Unnoticed EU Financing Chances for Emerging Latvian Businesses
European Funding Opportunities for Latvian Startups and Innovators in 2025
For Latvian startups and innovators seeking financial support, several European programmes offer grants and investments to help bring breakthrough innovations to market. Here's a rundown of the key programmes, their requirements, and deadlines for 2025.
EIC Pathfinder
The EIC Pathfinder programme targets early-stage deeptech startups, focusing on research of cutting-edge technologies (TRL 1-4). The calls focus on high-risk and high-impact research, with key deadlines in 2025 on May 21 and October 29 for thematic calls. No explicit funding amount is mentioned, but grants typically support early-stage research.
EIC Transition
The EIC Transition programme is designed for deeptech startups that have tested their concepts and are ready to spin out into a business. The programme offers grants of up to €2.5 million to validate and demonstrate technologies in relevant application environments (TRL 3/4 to 5/6) and to develop business and market readiness. The application deadline is September 17, 2025.
EIC Accelerator
The EIC Accelerator programme supports startups and SMEs developing breakthrough innovations with high market potential. While specific funding amounts are not listed, the programme typically offers blended finance (grants and equity investments) with grants up to around €2.5 million and equity funding potentially much higher. Detailed deadlines for EIC Accelerator calls in 2025 are not provided, but usually have multiple cut-off dates throughout the year.
European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE)
The EIE programme focuses on strengthening innovation ecosystems in European countries, with a focus on startups and scaleups. While no explicit 2025 requirements, funding amounts, or deadlines specifically for Latvian startups were found, this programme typically supports networks and collaborations rather than direct funding to startups.
CINEA Innovation Fund
The CINEA Innovation Fund offers funding for innovations in energy-intense industries, renewable energy, energy storage, carbon capture use and storage, net-zero mobility, and buildings. No detailed information on 2025 funding or application deadlines specific to Latvian startups was found. However, the CASSINI initiative from the EU supports space-related businesses with a €1 billion investment over seven years, which may be relevant for space tech startups registered in Latvia.
European Defence Fund (EDF)
The EDF offers funding for companies (including SMEs and startups) in their R&D for innovations that can be applied to defence use cases. No specific 2025 calls, funding amounts, or deadlines for Latvian startups and innovators were identified.
For the most accurate and updated information, Latvian startups should consult the EU Funding & Tenders Portal and the Latvian Council of Science. It's also worth noting that more than 40 Latvians work in the European Commission in Brussels to help startups navigate the EU institutions.
In addition to these programmes, Latvian companies are eligible for all EU funding opportunities, including Horizon Europe Cluster 4 related to digital, industry, and space, with calls open until September 25, 2025. The Latvian Council of Science provides consultation and application support for Horizon Europe and space-related calls.
With multiple funding opportunities available, 2025 presents a great opportunity for Latvian startups and innovators to secure the financial backing they need to bring their ideas to life.
- European funding opportunities in 2025, such as the EIC Accelerator and the CINEA Innovation Fund, offer substantial grants and investments for Latvian startups with breakthrough innovations in various sectors, including energy-intense industries, renewable energy, digital technology, and space technology.
- To strengthen the media image of Latvia's innovative startups on a European level, startups could consider applying for support from the European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) programme, which focuses on strengthening innovation ecosystems and may provide opportunities for networks and collaborations.
