On September 20, Latvian entrepreneurs and scientists participated in the world's largest exhibition, EXPO 2025 Osaka, at a business conference organized by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) entitled “How Innovation in the Aerospace Industry Can Promote Sustainability and Environmental Conservation,” highlighting Latvia's expertise and innovation potential in the field of space and smart technologies.
The conference took place as part of the Expo 2025 Osaka thematic week “The Future of Earth and Biodiversity,” bringing together experts, industry representatives, academics, and students from Latvia, Japan, and other countries to seek solutions on how sustainable aerospace technologies can help preserve the environment and biodiversity.
The conference was opened by Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže. In her speech, she emphasized: "Latvia's achievements in innovation, ICT, quantum technology and other new technology fields are recognized worldwide. The geopolitical situation has promoted the development of the domestic security industry, including in the field of drone technology. Latvia also has the advantage of extensive technology testing opportunities – more and more manufacturers from our allied countries are coming to Latvia to test the latest generation of drones. We have also achieved a lot in quantum technologies – we are a “small quantum superpower” whose professors have developed algorithms that account for up to 20% of the world's quantum algorithms. The minister also pointed out that confirmation of our companies' achievements is also reflected in investor assessments – the investment climate in Latvia has improved significantly, and half of existing investors plan to continue investing in Latvia in the future.[1]
Since 2020, when Latvia joined the European Space Agency (ESA) programs as an associate state, our country has strengthened its position in international space projects. Currently, there are around fifty companies and institutions operating in the country, developing unique solutions at a global level that are recognized by both the ESA and NASA.
For example, Eventech develops time measurement technologies with picosecond precision, which are already being used in missions by both the European Space Agency and NASA. Fiber Optical Solution is internationally renowned for its high-precision fiber optic gyroscopes, which significantly improve space navigation capabilities. The Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry has developed special materials for the cryogenic insulation of Ariane-6 rockets, while RD ALFA Microelectronics, with more than fifty years of experience, ensures the production of highly reliable microchips for both the space and defense industries. Meanwhile, Baltic Satellite Service and the Latvian State Forest Research Institute Silava have become leading players in Latvia in the analysis of Earth observation data, particularly in forest health monitoring and climate risk monitoring.
The conference was also attended by the Latvian company BaseCam Electronics, which develops innovative and high-quality stabilization systems that are used not only in photo and video cameras, but also in unmanned aerial vehicles, satellites, laser communications, and other high-precision devices. Dmitry Chulkov, one of the managers of BaseCam Electronics, emphasizes that the greatest demand for the company's solutions in the space industry is currently related to the stabilization of unmanned aerial vehicle cameras. Meanwhile, Baltic Satellite Service and the Latvian State Forest Research Institute Silava have become leading players in Latvia in the analysis of Earth observation data, particularly in forest health monitoring and climate risk monitoring.
“Latvian companies offer flexible, innovative, and cost-effective technological solutions, while Japanese companies have a large market, long-term strategies, and high-quality manufacturing traditions. We are confident that by combining Latvian innovation and Japanese manufacturing traditions, we can create joint solutions for security, infrastructure, and smart city development," says the entrepreneur.
Space research and education also play an important role in the industry, such as the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Center, whose antennas (the largest in Northern Europe) are used for in-depth space research, as well as the Astronomy Institute of the University of Latvia, which is involved in satellite laser measurement and space traffic control research. Similarly, the Space Knowledge Center, opened in 2023 in collaboration with the Norwegian space company and infrastructure center Andøya Space, has become an example of good practice in STEM education in the European Union. Riga Technical University, the University of Latvia, and the Institute of Electronics and Computer Science are also actively represented in the industry, promoting the training of young specialists in aeronautical and space engineering.
As Solvita Gulbe, Head of the Export Services Division at the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, points out, our country demonstrates how a small but innovative economy can make a significant contribution to international space missions and the creation of a sustainable future. "Latvia's offering in this sector combines science, business, and education, creating new opportunities for investment and international projects. Participation in the conference is an excellent platform for strengthening cooperation with Japan and other countries, especially in the field of sustainable technology and environmental protection," emphasizes S. Gulbe.
About EXPO 2025 Osaka:
EXPO 2025 Osaka is the world's most important exhibition for shaping a country's image and promoting its export capacity, addressing not only economic but also globally significant social issues. The exhibition will be attended by 159 countries and 7 international organizations, and it is expected to attract more than 28 million visitors from around the world. The exhibition is a place where you can view exhibitions representing countries and regions, as well as combine global knowledge and ideas to create new technologies and innovations to solve global problems. The main theme of the exhibition is “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” while the sub-theme of the Baltic pavilion is “Saving Lives,” which focuses on improving quality of life with the help of the latest technologies, while maintaining high environmental standards. In order to achieve the goals of promoting both the country's image and export capacity, in addition to Latvia's participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, an extensive business program is being organized, offering Latvian companies the opportunity to participate in industry exhibitions, events, and trade missions in Japan.
About the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA):
The Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) promotes the competitiveness of Latvian entrepreneurs, export growth and investment attraction, as well as develops the tourism sector and implements the country's image policy. LIAA acts as a state partner in business development – from idea to international markets. With an extensive network of representative offices abroad and regional business centers in Latvia, LIAA helps companies grow and positions Latvia as a secure, innovative, and open country in the global economy.
[1] Source: https://www.ficil.lv/2025/05/23/significant-improvement-of-the-investment-climate-in-latvia-sentiment-of-the-foreign-investors/
