For the third time, participants will tackle real-life business challenges provided by companies from the Vidzeme region, developing solutions through the synergy of technology and creative industries. “We see this initiative as a valuable opportunity for international participants to work on real industry challenges together with motivated young people from the region, while engaging directly with companies on-site. This year, participants will also have the opportunity to apply for grants to further develop their prototypes, strengthening the real impact and continuity of the solutions created,” says Santa Vītola Head of the Vidzeme Open Innovation Hub.
The Innovation Co-Creation Lab invites researchers and students from abroad with expertise in areas such as information and communication technologies (ICT), multimedia, virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), mechatronics, robotics, artificial intelligence, and related fields.
Benefits for participating Students and researchers
For students participating in this event, there are a variety of benefits:
Hands-on experience in addressing real business challenges in collaboration with entrepreneurs and researchers
Opportunity to expand professional networks across both academic and business communities
Opportunity to apply and test existing knowledge in a new context and collaborative working format
The benefits for researchers include:
Enhanced insight into the challenges affecting various sectors of the economy and the key influencing factors
Greater appreciation of the significance, relevance, and practical applicability of their research field
Opportunity to increase the perceived value of current research among potential partners and stakeholders
Inspiration for new research directions and future collaborative projects.
The application deadline for students and researchers is 29 June 2026 via this form.
Programme information
An online kick-off meeting will be held on 5 November 2026 to launch the Blended Intensive program. This will be followed by introductory meetings on 12 and 19 November 2026, during which participating companies will present their challenges and problem statements, while researchers will introduce their expertise and competencies. This will be followed by an intensive working week in Valmiera from 23 to 27 November, where interdisciplinary teams will collaborate on developing solutions for the participating companies. Previous Innovation Co-Creation Labs have focused on topics such as challenges in the food and beverage technology sector, sustainable food packaging, algae as a resource for innovation, and forest resources for the development of innovative services, attracting more than 200 participants from Vidzeme and across Latvia.
View the programme and other useful information here.
About the lab
The Innovation Co-Creation Lab is organised by the Vidzeme Open Innovation Hub in the format of an Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP NO. BIP ID: 2025-1-LV01-KA131-HED-000332159) within the framework of the Eiropas Reģionālās attīstības fonda līdzfinansētā projekta Nr. 1.1.1.7/1/25/A/003 “Vidzemes inovāciju programma studentiem 2.0" (VIPS 2.0) and “European University E³UDRES²” and “LEAPXR”.
The Vidzeme Open Innovation Hub (VAIC) was established in 2024 by Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences and the Vidzeme Planning Region to promote the development of the region’s innovation and knowledge ecosystem. This collaboration strengthens interaction between academia and regional development stakeholders, creating opportunities for innovative solutions that contribute to the growth of Vidzeme.
Contact:
Vidzeme Open innovation Hub
Project manager - Liene Goļča
liene.golca@va.lv
Links
➞ Vidzeme Open Innovation Hub
Article created by: Vidzeme UAS
