During a trade mission organized by the Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIAA), the San Diego National Research and Innovation Institute signed a memorandum of cooperation with the U.S. genomics technology company “Element Biosciences.” The agreement provides for the use of both parties’ expertise and infrastructure to test and develop new genomics technologies in Latvia.
Latvia can offer the U.S. company researchers, genomics infrastructure, the Latvian National Biobank, and collaboration with physicians and university hospitals. Latvia’s participation in the European Research Area also opens up broader development opportunities in Europe.
“Collaboration with ‘Element Biosciences’ gives the National Research and Innovation Institute the opportunity to work with next-generation genomics technologies and draw on the company’s expert knowledge. Partnerships with the world’s leading innovation companies allow us to research, test, and develop these technologies in Latvia,” notes Dr. biol. Vita Rovīte, Head of the Molecular and Functional Genomics Group and Senior Researcher at the National Research and Innovation Institute.
“Element Biosciences” develops next-generation DNA and RNA sequencing, single-cell analysis, and spatial biology technologies. These are used in genome research, the analysis of disease mechanisms, and drug development.
The National Research and Innovation Institute maintains the Latvian National Biobank and the national genomics infrastructure. The Institute’s expertise in genomics is supported by the Genome Center’s sequencing infrastructure, the experience of its scientists, and their participation in international research projects.
“The Latvian delegation traveled to San Diego with a clear proposal. The National Research and Innovation Institute has a team of scientists, the Latvian National Biobank, and the Genome Center’s sequencing infrastructure at its disposal. This succeeded in piquing the interest of ‘Element Biosciences’ and led to the signing of a memorandum of understanding. Now both parties must agree on specific joint projects in Latvia. The LIAA will help continue these negotiations even after the visit,” notes LIAA Director Ieva Jāgere.
Following the visit, representatives from the institute and “Element Biosciences” will continue discussions on research collaboration, testing new technologies, and developing genomics solutions in Latvia.
About the Latvian Business Trade Mission to the U.S.
The Latvian business trade mission to the U.S., organized by the LIAA, is taking place during President Edgars Rinkēvičs’ working visit and will continue through September 27. The program covers New York, Los Angeles, and San Diego, bringing together representatives from startups, the film industry, defense and dual-use technologies, as well as biomedical and pharmaceutical companies and organizations across four sector-specific itineraries.
Participation in the overseas trade mission is organized by the LIAA as part of the European Union-co-financed Program for the Development of Innovative Entrepreneurship in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs), with support from the European Regional Development Fund and state funding. A company may participate in the trade mission either by paying a fee or by receiving support to cover eligible expenses.
