Defence sector pre-accelerator invites companies to develop solutions to strengthen Estonia’s defence capabilities
The defence sector pre-accelerator Defence Business Lab is beginning its second year of operation and is inviting companies and teams to apply with technological solutions that support Estonia’s defence capabilities. The programme helps take defence technologies from idea and prototype stage through to testing and international growth opportunities.
The pre-accelerator is aimed at companies developing technologies applicable in the defence sector that need support in understanding the specific characteristics of the defence market, developing and positioning their solution, and preparing for the next stages of growth, including applying to international programmes.
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Originally published on 27 Mar
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A “Kongsberg NanoAvionics” small satellite, “IHI-SAT2”, designed for global forest monitoring and the advancement of green credit initiatives, has successfully reached Earth’s orbit. The satellite was launched into space on 28 November from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, as part of the SpaceX “Transporter-15” mission. Shortly after separating from the rocket’s second stage, the “NanoAvionics” mission control centre in Vilnius established a stable two-way communication link with “IHI-SAT2”, confirming its successful operation.
The satellite was manufactured on behalf of Japan’s “IHI Corporation” and “IHI Aerospace Co., Ltd.” and is part of the “NeXT FOREST” programme, undertaken by “IHI” in collaboration with “Sumitomo Forestry Company Limited”. Its onboard hyperspectral camera captures imagery across an exceptionally wide range of the electromagnetic spectrum, allowing precise identification of plant species, analysis of forest condition changes, and detection of stress or disease indicators. Such data provide invaluable insights for sustainable forestry practices and the development of environmental financial mechanisms.
It is particularly encouraging that “IHI-SAT2” was fully assembled and tested in Lithuania – at the “NanoAvionics” facility in Vilnius, from which the entire mission is also being coordinated. This marks the eleventh satellite launched by the company into space this year. Since commencing operations in 2014, “NanoAvionics” has already deployed more than fifty satellites into orbit, supporting climate monitoring, science, communications, and industrial projects worldwide.
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Originally published on 3 Dec
Tallinn Airport is embarking on the largest development project in its history, expanding the passenger terminal to accommodate future growth. By 2030, the airport expects to serve nearly 5 million passengers a year — a volume that exceeds the capacity of the current terminal. The terminal expansion is divided into five stages to allow construction in different parts of the building at different times, with works continuing until 2030.
The existing terminal was designed to serve 2.8 million passengers per year, yet today more than 3.5 million people already pass through Tallinn Airport annually. By 2030, the number is projected to reach nearly 5 million. The total estimated cost of the development project is 75 million euros, making it the largest investment in the airport’s history. The exact cost will be determined after all procurement processes have been completed. “Most of the design work has now been finalised. Construction of the first phase inside the terminal has already begun, and the next major construction tender will be announced in mid-December with estimated cost of 50 million auros,” said Riivo Tuvike, Chairman of the Management Board of Tallinn Airport.
“This expansion provides a foundation for future developments, which is why we designed the new volumes to integrate naturally with the existing terminal’s architecture,” explained architect Jaan Kuusemets from Dagopen. “The northern extension and smaller additions continue the terminal’s parapet line and will eventually be tied together with an elegant ribbon façade. The roof shape, overall massing and height are derived from the proportions of the historical terminal, reinterpreted in a contemporary architectural language to create a balanced and context-sensitive composition.”
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Originally published on 3 Dec
Lithuania could become one of Europe’s strongest tech centres within just five years, according to the latest study by the association Unicorns Lithuania. The analysis shows that by 2030, the number of startups in the country could triple, the number of specialists employed could double, and the state budget could receive an additional €5 billion in tax revenue.
However, according to the association, such a breakthrough is only possible if the country actively fosters the creation of artificial intelligence (AI) startups. The study estimates that this would require €270 million in state investment by 2030.
Association Chair Mantas Katinas says that Lithuania’s startups have already grown from a small niche to a sector of real economic significance. Last year alone, these companies contributed almost €0.5 billion in taxes to the state budget, and the value they create for Lithuania approaches €2 billion.
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Originally published on 28 Nov
Detection Technology, a global leader in X‑ray detector solutions, announces that its pioneering all-in-one CT detector system, AIDA, has advanced into customer evaluation, a major step toward its commercial rollout in early 2026. The move into evaluations also highlights AIDA’s mission to solve one of photon-counting CT’s (PCCT) biggest challenges: managing and transmitting massive data flows. Strong customer interest confirms the hardware-software platform’s suitability for real-world use.
AIDA is designed to redefine X‑ray imaging in medical, security, and industrial applications. The platform will support both static and rotating CT systems, including advanced modalities such as photon-counting CT (PCCT).
By integrating detector modules, data combiner boards, data control boards, optimized slip ring interfaces, and DT proprietary API compatible with the GigE Vision protocol into a single, unified hardware–software platform, the system simplifies overall architecture and data transfer while delivering unprecedented performance. The modular design ensures seamless integration while accelerating time-to-market, reducing total costs, minimizing interfaces, and simplifying supply-chain complexity.
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Originally published on 1 Dec
Over the past year, we have implemented significant improvements to our cargo handling capacity. The latest project – the widening of the shore ramp – was commissioned today 1st Dec 2025.
This upgrade enables cargo handling through three ramps on Enabler vessels instead of the previous two. Along with the 9-meter ramp extension, we also reinforced and expanded the quay area’s erosion protection, improving the long-term durability of the structures.
