University of Latvia Innovation Centre LUMIC
On September 13, 2017, Microsoft Latvia in cooperation with the University of Latvia opened the Innovation Center of the University of Latvia and Microsoft. In 2022 the centre changed its name to Innovation Centre of the University of Latvia LUMIC.
The mission of the Innovation Center is to promote digital transformation and develop innovative solutions in Latvia. Industry professionals, students, entrepreneurs, researchers, the public sector and experts work together to create new ideas for Latvian innovation projects. The Innovation Centre is open to anyone who is interested in innovations and technologies.
By developing and fostering various networks, the Innovation Centre has become a local innovation platform and business hub.
This is the only innovation center in the Baltics. It calls for gathering and cooperation between representatives of various industries, entrepreneurs, ICT professionals, public sector representatives, researchers, students and pupils to jointly create innovative solutions, promote digital transformation in Latvia and strengthen Riga's position as the center of the Baltic region and innovation city.
LUMIC provides an opportunity for anyone interested to participate and promote the development of the local ICT market to such an extent that it will significantly affect the overall Latvian economy. This means increasing employment, developing interdisciplinary cooperation, creating new solutions, services and promoting investment opportunities in the following areas:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- Data Analytics
- Internet of Things
The Innovation Center operates in two main directions:
- Implementation of innovative cross-sectoral ICT projects with a focus on cloud technologies, the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence solutions;
- Promotion of ICT education and support for training of new specialists.
In order to achieve and implement the set goal and programs, events for various interest groups are regularly organized and take place in the premises of the Innovation Center:
- For entrepreneurs
- For academics - scientists and researchers
- Start-ups
- For students and pupils
- For developers and IT professionals
- Industry experts and specialists
- Business solution developers and partners
- For public sector decision makers
The Innovation Center has developed and operates two programs:
- Program Innovation grants for students
- Program Development of new digital skills