The Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIAA) and the Israel Innovation Authority have signed a cooperation agreement aimed at promoting bilateral projects in the field of innovation and technological development, reports Media Labs of Latvia.
The agreement will allow entrepreneurs, researchers and organizations from both countries to connect and work together on the same challenges, be it climate, green energy, health or biotechnology.
Kaspars Rožkalns, Director General of LIAA, believes that the famed “startup nation” of Israel has a myriad of innovative solutions to offer.
The aim of the new agreement is to “create such a synergy between Latvia and Israel that 1+1 would be more than 2,” said Rožkalns.
“Latvia is able to offer Israeli startups and scientists access to the European market, excellent infrastructure for research and development, and access to financing. I am sure that Latvian innovations can be interesting for the Israeli technology environment. Latvian startups are striving to gain international presence and enter new global markets, where Israel is undoubtedly a gateway to the world economy,” said Rožkalns.
On the day the agreement was signed, Dr. Ami Applebaum, Chairman of the Israel Innovation Authority: “By joining forces, Israel and Latvia are coming closer: “By joining forces, Israel and Latvia can leverage each other’s strengths and create a future together.” strong alliance that will innovate with the performance of traditional industry. This collaboration opens up exciting opportunities for knowledge sharing, technology transfer and merging cutting-edge advances with established industry practices. Together we will boost economic growth, create jobs and lead our nations to a brighter future.”
Latvia and Israel will announce calls for joint project proposals and co-fund successful initiatives. The tenders for projects are preceded by matchmaking events aimed at bringing together Latvian and Israeli entrepreneurs and businesspeople.
The deal will also open up new opportunities for Latvian and Israeli ecosystem actors to form consortia and participate in European Union-funded special programs such as Eureka or Horizon, where partnerships are a prerequisite for the success of claims and access to large budgets.
Source: LSM & Israel Valley