BioPhoT Mentoring Day at the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry
On April 1, 2025, the Mentor Day of the BioPhoT platform took place at the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry. During the event, the platform’s mentors provided a detailed insight into the practical aspects of BioPhoT, explaining the project application process, the role of mentors, and the evaluation methodology. Scientists actively participated in the discussions, asking questions and clarifying uncertainties related to project development and application preparation.
BioPhoT (Biomedical and Photonics Research Platform for the Creation of Innovative Products) is a long-term national research program established to foster collaboration between scientists and the commercial sector by developing new technologies with high commercialization potential in the fields of biomedicine, photonics, and related industries. The program aims to develop 35 new technologies by 2032, of which at least 23 are expected to reach validation in real-world conditions (TRL 5) or full-scale demonstration (TRL 6), and at least four will be commercialized.
In the first phase of the program, until November 30, 2026, the state has allocated €12.8 million for the implementation of innovation projects. An additional €5 million will be directed toward enhancing scientists’ innovation skills, including training on intellectual property protection.
To support potential project applicants, the BioPhoT platform organizes Mentor Days. These events aim to provide scientists with the necessary information and support for the successful preparation and implementation of project applications.
The BioPhoT platform significantly differs from previous Latvian research programs in several key aspects:
- Long-term approach and ambitious goals: Unlike short-term programs, BioPhoT is designed as a long-term initiative with specific goals in technology development and commercialization.
- Broad involvement of partner institutions: The platform brings together nine leading Latvian research institutions, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and the consolidation of resources.
- Focus on commercialization and technology transfer: BioPhoT places special emphasis on the commercialization of research outcomes, encouraging the development of innovations and the transfer of technologies into business.
- Mentor support system: The platform provides mentor support throughout the application and implementation phases, helping researchers to develop innovations and facilitating their market introduction.
- Training and innovation education: BioPhoT includes training on intellectual property protection and technology transfer.
The BioPhoT platform is a significant step in the development of Latvia’s science and innovation ecosystem, promoting closer cooperation between research and business. Its goal is to strengthen Latvia’s international competitiveness by creating new technologies with high commercialization potential.
The BioPhoT platform is coordinated by the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis (LIOS) and is implemented by:
- Institute of Electronics and Computer Science
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre
- University of Latvia
- Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia
- Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment “BIOR”
- Riga Stradiņš University
- Riga Technical University
