Year 2021-2022 – time of breakthrough innovation and new discoveries

Looking back at the results and moving beyond

Due to the activities carried out by the Innovation Centre LUMIC, 20 idea generation marathons took place, three start-ups were founded, 228 innovations were created and 185 most active students received scholarships to the total amount of EUR 119,452.60 last year. 740 students have acquired or developed skills so far, while 2,969 participants have been involved in LUMIC activities.

One of the highlights of 2021 was the discovery and innovation event New Technologies and Innovation days, which brought together the brightest minds in research and the authors of the most innovative ideas. A significant number of researchers from the University of Latvia participated in the Knowledge Agora. The Knowledge Agora was an opportunity for researchers to present and engage a wider public with recent or ongoing innovative research in the area of technology, processes and improvement of the quality of life. Over 50 studies were submitted; they highlighted various topics, challenges and innovative solutions in a wide range of fields.

Large-scale hybrid events such as the international student business opportunity festival Icebreakers, the 20-week pre-incubation programme of the UL Student Business Incubator, academic innovation courses and innovation internships also took place in 2021.

Year 2022 in the Innovation Centre – an opportunity to implement ideas

Many more interesting events await participants in 2022, including traditional and upcoming events, and brand new and unexpected initiatives.

The Research Ideas Marathon, launched at the end of last year, will continue with students from different universities, programmes and levels exploring topics important for the society with the support of mentors. Art students will also be in for a surprise soon – to try their hand at creative idea generation at InovArt, where they will have the opportunity to solve industry problems, find fulfilment and get valuable prizes. Sports Hackathon and a new development programme for teachers are also planned for this year.

The New Technology and Innovation Day will take place for the fourth time in spring 2022, on 20 May, and will provide an opportunity for students, researchers and graduates to demonstrate and evaluate their achievements during the year, and to generate new, innovative ideas. As an introduction to this event, Innovation Afternoons will be organised once a month, starting in February, to discuss innovations in different sectors. Industry experts share their experience on the latest developments, and spectators have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in interactive discussions online.

One of the activities that has already been successfully launched in 2021 is online courses in cooperation with Microsoft and the Latvian Information and Communications Technology Association, where the number of enrolled participants reached 12,543. The Digital Skills Development Programme provides students with knowledge and skills in one of two modules: Business and Data Analysis or Software and Application Development. It is a unique opportunity to learn data visualisation and analysis, cloud computing fundamentals, system design fundamentals, skills for using Microsoft Power BI platform and other knowledge that not only improves digital skills but also provides insights and practical skills on innovative approaches, free of charge. This year, courses and applications will continue and a unique virtual internship will be offered.

Every student can use this time of opportunities to realise their potential, ambition and to persistently put their ideas into practice! The Innovation Centre of the UL will be full of inspiring meetings, opportunities to develop knowledge, events, prizes and motivation from the best mentors and lecturers in 2022.  The UL invites students and faculty members to get actively involved and take advantage of the wide range of opportunities offered by the Innovation Grants project until April 2022! If you have any questions please contact the project manager Anta Klepecka by e-mail: anta.klepecka@lu.lv. Additional information is available on the web-site of the Innovation Centre LUMIC of UL: https://www.lumic.lu.lv/.