Vidzeme Open Innovation Hub

Smart & Sustainable Cities, Regions & Villages

DEVELOPING SMART & SUSTAINABLE REGIONS

The Open Innovation Hub (OIH) for Smart & Sustainable Cities, Regions & Villages at Vidzeme UAS is one of nine OIHs in the E³UDRES² alliance. It has been established in collaboration with the Vidzeme Planning Region to develop the knowledge and innovation ecosystem in the region.

The Vidzeme Open Innovation Hub (VAIC) focuses on strengthening the innovation ecosystem of the Vidzeme region by connecting research, education, entrepreneurship, and public-sector collaboration. The hub serves as a central platform where new solutions are created through studies, research, and innovation activities, while promoting sustainable development across the region.

VAIC fosters entrepreneurial thinking within the community by integrating real-life challenges into the study process, organising and participating in entrepreneurship activities, and offering innovation services based on the expertise of researchers, cooperation partners, and students of Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences. The Open Innovation Hub has been established in collaboration with the Vidzeme Planning Region to develop the knowledge and innovation ecosystem in the region.

What the Open Innovation Hub does

Working together

Developing a strong culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders, incl. entrepreneurs, researchers, public sector, academia

Learning together

Increase stakeholders' competences and understanding of innovation and knowledge processes

Shaping policies

Contribute to the rationalisation of innovation and knowledge policies

International exchange

Strengthen the role of Vidzeme UAS at the regional and international innovation ecosystem, position Vidzeme's innovativeness internationally

Key Activities

Co-Creation Innovation Lab

An annual event bringing together researchers, entrepreneurs, and students to collaborate on developing new products, services, processes, or technological solutions.

Innovation Co-creation Laboratory

Workshops, seminars, and activities aimed at strengthening innovation competencies among municipalities, researchers, students, and other organisations driving innovation in the region.

Business Laboratory (B-Lab)

A programme supporting the development of business ideas and strengthening existing value chains through training, grants, and scholarships.

Vidzeme Innovation Programme for Students (VIPS 2.0)

A talent development programme that strengthens innovation and entrepreneurship skills among students and young people, supports the development of business ideas, and creates innovative solutions for regional challenges.

Business and Research Collaboration Forum “Creating Value”

A platform for idea development, team formation, inspiration, and showcasing high value-added products. The forum brings together:

  • Student enterprises

  • Teachers supporting student entrepreneurship

  • Entrepreneurs

  • Researchers

  • Business idea developers

  • Support organisations

The Base

📍 Vidzeme UAS, Latvia

Founded in 1996 in Valmiera, Latvia, Vidzeme UAS is a state-accredited institution focusing on high-quality, practice-oriented education in social sciences, business, and engineering. It offers 15+ study programs (including English-taught curricula) with a strong emphasis on technology, sustainable development, and regional, national, and international cooperation

More about the Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences

Photo of Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences

Contact the team of the open innovation hub

Santa Vitola

Head of Vidzeme Open Innovation Hub (VAIC)

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