Baltic Startup Policy Forum
The Baltic Startup Policy Forum aims to raise awareness of EU‑level startup policy issues within the Baltic startup ecosystem, foster knowledge sharing on effective policy practices, and promote cross‑border learning among policymakers and ecosystem leaders. The forum also seeks to inform policymakers about the specific needs, life cycle dynamics, and priority areas of startups, supporting evidence‑based and startup‑friendly policymaking.
Venue: RTU Domus Auditorialis, Zunda krastmala 8, Riga. Entrance from Zunda krastmala.
A sneak peak into the agenda
10:30 – 11:15 Registration
11:15–11:30 Opening
Opening Remarks by
Viktors Valainis, Minister of Economics of Latvia
The Host - Tālis Juhna, Professor and Rector at Riga Technical University
11:30–12:10 Building the Hard Stuff: Why the Baltics Matter for Europe’s Strategic Autonomy
Baiba Braže, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia
Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation
Moderator: Zivile (Zivi) Einikyte, Host at Perception Paradox & Communications at Superhero Capital
12:10–13:00 The Baltic’s Role in Leading Europe’s Startup & Scaleup Future and the Actions Ahead
Edgars Šadris, Deputy State Secretary on Economic Issues, Ministry of Economics of Latvia
Sigrid Rajalo, Deputy Secretary General for Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications of Estonia
Karolina Urbonaitė, Head of Startup Lithuania at Innovation Agency Lithuania
Moderator: Edmundas Balčikonis, founder and CEO at Such Much AI
13:00 –13:30 The Next Baltic Unicorn Wave
Andris K. Bērziņš, Partner at Change Ventures
Mikus Opelts, Co-Founder and CEO at Giraffe360
13:30 –14:30 Networking lunch Supported by EIT Community Hub Latvia
14:30–15:10 From Lab to Market: Scaling Baltic Deep Tech
Liene Briede, Vice-Rector for Innovations at Riga Technical University
Dr. Tõnu Esko, Vice-Rector of Development at Tartu University
Gintaras Vilda, EIT Community Officer Lithuania
Roberts Rimša, CTO and Co-Founder at Cellbox Labs
Moderator: Aziza Zakhidova, VC and Growth Investor at European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
15:10 - 15:40 Ideas That Might Build the Next Baltic Unicorn
Dāvis Siksnāns, CEO at Mapon and Co-Founder and ex-CEO of Printful
Vitnija Saldava, Head of Policy, Baltics, Romania and Bulgaria at Meta
Moderator: Roberts Alhimionoks, CEO at Latvian Startup Association (Startin.LV)
15:40 – 15:50 Closing
Ernests Jenavs, Chairman of the Board at Startin.LV
Vita Balode - Andrews, Acting Director of the Export & Innovation Service Department at Investment and Development Agency of Latvia
The event is Co-organized by Techchill & Latvian Startup Association Startin.LV with support of The Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, Finest Scaleup, EIT Community Hub Latvia, ERAF and RTU Science and Innovation Centre.
Coffee Break provided by Finest Scaleup
Seats are limited and registration is subject to manual approval
📩RSVP by registering here in Luma. Participation is free of charge.
📸Photos will be taken at the event and may be used for social media communication afterwards.
TechChill is an international event focused on the startup ecosystem and entrepreneurship, which will take place March 25 - 27.
Learn more and get your pass https://www.techchill.co/