Students competed for valuable prizes on RSU Business Incubator’s Demo Day

On 14 June, the Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) Innovation Centre’s business incubator B-Space held its annual closing event, Demo Day, for the fourth consecutive year. This event allows the participants of the business incubator to reflect on their achievements, draw inspiration from their peers’ projects, and compete for prizes. This year, the top three teams received exceptionally valuable prizes worth over EUR 5,000 in total.

B-Space mentor Kristaps Zaļais. Photo from the RSU business incubator’s archives

The event traditionally marks the conclusion of the INK incubation programme, and participants can reflect on what they have accomplished over the previous nine months. This year's programme was enriched by vertically integrated project teams from RSU and Riga Technical University (RTU).

Photo from the RSU business incubator’s archives

Eleven teams presented their work in pitch format, demonstrating their skills in presenting an idea in a few minutes. The following teams were among the participants: Dirty Boards, Emori, Vip Bioenergy, Tibicus, Vip High power rocketry, Grei, VR support, Vip Wastewater, Vip Power Electronics, Vibro Brace and Vip Sensor Systems. The projects spanned a wide range of disciplines, and the winning teams reflect this diversity.

Photo from the RSU business incubator’s archives

First place was awarded to High Power Rocketry. This team is made up of students who are developing small rockets that are meant to be launched from a stratospheric balloon and that are capable of reaching the same altitude as a rocket five times larger launched from the ground. This concept significantly reduces launch costs, allowing it to stand out in the market. The product will encourage the development of the space industry in Latvia.

Second place went to Vibro Brace, a training aid equipped with a vibration function and a remote control for show jumping and dressage riders. The training aid shortens the time required for a horse to master complex movements and helps riders achieve better results faster.

Third place was awarded to the team Grei. ‘We demonstrated that the grey pea has much more to offer to our nutrition, and the jury saw the potential in producing miso paste from organic ingredients grown in Latvia.’

Photo from the RSU business incubator’s archives

A professional jury evaluated the teams' performance and rewarded the projects with the most potential. While the teams have more work to do on their projects, Demo Day provides an excellent opportunity for participants to assess the readiness of their projects and draw inspiration for their next steps.

‘Demo Day provides the opportunity to be heard, receive useful advice, and meet inspiring people.

It opened new doors and opportunities for me, allowing Vibro Brace to evolve from an idea into a real product. I encourage everyone not to be afraid and to join next year! I guarantee you will gain valuable experience and useful contacts. Success comes to those who take action!’ said Deina Zalāne, Vibro Brace team member.

In September, everyone interested will have the opportunity to get involved in the B-Space activities and develop their own ideas. See you then!