Latvian scientists are preparing for the first BioPhoT project submission

On Thursday, April 10, the first Info Day of the BioPhoT platform took place. The aim of the event was to outline the essential aspects of the platform's operation and requirements, as well as to help scientists prepare for submitting research and innovation project (PIP) applications. As previously reported, BioPhoT platform projects must be submitted by the scientific institution by May 8, therefore interested RSU research groups are required to upload their application forms by April 30. All applications must be pre-approved with the RSU Research Department Project Unit.

In the first call of the research platform Biomedical and Photonics Research Platform for the Creation of Innovative Products (BioPhoT), a total of six million euros are available for the implementation of PIP in the areas of biomedicine, medical technology, pharmacy, photonics, and other RIS3 fields; scientists can receive up to 200,000 euros for the implementation of one project. The second call for BioPhoT project competition is planned for this autumn.

Platform regulations, documents, and application form

“Considering how much the goals and criteria of BioPhoT differ from the usual science funding competitions, our task is to help scientists navigate and prepare as best as possible for the research selection phase, where they will be evaluated not by scientists, but by business people as well,” outlined Osvalds Pugovičs, head of the BioPhoT platform, deputy director of the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis.

Within the framework of BioPhoT, the Ministry of Economics has tasked Latvian research organizations (scientists) to offer, develop, and advance research that results in useful projects for the national economy over the next eight years. The main goal is to invest in science to promote the development of the Latvian economy and the country's competitiveness in the world, as well as to foster cooperation and technology development between biomedical and photonics technology sciences and the commercial sector.

After submitting the project, the most crucial part is the first selection round – a 5-minute long project presentation and a discussion with representatives of the BioPhoT expert panel, which will consist of an international team of professionals with experience in the commercial sector, business development, and science commercialization.

“The projects that will pass the first round will be those whose authors can concisely and clearly answer the questions: what specific problem in the industry or national economy can be solved in this way, how does the proposed idea facilitate it, and why the scientist's solution is better than the existing ones,” emphasized Ģirts Ozoliņš, one of the seven platform mentors and senior expert at the LU Institute of Solid State Physics.

Project teams that pass the first selection round will continue to develop their applications in detail, and will be evaluated by the expert commission of the Latvian Science Council, focusing on the scientific aspects of the idea.

At the BioPhoT Info Day, participants were introduced to the application procedure, project selection criteria, the purpose of mentor consultations, and explained the expected assistance. Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and consult individually with BioPhoT mentors and experts who were present to support project submitters. Mentor support for project applicants is also available during the preparation period: consultations can be requested until April 16 by filling in the form and sending it to biophot@osi.lv.

Related materials

Video recording of the informational day
Presentation 'Research and Innovation Projects (PIP) on the BioPhoT Platform'
Presentation 'BioPhoT Platform Mentor Work Process'
Presentation 'Frequently Asked Questions on the BioPhoT Platform'

For administrative questions regarding research and innovation projects, RSU research teams are invited to contact the Head of the Research Department Project Unit, Silva Vītola (Silva.Vitola@rsu.lv), or the Strategic Research Project Manager Justīne Krūmiņa (Justine.Krumina@rsu.lv).

The project Biomedical and Photonics Research Platform for the Creation of Innovative Products (BioPhoT) is implemented in the state research program Innovation Fund – long-term research program. Platform number: IVPP-EM-Inovācija-2024/1-0002.