During this past autumn, the port’s timber storage yard was expanded by 8,000 square meters to meet the growing demand for timber storage.
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Originally published on 1 Dec
The US-based B2B (Business-to-Business) digital marketing startup 7 Knots Digital begins its expansion in Europe from Latvia, James Karklins, founder and owner of 7 Knots Digital, told LETA in an interview.
7 Knots Digital was founded in New York over five years ago with the aim of helping B2B businesses, B2B media and technology companies turn content into measurable results. The company works with B2B media, technology companies and event organizers, including major industry trade shows and conferences, to help turn content and marketing campaigns into measurable results, Karklins said.
“We started in New York and have since expanded to Canada, Toronto, and now Riga, Latvia,” said Karklins.
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Originally published on 2 Dec
Cruise traffic in Ports of Stockholm continues to increase. In 2026, 157 vessels with more than 300,000 passengers are expected to visit the ports. Cruise ship calls now occur throughout the year, with the majority of passengers coming from the German market.
The list of cruise calls for 2026 has now been published and shows continued positive development for cruise traffic at Ports of Stockholm. Seven ships will make their maiden call and a new cruise line is establishing itself. A total of 157 cruise calls are expected at the ports during the year – an increase compared with both 2025 and 2024. Twenty-one of the calls will be made at the Port of Nynäshamn – the highest number in many years.
“It’s great to see that demand is picking up again in the Baltic Sea and that the number of cruise ships is steadily increasing. Occupancy on board is also high, which means that the number of passengers is rising significantly,” says Stefan Scheja, Marketing Manager Ferries and Cruises at Ports of Stockholm.
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Originally published on 2 Dec
On 1 December 2025, European Transport Corridor Coordinator Mario Mauro visited Riga to review Latvia’s transport priorities and developments within the TEN-T network. The visit focused on Latvia’s role in the newly defined European transport corridors, established under the TEN-T Regulation that took effect on 18 July 2024. Latvia participates in two of the EU’s nine corridors: the North Sea–Baltic Sea Corridor and the Baltic Sea–Black Sea–Aegean Sea Corridor.
Mauro met with representatives of Latvian Railways, RB Rail AS and European Railway Lines to discuss the Rail Baltica project, current rail sector developments and the impact of geopolitical conditions on freight volumes. Although freight has declined, passenger numbers continue to rise. Discussions highlighted the importance of military mobility, infrastructure upgrades, higher train speeds and a new rail link to Riga Airport.
Progress on the cross-border Rail Baltica project was reviewed, with Latvia stressing the need for continued Connecting Europe Facility funding beyond 2028 to meet the EU goal of completing the core TEN-T network by 2030. The parties noted positive developments in EU Council negotiations, with a partial agreement expected on 15 December.
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Originally published on 2 Dec
The Baltic Sea region has strong potential to take a lead in the transition to climate-smart marine fuels, but faces delays due to high costs and unclear political policy direction. This is highlighted in a new report from IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, in which Port of Luleå is studied.
The new report, which examines market conditions among the eight countries around the Baltic Sea, shows that hydrogen-based electrofuels – such as electro-ammonia and electro-methanol – will be crucial for meeting climate targets. Shipping is one of the sectors where transition to fossil-free operations is progressing slowly. The report shows that energy companies and ports see these new fuels as essential in the long term, but stakeholders hesitate to invest because of uncertainity about future demand or which fuel type will dominate. John Sundvall, Technical Director at Port of Luleå, confirms this and sees the development of renewable fuels as a necessity to meet future requirements from shipping companies and industry.
– In northern Sweden, a major energy transition in industry is underway, which could also benefit shipping. As a transport hub and one of EU’s strategically designated ports, we naturally want to contribute to this transition. It is possible to build infrastructure here for both bunkering and export, but for us to invest, the market needs to become more secure, he says.
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Originally published on 1 Dec
The European Investment Bank (EIB) will contribute €600 million and become the largest lender to the construction of BC-Wind, a 390 MW offshore wind windfarm in the Baltic Sea set to supply nearly half a million Polish households and businesses with clean power. Developed by Ocean Winds, an ENGIE and EDPR joint venture, the wind farm will sit over 20 kilometres off Poland’s western coast and is expected to start production in 2028. It marks the fourth major offshore project backed by the EIB in Poland, and the third one signed in the country just this year.
“The EIB’s persistent commitment to supporting climate, economic competitiveness and Europe’s strategic sovereignty stands behind this beneficial, long-term loan for the construction and operation of BC-Wind, a new offshore wind project in the Polish economic zone in the Baltic Sea. As the climate bank of the European Union, the EIB is a trusted partner of ambitious energy transition in Poland from renewable sources to grid modernisation to energy efficiency and affordability. The latest addition to Poland’s rapidly growing offshore wind industry, BC-Wind will help reduce Poland’s carbon emissions and ensure energy security for people and businesses,” said EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwińska.
BC-Wind will consist of 26 bottom-fixed turbines, each with a maximum capacity of 15 MW. Ocean Winds has already secured all of the required permits, as well as a 25-year contract for difference to underpin future sales. On Dec.1, the company announced the sealing of an around €2 billion financing agreement with 15 lenders, which means construction can start in 2026.
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Originally published on 1 Dec