economic priorities, and global trends like the development of AI, such insights shape the program of the two-day event. In 2024, this was space tech and biotech. Some of the keynote speeches also addressed the mindset and mental health challenges of deep tech founders.

“It’s not just about listening, learning, or finding inspiration – it’s about real growth and the potential for significant business deals,” explains Zane Kauliņa, innovation support team lead at LIAA. The program includes startup pitching sessions where participants stand to win mentoring or capacity building opportunities, and other benefits. “After the Covid-19 pandemic, we see the real value of networking. The conference is an important gathering for the ecosystem,” Kauliņa continues.

Reinis Spunde, a long-time participant of Deep Tech Atelier and CEO of Catalyco, attests to the value of the networking opportunities that the conference provides. “Potential clients, partners, and investors – who you can meet at conferences like this matters the most,” he says, adding that it’s also a great chance to meet people in person because so much happens online these days.

In terms of what the future holds for Deep Tech Atelier, Kauliņa is most keen to strengthen existing and establish new partnerships. The focus isn’t so much on increasing the size of the conference but on enhancing its content. The organizers are particularly interested in speaking to universities in Lithuania and Estonia, as well as international organizations operating in the Baltic region. Previous partners include Riga Technical University and the Commercialization Reactor, which have helped ensure that the program is of genuine relevance to industry participants.

The 2025 edition of Deep Tech Atelier is taking place on 15-16 May in Riga and will focus on AI, quantum tech, space and the defense sector. Save the date to meet the people powering the innovations of tomorrow! Meanwhile, get to know some of the startups creating change in Latvia:

  • Cellbox Labs – crafting organs-on-a-chip for more precise drug discovery.
  • PrintyMed – developing artificial spider silk for medical use, for example, producing prosthetic heart valves.
  • Naco Technologies – specializing in nano-coatings and new materials to support hydrogen system producers.
  • SpirulinaNord – building unique bioreactors for growing spirulina in the global north.