EIT National Day 2025
Wednesday 8. October at 10:00 - 17:00
Arrival and coffee 9:30
RTU Science and Innovation Centre, Rīga
EIT National Day is a high-level event bringing together representatives from the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, government, academia, and industry to discuss innovation, education, business support, and the deeptech ecosystem. Participants will hear from EIT sector-specific communities (Health, RawMaterials, Urban Mobility, Digital, and more) and learn about support and partnership opportunities.
Latvian organisations and startups are invited to register, contribute to discussions and take part in matchmaking with EIT KIC representatives.
—
PROGRAM
09.30
Registration and Coffee
10.00 - 10.10
Opening Session
Alina Dolmate, EIT Community Officer in Latvia
Liene Levada, Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Latvia
Liene Briede, Vice-Rector for Innovation at Riga Technical University
10.10 - 10.25
Latvia’s role in EIT and future strategic plans
Martin Kern, Director of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology
10.25 - 11.10
Panel Discussion: Strategic Vision: Latvia and EIT - Aligning EIT and Latvia’s Innovation Priorities
Panelists:
Michal Gorzynski, EIT
Lauma Muižniece, Latvian Council of Science
Liene Briede,Vice-Rector for Innovation at Riga Technical University
11.10 - 11.30
EIT Community in Latvia - Latvian Case Studies and Real Impact with EIT
Andrii Shekhirev, Biocatalyst Foundation, Supported by EIT Food
Nikita Kazakevics, LMT, Supported by Urban Mobility
Pauls Silins, Riga TechGirls, Supported by EIT Health
Reinis Spunde, Catalyco, Supported by EIT RawMaterials
11.30 - 12.00
Panel Discussion: Bridging the Gap in Education: Potential for Latvian HEIs with EIT Education Support
Panelists:
Jānis Grēviņš, Ex-Member of the Governing Board of EIT
Karin Kaar, Project Coordinator at TalTech
Laura Vītola, EPICENTRE project coordinator ar RTU
12.00 - 12.50
Interactive Discussion
Bridging the Gap in Innovation: Deep Tech Support
Kick-off case study, Arturs Posers, Empyrio
Fishbowl panelists:
Ieva Jāgere, LIAA
Osvalds Pugovičs, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, BioPhoT Platform coordinator
Didzis Rutītis, Sepsiscan
Tina Benda, EIT RawMaterials
Solvita Kostjūkova, UniLab
open chair for audience
12.45 - 13.10
Synergies: How Other EU Instruments and Partnerships Support Deep Tech
Maija Bundule, COST National Coordinator
Ilze Grava, Latvian Patlib Centre
Nadja Rohrbach, Eureka Xecs: A complementary funding scheme to the Chips JU
Sven Parkel, EIT Community Estonia
13.10 - 13.50
Light Lunch & Networking Break
13.50 - 14.55
Interactive Session: Access to Funding & Business Support
Meet the EIT Knowledge & Innovation Communities (KICs): Opportunities for Latvian stakeholders
EIT RawMaterials - Tina Benda, RIS Manager
EIT Urban Mobility Hub Latvia - Anna Vieglina, VEFRESH
EIT Health Hub Latvia - Liga Zuka, RSU
EIT Culture & Creativity - Kati Uusi-Rauva, Director, North Regional Hub
EIT Food - Adam Strzelecki, CLC North-East
Case Studies from Latvia
14.50 - 15.00
Coffee Break
15.00 - 16.30
Organised workshops, networking & matchmaking
Business support: startups and partners networking with KIC representatives
EIT RawMaterials: Open Calls and KAVA Innovation Call 13 in Practice
EIT Food roundtable discussion: Investments in Agrifood (invite-only)
16.30 - 17.00
Closing Remarks
RTU Science and Innovation Centre • Ķīpsalas iela 6A, 1048 Rīga, Latvia
