LSIWC Leading Researcher Laura Andže Presents the “OsteoWood” Project at the “BioPhoT” Conference

On 29 October, the second annual conference of the “BioPhoT” Biomedical and Photonics Innovation Platform took place at the University of Latvia’s House of Science. During the conference’s pitch session, Laura Andže, Leading Researcher at the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LSIWC), presented the “OsteoWood” project, highlighting its progress and achievements to date.

The aim of the “OsteoWood” project is to develop bone fixation implants made from birch wood as an alternative to conventional metal implants.

The research team has already developed the first prototypes and obtained promising results in both the analysis of the material’s mechanical properties and cell studies. The team is currently working to refine the manufacturing process for bone fixation screws, bringing the developed solution closer to practical application.

This year’s “BioPhoT” conference brought together researchers, entrepreneurs, industry representatives, investors and policymakers to showcase the achievements of innovation projects supported by the platform and discuss opportunities for their further development. The programme included short research project presentations, panel discussions on science–industry collaboration and an exhibition of innovation prototypes.

The “BioPhoT” platform supports the development of 66 Latvian innovation projects in the fields of biomedicine, pharmaceuticals, photonics, smart materials, engineering and medical technologies. Its aim is to advance scientific research results towards commercialisation.

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