On May 14–15, Riga will host the eighth edition of Northern Europe’s largest science-based technology conference, "Deep Tech Atelier 2026." The event has become a vital platform for attracting investment, commercializing innovations, and developing new high-value-added businesses in Latvia and the broader region. Organized by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), the event will gather over 2,000 scientists, tech entrepreneurs, startups, investors, and policymakers to strengthen the deep tech ecosystem and boost Latvia’s competitiveness in global markets.
Science-based technology is one of the strategically significant growth directions for the Latvian economy, indicating that Latvia has the potential to become a major deep tech hub in Northern Europe. Experts note that such events facilitate the creation of new companies, attract investment, and develop high-value-added exports, which are essential for the country’s long-term economic growth.
Ieva Jāgere, Director of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), states:
"Deep Tech Atelier is a platform that bridges the gap between science and business, helping ideas transform into export-capable enterprises. LIAA’s goal is to strengthen Latvia's competitiveness by attracting investment and developing the innovation environment."
This year, the conference will center on artificial intelligence, data technologies, defense and medical innovations, and their practical application in industry. Special attention will also be given to Latvia's innovation potential in fields such as robotics, space technologies, and secure digital systems.
The Conference as an Investment and Cooperation Platform
Over the course of two days, more than 100 industry experts will speak across three stages: Deep Tech, Deep Frontier, and Growth Stage. The program will cover strategic issues regarding technological development and regulation, as well as practical examples of innovation implementation.
The conference will feature:
- A Startup Pitch Competition;
- B2B meetings between investors and companies;
- An EXPO zone with technology demonstrations;
- Networking and partnership-building events.
This year, 77 teams applied for the Startup Pitch Competition from Latvia, the UK, France, Estonia, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, Hungary, Germany, and Sweden. Ten finalists will present their ideas to an international audience of investors and industry leaders, competing for investments and strategic partnerships.
Latvia’s Innovation Ecosystem and LIAA Support
LIAA implements national policy in the areas of investment attraction, innovation, and export promotion, strengthening Latvia's competitiveness in international markets. Latvia is developing a targeted support environment for startups and technology companies, including:
- The Law on Aid for Startup Companies;
- The Startup Visa program;
- Support for attracting highly qualified specialists;
- Innovation and research programs;
- Testing opportunities within regulatory sandboxes.
Furthermore, Latvia is actively developing its AI and data technology environment, promoting the responsible and secure implementation of innovations in business.
About the Conference
The goal of "Deep Tech Atelier 2026," organized by LIAA, is to facilitate the transformation of science-based innovations into exportable products and businesses, encourage foreign investment, and strengthen cooperation between research, business, and the public sector. Last year, the conference was attended by more than 2,000 participants from 62 countries, confirming its significance in the international innovation and investment landscape.
- More information: https://deeptechatelier.com/
- Photos from Deep Tech Atelier 2025: View here
"Deep Tech Atelier" is implemented within the framework of the European Regional Development Fund projects "Support for the Improvement of the Technology Transfer System" and "Development of Innovative SME Entrepreneurship," as well as with co-financing from the European Union Recovery Fund (NextGenerationEU).
