The total funding for the Latvian Investment and Development Agency’s (LIAA) “Innovation Voucher Support” program has been increased to 7.2 million euros, and its implementation period has been extended until February 29, 2028. At the same time, the range of eligible recipients and service providers has been expanded, giving companies more opportunities to tap into research and design expertise for the development of new products and technologies.
The changes are provided for in the amendments to Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 644, which took effect in the summer of 2026.
The Innovation Voucher Program helps companies develop new products and technologies for market introduction by utilizing the knowledge and services of scientists, researchers, designers, and other specialists.
Key Changes to the Program
A broader range of eligible recipients. A branch of a foreign business in Latvia may also apply for support if it meets the requirements set forth in the program.
A wider range of research and design service providers. Technical and economic feasibility studies, industrial research, experimental development, industrial product design, and design services may also be provided by a commercial company, organization, or institution whose founding documents specify scientific or research activities. Such entities must have scientific staff on their roster.
Wider opportunities to access design services. A research institution can also provide design services to help a company implement innovations in new products or processes.
More flexible requirements regarding the service provider’s experience. There is no longer a specific financial threshold for previous work. The service provider must have experience in developing at least three new products or technologies within the three years prior to the date of the request for proposals. The content and scope of each service provided must be equivalent to that specified in the application.
The option to implement innovation voucher and commercialization projects simultaneously. This is possible if the projects are not interrelated or if the eligible activities planned within them are sequential and do not overlap.
Increased funding and a longer implementation period. The program’s total funding has been increased to 7,215,930 euros. The project implementation period is 12 months, but no later than February 29, 2028. Applications will be accepted as long as funding is available under the program.
What kind of support is available?
The program offers four types of support to businesses:
Introductory voucher - up to 10,000 euros with an aid intensity of up to 100%;
Classic voucher - up to 25,000 euros with an aid intensity of up to 85%;
Design voucher - up to 5,000 euros with an aid intensity of up to 85%;
Recruitment of highly qualified employees - up to 25,000 euros with an aid intensity of up to 45%.
Depending on the type of support selected, funding may be used for technical and economic feasibility studies, industrial research, experimental development, the development of industrial product designs, the protection of industrial property rights, certifying and testing a new product or technology, designer services, and attracting highly qualified employees.
How to apply?
The LIAA invites companies that are developing new products or technologies to explore the opportunities offered by the innovation voucher program and to submit an application via the national business development platform at liaa.business.gov.lv.
Applications are accepted as long as funding is available under the program. The terms of support, requirements for applicants and service providers, and the application procedure are available in the “Innovation Voucher Support” section.
The program is funded under the European Union’s Cohesion Policy Program for 2021–2027, Specific Support Objective 1.2.1, “Strengthening Research and Innovation Capacity and Introducing Advanced Technologies to Businesses,” under Measure 1.2.1.4, “Support for the Improvement of the Technology Transfer System.”
