Latvia to receive EIB guidance on unlocking stronger tech innovation

Latvia on accelerating the development of high-growth business sectors. Through this new cooperation with the Ministry of Economics and the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), the EIB will help the country create the conditions for more competitive and scalable companies.
EIB experts will assess how Latvian businesses, research institutions and emerging technologies are supported and identify where policies and financing can be strengthened. The work, due to take place until the end of this year, will also explore opportunities for deeper Latvian alignment with neighbouring Estonia and Lithuania to foster strategic Baltic-wide initiatives.
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Originally published on 7 Apr
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Estonian biotechnology company ÄIO and natural cosmetics brand tilk! announce the launch of their first commercial product together: Skin Booster Bio‑Fermented Serum with ÄIO RedOil.
The product is a significant step for ÄIO, marking its evolution from research and ingredient development to market-ready, consumer-facing applications. Developed by tilk!, the serum combines ÄIO’s RedOil with marine and plant-based actives to deliver a high-performance skincare solution grounded in both science and nature. The partnership marks a breakthrough for Estonia’s rising biotech and cosmetics sectors, demonstrating how local innovation can shape the future of clean, high‑performance beauty.
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Originally published on 7 Apr

Lithuanian space and defence technology company Astrolight has launched its ATLAS-1 laser communication devices into orbit, in what the company says is the first Lithuanian laser communications system to reach space.
The devices were launched on 30 March 2026 aboard a Falcon 9 rocket during SpaceX’s Transporter-16 mission in California. According to Astrolight, the ATLAS-1 units will be used in three separate customer missions led by a French deep-tech company, the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
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Originally published on 7 Apr

VTT has published its key results from the national Towards Fossil‑Free Steel (FFS2) project as part of the consortium final report. VTT’s work in FFS2 focused on solutions that help steel producers replace fossil fuels and make full use of industrial side streams in a future fossil‑free value chain.
The transition to fossil free steel requires not only new energy sources, but also system level solutions that work on an industrial scale. In the FFS2 project, VTT has addressed this challenge by developing and validating technologies that integrate electrification, hydrogen and circular material flows into existing and future steelmaking processes. The results strengthen the technological basis for industrial decision making and support a faster, lower risk transition towards fossil-free steel production
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Originally published on 7 Apr

AS “SAF Tehnika,” a manufacturer of wireless data transmission equipment, has acquired a 50.5% stake in the newly established drone manufacturer SIA “AeroVictory Baltic”.
“AeroVictory Baltic” has a paid-in share capital of 20,200 euros. As a result of the transaction, “SAF Tehnika” has acquired 102 shares out of a total of 202 shares, representing 50.5% of the share capital and voting rights.
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Originally published on 8 Apr

The Rail Baltica Design Division of LTG Infra, the infrastructure company of the LTG Group, has officially begun design work on the Kaunas Node section. This is one of the most complex sections of the Poland–Latvia corridor due to its surrounding urbanized and natural areas.
Last year, LTG Infra took the initiative to establish a centre of excellence for high-speed rail design, which will complement and strengthen market capabilities. In the long term, this division — having accumulated experience in the design of high-speed railways and modern infrastructure – will be able to offer its expertise beyond Lithuania, as well as contribute to the further expansion of the European standard gauge network.
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Originally published on 7 Apr

Insta is modernizing the overhead cranes in the production hall at the Meyer Turku shipyard as part of the shipyard’s extensive renewal program. The modernization of two 2 × 25 ton overhead cranes will improve crane usability and support the shipyard’s competitiveness.
Insta has signed a significant agreement with Meyer Turku shipyard covering the electrical modernization of two hall cranes. In the project, the technology of the two 2 × 25‑ton overhead cranes—largely in its original condition—will be upgraded to meet today’s requirements and production expectations. The modernization will enhance both the usability and operational reliability of the cranes.
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Originally published on 7 Apr

On February 13, Baltic Workboats welcomed representatives of the Estonian Parliament’s Defence Industry Support Group to out shipyard in Nasva, Saaremaa. The visit formed part of a broader programme focused on strengthening cooperation between the public sector and domestic defence industry.
The delegation included members of the Defence, Finance and Foreign Affairs Committees: Raimond Kaljulaid, Kalev Stoicescu, Leo Kunnas, Henn Põlluaas and Riina Sikkut. They were received by Baltic Workboats’ CEO Margus Vanaselja, Board Member Ahto Pärl, Sales Representative Jüri Taal and EUROGUARD Project Manager Jüri Saska.
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Originally published on 6 Apr

Within the framework of the international Nordic–Baltic Hydrogen Corridor development project, the unified gas transmission and storage system operator AS Conexus Baltic Grid (“Conexus”) plans to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). If the project is implemented, the hydrogen corridor in Latvia would be developed parallel to the existing natural gas transmission pipeline.
Currently, several alternative options for the development of hydrogen transmission infrastructure are being explored in the Northern European region, including one project that envisages Latvia’s participation and would cross Latvian territory. However, the current research phase represents only one of the initial steps toward the potential implementation of the project. As with other infrastructure projects, this initiative requires both an EIA and other tasks related to technical and economic feasibility studies.
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Originally published on 2 Apr

Saab has received an order from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for a mobile and modular counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS). The system is designed to protect the Swedish Armed Forces as well as civil infrastructure from threats posed by drones. The order value is approximately SEK 2.6 billion and deliveries will take place 2027-2028.
In partnership with the Swedish Armed Forces and FMV, Saab is developing and deploying an advanced C-UAS system that offers proven, adaptable and cost-efficient layered defence against modern drone threats. The system will strengthen and complement Sweden’s current air defence and drone defence posture.
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Originally published on 2 Apr

The immersion pontoon IVY has passed its final tests and is now approved by the Danish Maritime Authority. Therefore, the contractor Femern Link Contractors (FLC) can begin preparing to immerse the first tunnel element into the dredged tunnel trench off Lolland’s coast this spring.
The special vessel IVY is comprised of two distinct units: IVY 1 & 2. Prior to the transportation and immersion of a 217-metre-long standard tunnel element, each end is securely attached to IVY 1 & 2, which provide buoyancy. For the handling of the 39-metre-long special elements, IVY 1 & 2 are joined to form a single vessel, facilitating the immersion process. Together, IVY 1 & 2 are equipped with 23 kilometres of steel wire spread over 66 winches, enabling them to submerge tunnel elements to depths of up to 40 metres with exceptional precision.
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Originally published on 3 Apr