On March 6, 2023 – the Science and Innovation Center of Riga Technical University (RTU) invites interested parties to apply for the prototyping program “PROTOTECH”, which gives the opportunity to receive support of up to 15 thousand euros for the development of science-intensive technology prototypes.
The “PROTOTECH” program of the Technology Business Center (TBC) of the Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIAA) was created in cooperation with Latvian universities and offers the opportunity for long-cherished ideas to become prototypes that can be realized in well-equipped laboratories with the support of experienced mentors, in this way, faster moving towards the goal of creating globally demanded products with high export potential. The program is especially suitable for young professionals, scientists or students who have experience in creating technologically advanced products. The project team factor will also be an essential condition for receiving support.
Both individuals and legal entities can submit applications for support until March 10.
Applications must be submitted https://business.gov.lv/pakalpojumi/prototech-2-atbalsts-produktu-vai-tehnologiju-prototipu-izstradei-un-attistibai-cloned?tips=atbalsts
So far, 15 authors of business ideas have received support in the “PROTOTECH” program, and at least 15 prototypes are planned to be supported in this call as well. «It is a great opportunity to develop and test previous trainings, as the intensity of support in this program reaches 100%. This means that participation in the program does not require co-financing. Therefore, the program is also particularly suitable for authors of business ideas who are only taking their first steps in the development of science-intensive technologies,” LIAA director Kaspars Rožkalns emphasizes.
Applicants for the development of prototypes of new products or services will be evaluated according to criteria such as compliance of the represented technology sector with smart specializations and the technological intensity of the manufacturing sector, novelty of the applicant’s idea, compliance of the applicant’s idea with the principles of sustainable development, technology readiness level (TRL), commercial potential of the product, product testing opportunities , as well as the overall competence of the team.
The project is included in the program “Entrepreneurship development, innovation and small and medium-sized enterprises” of the Norwegian financial instrument for the period 2014-2021.
