LSIWC project among the five finalists of the "REGIOSTARS Awards 2026" in the "A Green Europe" category

The project "Study of obtaining, production and application of high specific surface area birch outer bark betulin particles in dispersed systems" (Project No. 1.1.1.1/20/A/071), implemented by the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LSIWC), has been selected as a finalist in the European Commission's "REGIOSTARS Awards 2026". Out of a record 274 applications, only 25 projects were shortlisted, including the LSIWC project, which is one of five finalists in the "A Green Europe" category.

The "REGIOSTARS Awards" is the European Commission's annual competition recognising outstanding projects funded by the European Union that demonstrate excellence in regional development, innovation and improving people's quality of life.

During the project, an eco-innovative technology was developed and patented for the efficient production of multifunctional betulin microparticles from birch outer bark extractives. The new technology creates opportunities to transform birch bark –previously used mainly as a fuel by-product of plywood manufacturing – into a high-value raw material for the food, food supplement, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.

From 3 September, the public will be able to vote for the People's Choice Award. In October, the project team will travel to Brussels to present the project's results to an international jury during the European Week of Regions and Cities. The winners of the competition, including the recipient of the People's Choice Award, will be announced at the official award ceremony.

We would like to thank the project team – Aigars Pāže, Jānis Rižikovs, Karīna Orlova, Sanita Vītoliņa, Rūdolfs Bērziņš, Daniela Godiņa, Laura Andže, Artūrs Tereško and Zane Grigale-Soročina – for their contribution to the successful implementation of the project and this achievement.

The project was implemented in close collaboration with Cesis City Farm "DOKTUS".

More information about the competition and all REGIOSTARS Awards 2026 finalists is available on the European Commission's REGIOSTARS Awards website.

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