State support tools help develop unique virtual reality simulator for drivers

A Latvian technology start-up has developed an innovative virtual reality driving simulator that offers an authentic and fully immersive driving experience. Unlike traditional simulators, the VR solution allows the user to fully immerse themselves in road traffic – both by practising technical skills and by learning how to control vehicles in extreme conditions. The product is tailored to the needs of the customer and can be used in driving schools, safe driving training, assessment and training of people with functional impairments. Although demand is still low in Latvia, interest is growing abroad: the first simulator is already successfully operating in the United States, and a safe driving training project has been implemented in Romania for a local electricity provider.  

The company has received significant support for product development from the Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIAA) innovation voucher programme – it was through this programme that the foundational software for the simulator was developed in cooperation with Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences. CEO Oskars Sniegs emphasises that this support has significantly accelerated the development process and helped to turn the idea into a concrete, market-ready solution.  

In addition, the company is also currently using the start-up support instruments offered by LIAA allowing it to obtain tax incentives for recruiting skilled employees. The next stage of development is participation in international exhibitions, where potential customers can test the product for themselves. Mr Sniegs emphasises that this experience is crucial as most people who try the simulator are pleasantly surprised by its effectiveness. The company plans to use the support offered by LIAA for this purpose as well. 

“Without state support, our journey from idea to finished product would be at least twice as long and difficult. Developing this kind of innovative solution requires significant resources both in terms of time and money. In our case, it was about two and a half years of work, and we only launched active sales in the last six months. We therefore see the support we have received as a major contribution to our development,” Mr Sniegs says. 

*Information material prepared with the support of the European Regional Development Fund