As Latvia continues to strengthen its innovation ecosystem, the Venture Catalysts program is once again opening its doors to researchers, entrepreneurs, and deep tech enthusiasts. Applications for the upcoming cohort are now officially open until May 12, 2026, inviting participants to take the next step in transforming science-based ideas into impactful ventures.
The program will run from May 19 to June 18, offering a structured and practical learning experience. During the five weeks, participants will take part in 10 expert-led workshops, mentoring, and networking opportunities. This is the 5th batch of the Venture Catalysts program and so far more than 150 participants have successfully graduated from it.
Venture Catalysts is a high-impact training program designed to support early-stage founders, researchers, and entrepreneurial talent working at the intersection of science, tech and business. The program equips participants with the practical skills, knowledge, and network needed to build sustainable, innovation-driven startups.
Key topics include innovation strategy, commercialization, startup development, leadership, intellectual property, and investor readiness. The program also offers access to a co-founder database, enabling participants to connect with professionals from both scientific and commercial backgrounds.
“Latvia has strong scientific potential, and our goal is to help turn that potential into competitive businesses. The Venture Catalysts program provides the practical support, knowledge, and connections needed to bring ideas to market. Initiatives like this are essential for strengthening Latvia’s innovation ecosystem and building a new generation of globally competitive startups,” emphasized Ieva Jāgere, Director of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA).
The program is implemented 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 forms part of a broader initiative to foster research-driven innovation and strengthen Latvia’s startup ecosystem.
Participation in the program is free of charge, and it is open to individuals and teams motivated to explore entrepreneurship and develop science-based innovations.
Applications are open from April 7 until May 12, 2026.
Apply here: https://liaa.business.gov.lv/en/event/training-program-venture-catalysts-1
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.
