Simply put, the knowledge-based bio-economy means focusing on leveraging existing biological resources to create products and services that are more sustainable and efficient.

Woodwork, fisheries, and agriculture have for decades made up the biggest portion of Latvia’s export. With the help of the latest technologies and by developing new business models, we want to make sure these resources are used as efficiently as possible.

5th

most forested country in the EU

26.4%

of the country's total export value is comprised of wood and food

14.8%

of agricultural lands are for organic farming

Modernizing centuries-old industries

  • by LMT

    Unlike ordinary hives, smart hives are equipped with different types of sensors, making the beekeeper’s work easier. The sensors allow remote monitoring of the honey weight, as well as temperature, humidity level, and bee activity inside the hive.

  • by researchers at RTU

    Scientists at the Latvian Maritime Academy of Riga Technical University (RTU) have created a freeze-drying equipment prototype and technology for the sublimation of fishery and aquaculture products. This will create a new direction for food production.

  • by Latvijas valsts meži

    The mobile app by Latvijas valsts meži (transl. – Latvia state forests) ​​gathers the widest range of maps and data layers in one place. It helps users better navigate in nature, search and identify objects on the map, receive geospatial information, and more. The application allows foresters to save time and resources.

  • by Cross Timber Systems

    Cross Timber System has developed a technology for cross-laminated timber production. This construction solution is less expensive, creates less waste in the manufacturing process, and is more fire-resistant than any other building technology.

Next generation of talents in knowledge-based bio-economy

Bioeconomy is a field with a significant future impact on regional development. It’s, therefore, a positive feature that the number of bachelor’s and master’s students and graduates in bio-economy-related fields has been stable for the past years.

With four of the country’s largest universities offering dozens of programs in this field, the possibilities of studying the niche of your interest in this industry are very wide, to say the least.

600+

graduates/year in fields closely related to bio-economy

46%

of scientific personnel are between 20 and 40 years old

128k

people employed in bioeconomy sectors by 2030

Startups you should know:

  • LANDE is an agricultural financing and crowdfunding platform that helps small and medium-sized farms obtain capital using machinery, land, or future harvest as collateral.
  • AgroPlatforma is a B2B marketplace for farmers and grain buyers to communicate, deal and fix grain prices.