LBTU presents technology transfers for National defense to the Minister of Defence
On May 15, Minister of Defence Andris Sprūds visited the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU), where he was introduced to defense-relevant technology transfer outcomes developed by several of LBTU’s structural units. These include the Faculty of Agriculture and Food Technology’s Institute of Food, the Faculty of Forest and Environmental Sciences’ Institute of Wood Processing and Construction, the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technologies’ Institute of Computer Systems and Data Science, and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. The presented projects offer innovative solutions for national defense in the fields of food supply, temporary infrastructure construction, and forest inventory data applications.
LBTU Rector Irina Arhipova emphasized: "LBTU is a leading center for bioscience and technology research in Latvia. Given the current geopolitical context, it is evident that research priorities are increasingly aligned with national defense needs. We are already proud of our innovations in food processing, construction technologies, and precision data analysis. Closer cooperation with the defense sector enables us to gain deeper insight into the specific areas where innovative solutions are required—solutions that Latvian scientists can develop and transfer to Latvian companies for production."
During the visit, the Minister of Defence toured the Institute of Food, where he learned about research projects and collaborations with businesses. Minister Sprūds also had the opportunity to sample freeze-dried food products developed by LBTU scientists in close partnership with the company AS "Roga Agro." Freeze-drying (lyophilization) is a high-value food processing method that drastically reduces water content while preserving up to 97% of nutrients. The advantages of this technology include long shelf life without compromising nutritional value, taste, or aroma. The lightweight nature of freeze-dried products is a critical asset in crisis scenarios. As a result of this collaboration, innovative meal formulations have been developed and subjected to rigorous testing. These products are particularly well-suited for military use, ensuring safe and nutrient-dense food reserves for soldiers, and are broadly applicable in extreme conditions and emergency situations.
At the Institute of Wood Processing and Construction within the Faculty of Forest and Environmental Sciences, the minister visited the Interdisciplinary Laboratory, where discussions were held on support mechanisms during crisis scenarios and related defense needs. LBTU presented its research in the areas of wood processing, timber construction, and building materials. Special attention was given to the university’s work on rapidly deployable timber-concrete composite bridges, including their construction and operational characteristics. The discussion also covered the strategic advantages of such structures and the potential for future research to enable their use as critical infrastructure during emergency situations.
Researchers from the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technologies showcased their achievements in the use of LiDAR, Sentinel, and hyperspectral data technologies. Meanwhile, discussions with colleagues from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine focused on biosecurity—a crucial aspect during emergencies, when ensuring the safety of food and drinking water supplies and the availability of first aid in extreme conditions becomes essential.
This visit highlighted the university’s growing role in contributing to national security and defense through applied science, innovation, and technology transfer.