Support for science-intensive startups

Who can apply

Eligible applicants are Latvian-registered companies or foreign branches (SMEs, mid-caps, or large enterprises partnering with SMEs) developing a technology created by an EU, EEA, or Swiss research organization with a readiness level from TRL 4 to TRL 8. The company must hold rights to use the technology or have the researcher from the scientific institution as a shareholder. The company must not have tax debts exceeding 150 EUR and must have available de minimis capacity.

Maximum support

The maximum support per application is up to 150 000 EUR.

Share of costs covered

The support rate is up to 80%.

What can be paid for

• Employee salaries and mandatory state social insurance contributions directly related to development
• External service costs for prototyping and commercialization (engineering, marketing, and other services)
• Purchase of components and materials for prototyping
• Participation in international exhibitions, conferences, visits, trade missions, and national stands
• Rental and utility costs for research facilities and laboratories up to 5 000 EUR per month
• Indirect eligible costs

What cannot be paid for

• Capital replacement and routine equipment or software updates without specification improvements
• Routine, seasonal, or cyclical changes and product customizations
• Resale of goods or processes from other manufacturers
• Purely aesthetic marketing modifications without changes to functions or technical features
• Improvement of internal organizational processes and internal software development
• Activities in excluded sectors (agriculture, wholesale/retail, gambling, real estate, etc.)

Key conditions

• Project implementation period is up to 24 months, but no later than 30.04.2027
• Own co-financing of at least 20% is required
• An advance payment of up to 50% of the total project funding is available
• For TRL 8 level, proof of non-public investment or financial contribution of at least 10 000 EUR is mandatory
• Proof of end-customer engagement must be provided (such as a letter of intent or recommendation)
• Mandatory reporting via LIAA surveys and submission of R&D data to the Central Statistical Bureau

How to apply

Apply electronically on the business.gov.lv platform under the "E-services" section. Prepare and attach an SME declaration, a de minimis form number, and documents proving the technology readiness level and customer engagement. LIAA evaluates the application within one month and makes a decision on concluding the contract.