PROTOTECH 2.0
During the summer, 15 scientific development contracts have been concluded between the beneficiaries, cooperation partners and one external developer. The process of developing new prototypes is currently underway. In total, 4 sectors are represented in which prototypes will be developed - bioresource technologies, smart energy, biomedicine/biopharmaceutics and ICT/practical solutions.
The development of all prototypes is planned to be completed by March 2024.
About PROTOTECH
From an idea to a competitive technology company!
At the end of the PROTOTECH 2.0 program call, over 70 applications received and two intensive days of applicants presenting to the commission, the process of evaluating ideas and arranging documentation is currently underway. Very soon we will find out which 15 teams will be accepted into the PROTOTECH 2.0 program, receiving support of up to 15,000 euros!
LIAA Technology Business Centre's PROTOTECH prototyping programme supports innovation and technology intensive SMEs and individuals in the design and development of product or technology prototypes, the minimum viable product development process. The programme is developed in cooperation with 3 Latvian universities, which are the official partners of the programme - University of Latvia, Riga Technical University and Riga Stradiņš University, but the prototype can also be developed by other research institutions with appropriate specialisation and competence, taking into account their technical capabilities and capacities.
The PROTOTECH programme provides an opportunity to develop a prototype of your product or service in well-equipped laboratories, under the guidance of experienced mentors, in order to move much faster towards your goal - to create globally sought-after products with high exportability.
Each supported project will be eligible for up to €15,000 with a 100% aid intensity. The next call in early 2023 will support the development of at least 15 prototypes.
Events
PROTOTECH launch event
To reach the finish line you need a good start and this was done at the PROTOTECH kick-off event of the Technology Business Centre's PROTOTECH support programme.
The PROTOTECH programme beneficiaries and their idea developers from 3 universities - Riga Stradiņš University, Riga Technical University and the University of Latvia - shared their experience on how to combine an idea with science. The team stories, team presentations, live music, a kick off tournament, a visit to the Institute of Physics at the University of Latvia and many other activities during the evening really created a sense of celebration and reaffirmed how valuable and versatile the PROTOTECH programme is.
A photo album of the event is available here.
Application
Applications for PROTOTECH support must be submitted electronically at business.gov.lv The application for prototyping support must be accompanied by an estimate and a technical specification for the development of at least one prototype by a TBC partner. Other annexes, such as a market study or a letter of intent, are also welcome to provide additional information on the further use of the prototype. TBC's partners in the development of the prototype are the University of Latvia, Riga Technical University or Riga Stradins University.
TBC will provide advice to find the most suitable partner for the development of a specific prototype and participation in PROTOTECH. Applications for consultations will be open on the business.gov.lv platform. For advice on how to find a partner for prototype development, please contact TBC Project Manager Krista Jegorova or Vineta Šnore. Contacts.
PROTOTECH process - 5 steps | Infographic
Applicant’s profile
To support the development of prototyping LIAA Technology Business Centre calls for innovative and technologically intensive small and medium-sized enterprises that need support for the drafting and development of product or technology prototype, and for the development of a minimum viable product. A natural person who has reached the age of 18, a group of natural persons, may submit an application or a merchant registered in the Republic of Latvia (corresponding to the status of the SME who already has a technology intensive business idea. Where a group of natural persons, submits an application for aid, their members shall authorize one representative from the group to submit the application. Participants who have not participated in the training of the Innovation Academy may also apply.
Assessment of applications
Applicants for the development of prototypes of new products or services will be assessed on the following criteria:
- eligibility of the applicant business idea for the high, medium-high or medium-low-tech sector and RIS3
- applicant's TRL level
- commercial potential of the product
- prototype marketing/testing capabilities
- team competencies
The members of the evaluation commission shall take a decision on the approval or rejection of the application based on the information provided in the application, its annexes and during the presentation, according to the number of points obtained. In addition to other annexes, the application for prototyping aid must be accompanied by an estimate of the development of the prototype from at least one collaborative partner and a technical specification for the development of a prototype. The applicant must obtain at least 3 points to be invited to present the prototype to the evaluation commission.
A list of applicants shall be established for the receipt of the prototyping funding. Depending on the funding available, a number of successful applicants with highest number of points are invited to conclude or, in the case of a candidate participating in the Innovation Academy, to amend the grant contracts. By 30 April 2024, support will be provided for the development of at least 30 prototypes. The LIAA Technology Business Centre may decide to provide additional prototyping support according to available funding.
Non-supporting industries
- For the trading sector, according to NACE Rev. 2. Section G “Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles”.
- For the commercial services sector, according to NACE Rev. 2. Section L “Real estate operations” and Chapter 77 “Leasing and leasing” of Title N “Activities of administrative and servicing services”.
- For the gambling sector, according to NACE Rev. 2. Chapter 92, “Gambling and betting”, heading “Art, entertainment and recreation”.
- For the alcoholic beverage industry, in accordance with NACE Rev. 2. Chapter 11 “Manufacture of drinks” of Title C, with the exception of class 11.06 “Manufacture of malt” and class 11.07 “Manufacture of alcohol-free drinks; production of mineral waters and other waters bottled”.
- For the manufacturing industry of tobacco products, in accordance with NACE Rev. 2. Chapter 12 “Manufacture of tobacco products” of Title C.
Decision on the funding
A decision regarding approval or rejection of a project application shall be taken within one month of the submission thereof to the LIAA. If a grant contract has already been concluded for the applicant, the existing grant contract shall be amended by continuing to participate in phase 2 and/or prototyping of the Innovation Academy. Trilateral agreement will be concluded with the approved applicants.