RTU DeepTech Bootcamp

Turn your research or DeepTech idea into a market-ready venture.

The RTU DeepTech Bootcamp is an intensive three-day programme designed to help researchers, university teams, and early-stage DeepTech startups accelerate the commercialisation of science-based innovations. Through expert-led workshops, practical tools, and the internationally recognised Startup Engine methodology, participants will transform promising technologies into structured, investment-ready business opportunities.

By the end of the programme, every team will leave with a validated business model, a clearer commercialisation strategy, and a practical roadmap for the next 18 months.

The RTU DeepTech Bootcamp is organised by Riga Technical University in collaboration with StartIn, Startup House, and EIT Community Hub Latvia.

NB! The RTU DeepTech Bootcamp will be conducted entirely in English. All workshops, mentoring sessions, presentations, and discussions will take place in English.

Who should apply?

The programme is free of charge and intended for:

• Researchers at any career stage interested in commercialising their research;

• University teams developing innovative technologies;

• Early-stage DeepTech startups (TRL 3 and above).

We welcome teams working in:

• Biotechnology

• Semiconductors

• MedTech

• Photonics

• Defence (dual-use)

• Space

• Autonomous Systems

• Robotics

• Energy

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• High Performance Computing (HPC)

• Maritime Systems

• CleanTech

• Internet of Things (IoT)

• Automotive

• Other DeepTech fields

Applications are open until 4 September.

Please note: Participation is subject to a selection process, as places are limited. All applicants will be notified of their application status by 4 September.

Priority will be given to BioPhoT teams, university incubation programme participants, and EIT Community alumni.

What to expect

🌍 Learn from internationally recognised experts

The bootcamp is led by Todd Davey, creator of the Startup Engine methodology, and Siim Kinnas, an expert in intellectual property strategy and technology commercialisation.

🛠 Practical, hands-on approach

Each day combines expert insights, collaborative workshops, mentoring, and practical exercises focused on solving real commercialisation challenges.

🚀 Structured commercialisation journey

Throughout the programme, teams will:

• Define and validate their value proposition;

• Design and compare business models;

• Build an IP strategy;

• Assess commercial viability and funding needs;

• Develop a market entry strategy;

• Prepare a compelling investor-style progress pitch.

💶 EUR 20,000 Prize Fund

At the conclusion of the bootcamp, a total prize fund of EUR 20,000 will be awarded to the teams demonstrating the greatest progress and commercial potential.

The funding is:

• equity-free

• no strings attached

• awarded based on progress achieved during the programme.

Programme

Day 1 | 8 September | 9:30-16:00

📍 Riga Technical University // the Moon

Understanding the opportunity & designing the business model

• Value proposition development

• Customer segmentation

• Startup Engine Part I – Design the Venture

• Revenue model exploration

• Business model design

• Risk and assumption mapping

Day 2 | 9 September | 9:30-16:00

📍 Startup House Riga

Building a viable venture

• Intellectual Property strategy

• Protecting competitive advantage

• Startup Engine Part II – Testing Viability

• Financial modelling

• Lean financing

• Building the right team for growth

Day 3 | 10 September | 9:30-17:00

📍 Riga Technical University // the Moon

Taking the venture to market

• Startup Engine Part III – Market Strategy

• Market entry and expansion planning

• From Problem–Solution Fit to Product–Market Fit

• Final team pitches (2-minute presentation + Q&A)

• Award ceremony

Meet the experts

Todd Davey

Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship, innovation expert, advisor to the European Commission and UNESCO, and creator of the internationally recognised Startup Engine methodology.

Siim Kinnas

CEO of Intellegra IP and researcher at TalTech specialising in intellectual property strategy, technology transfer, and commercialisation of research.

Kristiāns Kreinbergs

Startup project developer at RTU Innovations, startup coach, and organiser of the RTU DeepTech Bootcamp.

About Startup Engine

Startup Engine is an internationally recognised framework developed by Todd Davey to help technology founders make better strategic decisions before investing significant time and resources.

Rather than focusing solely on speed, Startup Engine guides teams through:

• designing viable business models,

• validating commercial potential,

• testing financial sustainability,

• and planning a realistic path to market.

Since late 2024, the methodology has been delivered more than 20 times across Europe, North America, and Australia.

⚠️ Places are limited. Participation is subject to a selection process.

Apply by 4 September and join three intensive days dedicated to transforming breakthrough technologies into market-ready ventures.