From Idea to Prototype: LBTU Launches First Innovation Grant Program for Students
The Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU) has launched the first cycle of the program "LBTU Innovation Grants for Students". The initiative aims to foster the development of innovative student ideas by providing financial support, practical training, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities with industry professionals. The program offers students access to the knowledge and tools needed to create prototypes, test ideas in practice, and prepare for further development and commercialization.
A total of 15 student teams have been admitted to this cycle, each working on diverse and socially meaningful solutions - ranging from digital platforms and neuro games to sustainable beverages, biotechnologies, and smart devices. Every team is supported in their daily work by experienced supervisors who provide guidance and advice throughout the project development process.
Student Teams, Ideas, and Supervisors
Green Guardians – a digital platform for environmental risk analysis and visualization using artificial intelligence and GIS data. Supervisor: Sigita Gailuma.
Song Memories – a digital neuro game designed to support and assess cognitive functions in seniors. Supervisor: Juris Kļonovs.
Mycelium – laboratory cultivation of “Trametes versicolor” fungi and exploration of possibilities for extracting biologically active compounds. Supervisor: Ilze Irbe.
ABA Step Team – a digital tool to improve social communication and adaptive skills in children. Supervisor: Tatjana Rubina.
VetVeseliba.lv – a centralized digital platform integrating data from veterinary clinics, laboratories, and pharmacies. Supervisor: Jeļena Tonova.
UniProtect – an innovative 3D-printed floorball stick blade protector that improves equipment durability. Supervisor: Madara Riblova.
BaltReed – a remotely operated water robot for reed harvesting, supporting the restoration of aquatic ecosystems. Supervisor: Jeļena Tonova.
R.A.J.A. Prime – a prototype of a real-time athlete tracking system to enhance competition safety and visualization. Supervisor: Anastasija Kižlo.
Glucogoods – a digital platform for diabetes patients combining product purchasing with informational support. Supervisor: Aļona Irmeja.
UngiPast – a mobile app for veterinary care record-keeping, for cattle and horses. Supervisor: Arnis Lēnerts.
TE-D Nature Lab – a sustainable beverage tablet for multiple use made from Baltic plants and berries. Supervisor: Jūlija Pehtereva.
Tējotāji (Tea Drinkers) – a beverage tablet or mix made from local plants, preserving taste and quality with multiple use. Supervisor: Jūlija Pehtereva.
ThinkAhead – a prototype of interactive neuro games for early identification of cognitive impairments. Supervisor: Juris Kļonovs.
ScaleGrow – a compact, user-friendly aquaponics system with AI-powered monitoring features. Supervisor: Rūta Ozola Davidāne.
BARLE – the development of a barley-based coffee as a sustainable, eco-friendly caffeine-free alternative to traditional coffee. Supervisor: Dace Kļava.
Program participants will take part in workshops, training sessions, and networking events designed to enhance their skills in project management, communication, entrepreneurship, and specialized technical areas. These events are also accessible to other students and academic staff, fostering knowledge sharing, collaboration, and a vibrant learning community.
The first training session already took place on November 24 at the LBTU Technology and Knowledge Transfer Centre (TEPEK) with the main topic "Practical Problem-Solving: Behavior, Structure, and Decision-Making Under Stress Conditions."
Participants learned how stress may affect quality of decision making, explored practical applications of the CATWOE method, 5 Whys, RCA, CPS, and the Pareto principle, and developed structured thinking and teamwork strategies for complex situations.
To contribute as a mentor or stay updated on upcoming activities, events, and opportunities, you are invited to join the LBTU Student Business Incubator community. Interested individuals can fill out the form available at this link.
Project No. 1.1.1.7/1/25/A/001 "LBTU Innovation Grants for Students" is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and implemented in cooperation with the LBTU Development Fund, the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, the Green Tech Latvia Cluster, and "BirgerMind".