On December 16, 2024, a significant meeting took place at the Institute of Electronics and Computer Science (EDI), attended by EDI Director Modris Greitāns, Deputy Director for Development Kaspars Ozols, Rector of the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU) Irina Arhipova, and Vice-Rector for Science Gatis Vītols. This meeting marked a key step toward fostering closer strategic collaboration between the two institutions in the fields of science, technological development, and innovation.
During the meeting, both parties expressed their commitment to signing a strategic cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening the already successful and long-standing partnership between EDI and LBTU. The planned agreement will serve as a foundation for joint research and projects, promoting scientific publications and innovation, attracting funding, expanding mutual collaboration, and enhancing knowledge and competencies. It will also facilitate experience exchange and support student and researcher mobility.
This partnership will provide EDI with the opportunity to demonstrate various technologies in real-world applications within the agriculture, biotechnology, and food sectors. Meanwhile, LBTU will have the chance to practically utilize EDI’s advanced technologies in areas such as microelectronics, the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and other domains to address current industry challenges.
Additionally, LBTU students will benefit from opportunities to develop academic and qualification theses under the guidance of experienced EDI mentors in promising research areas, as well as access to internships. EDI researchers, in turn, will have the opportunity to contribute to LBTU’s academic programs by delivering lectures on topics such as microelectronics, IoT, sensors, AI, robotics, and more, thereby fostering the development of competencies and mutual benefits for both institutions.
“Collaboration between EDI and LBTU is a story of mutual benefits,” emphasized EDI Director Modris Greitāns. “By combining EDI’s exceptional expertise in the research and development of new technologies with LBTU’s broad spectrum of fundamental knowledge, we can achieve even greater results in research and innovation.”
LBTU Rector Irina Arhipova added: “This partnership provides an opportunity to shape a new generation of scientists in technology fields vital for Latvia’s economy and to deliver technological solutions that will strengthen both Latvian science and the national economy.”
During the meeting, LBTU representatives toured EDI’s laboratories, gaining insight into the institute’s ongoing research and projects. The demonstrated technologies included robotics and drone systems, biometric solutions, wearable technologies, microchip and embedded system designs, IoT applications, remote sensing solutions, AI technologies, and autonomous vehicles. These innovations highlight EDI’s technological leadership and significant contribution to the innovation ecosystem. Integrating this expertise with LBTU’s knowledge in agriculture, biotechnology, and food technology offers promising opportunities for joint collaboration projects.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties agreed on specific next steps to enhance their cooperation. By combining the strengths and competencies of both institutions, this partnership will make a substantial contribution to the advancement of science and technology in Latvia.
