Latvian entrepreneurs have received EUR 13 million from the Norway Grants for innovation and development

Since 2020, the Norway Grants programme "Business Development, Innovation and SMEs” in Latvia has contributed significantly to the economy and regional development, especially in the areas of green innovation, information and communication technologies (ICT) and welfare technologies. The programme has ensured over EUR 13 million in funding, facilitating the development of new products and technologies, raising competitiveness and economic activity in both the domestic and international markets, as well as built the innovation capacities of enterprises and sustainable regional development in Latvia.

“The programme has made a significant contribution to the promotion of the competitiveness of Latvian entrepreneurs, introduction of sustainable solutions, as well as strengthening bilateral economic cooperation between Latvia and Norway. The number of projects received was three times higher than the initially planned funding, demonstrating the willingness of enterprises to introduce innovations and invest in strengthening sustainability. It is no coincidence that Latvia is currently the Baltic leader in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” emphasises Laura Strovalde, Deputy Director in charge of investment and energy at LIAA.

The programme launched one open call for applications for introducing green innovations and ICT products into production, as well as two small grant schemes for the development of green and ICT products and technologies and the development of welfare technologies. A total of 120 project applications were received, out of which 44 were funded, including 37 in collaboration with Norwegian partners.

One of the beneficiaries is SIA “Azeron” – a fast-growing Latvian enterprise producing innovative and ergonomic video game accessories. In March 2022, the enterprise attracted co-funding of EUR 93,170 within the scope of the small grant scheme "Development of Welfare Technologies", enabling it to commence the production of keyboard modules for persons with mobility disorders, as well as develop an online platform enabling one to acquire a product tailored to the individual needs of the customer. The total eligible costs of the project comprised EUR 266,200.

SIA “Azeron” Project Manager Eva Daigina “As part of the project, we had the opportunity to collaborate with the Riga Stradiņš University Scientific Centre “Kleisti”, in order to test the keyboard modules developed by us, to carry out ergonomic assessments, as well as to analyse the activity of the hand muscles while using the keyboard. We are also very pleased to have worked with the experts from Keizen Institute Norway, who visited our production plants, and following three days of intensive sessions made many recommendations for improvements in the production process.”

The metalworking company SIA “AB Metal”, in turn, with the help of the programme and the Norwegian enterprise AS “ACMOTECH”, was able to introduce an environmentally friendly, energy-efficient and innovative production line for processing stainless steel, aluminium and other non-ferrous sheet metals. “Within the framework of the project, which we started to implement in October of 2022, two new machines have been acquired – a multi-stage grinding machine and a CNC laser cutting machine, which enabled us to introduce more sustainable technologies into the production process, reducing the overall energy consumption, as well as increasing the competitiveness of our enterprise not only at the local level but also in the entire Baltic region and Europe,” says the representative of SIA “AB Metal” Arnis Balodis.

SIA “AB Metal” received the grant within the scope of the open call “Application of green industry innovation and ICT products and technologies”. The total eligible costs of the project comprised EUR 948,500, with the programme funding comprising EUR 521,675.

The “Business Development, Innovation and SMEs” programme has significantly promoted innovation, cooperation and growth culture, enabling Latvian enterprises to become leaders in their sectors and enter new markets, thereby increasing their competitiveness both locally and on a global scale. The supported innovations serve as proof that financial aid and scientific collaboration can turn new ideas into reality and accelerate the pace of innovation, resulting in solutions that improve the quality of life.

In total, more than 500 new contacts have been established during the programme between enterprises, research organisations and other institutions both in Latvia and Norway, and the initiatives supported with the calls for applications created at least 83 new jobs in Latvia, contributing significantly to the economic growth of the country. For more information on all approved projects, please visit the website https://eeagrants.lv.

The programme was implemented till 30 April 2024. Upon the closure thereof, on 16 May 2024, an on-site event “The Key To Success – Norway Grants” was held during a large-scale technology conference “Deep Tech Atelier”. During the closing event, attended by more than 50 participants, it was possible to learn about the outcomes achieved during the programme, get acquainted with the success stories of the project promoters, see the developed products and their prototypes in the EXPO area, as well as get acquainted with the essence of the Norwegian grants.

Even though the programme has been closed, the implementation of the Bilateral Cooperation Fund initiatives is still ongoing within its scope, ensured by LIAA in cooperation with the donor partner “Innovation Norway”. Four activities have already taken place in 2024, and more are on the way. You can find out more about the planned activities on the website www.eeagrants.lv or on the national platform for business development www.business.gov.lv.

Over the past two years, six events attended by 84 merchants have been held within the scope of the Bilateral Cooperation Fund. These events led to the establishment of 345 new contacts and the creation of 58 potential collaborations.

The aim of the programme “Business Development, Innovation and SMEs” is to promote value creation and sustainable growth in Latvian enterprises. The programme is part of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Norway Grants for 2014–2021. The aim of the EEA and Norway Grants is to help reduce economic and social disparities in the EEA and strengthen bilateral relations between the donor states (Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) and the beneficiary states.

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