ICT and Related Sectors Digital Skills Training Project
Project No. 2.3.1.2.i.0/2/23/A/CFLA/001
Latvian Military Technology Startup “Origin Robotics” Develops Autonomous Counter-Drone System “Blaze”
The Latvian military technology startup Origin Robotics has developed an autonomous counter-drone system called “Blaze”, capable of quickly and accurately neutralizing airborne threats. The system uses AI-driven computer vision and radar, providing effective protection against drones while minimizing collateral effects.
“The nature of warfare is changing, and digitalization is becoming an integral part of security technologies. We saw an opportunity to leverage our experience in autonomous drone development to create an alternative to traditionally expensive solutions. “Blaze” is the result of both a technological vision and a desire to provide Europe and NATO allies with modern and cost-effective solutions,” says Agris Ķipurs, co-founder of Origin Robotics.
The company has also developed “Beak” – a drone-launched, precision-guided munition with reusable components. Both solutions have already attracted international interest, with contracts signed with NATO countries and funding received from the European Defence Fund.
The example of Origin Robotics demonstrates that digitalization and innovation are not just future trends, but essential components of business and security today.
Source: labsoflatvia.com
What is the Latvian IT Cluster and what is its role?
The Latvian Information Technology (IT) Cluster was founded in 2007 and currently has around 80 members. The cluster was established with the aim and necessity to promote products created by Latvian IT companies and to enhance their export potential. The Latvian IT Cluster offers various trade missions and events where entrepreneurs can gain knowledge about market trends, participate in export visits, present their products, understand the needs of export markets, and offer their own solutions.
What are the functions of the European Digital Innovation Centre (EDIC) and what role does digitalization play in business development?
Today, there is a wide variety of digital solutions and offerings, as well as diverse business needs. Companies often feel overwhelmed by this abundance. Typically, a company understands its needs and knows what needs improvement, but it may lack clarity on which digital solution or direction is best for its digital transformation. This is where EDIC comes in.
EDIC is part of a European digital program project. European Digital Innovation Centres have been established to help companies find the right solution and direction. It is crucial for companies to continue developing in the digital sphere, to identify what digital tools to implement to improve export capacity, efficiency, productivity, and optimize sales or production processes, linking digital solutions to the company’s needs. EDIC is the first point of contact for companies seeking the right and desired solution. EDIC has built a strong team of experts who guide companies on their digital development journey.
EDIC has collected a vast amount of information about company needs. So far, around 7,000 companies have engaged with EDIC, providing information about their digital maturity and development needs. Various studies, including digital maturity tests (developed by the European Union to measure a company’s digital maturity), help identify opportunities for business growth and development.
For example, a study conducted by BITE and the SKDS research center found that in 38% of cases, companies agree that it is necessary to improve digital skills and that the ICT sector is extremely important for business development, indicating significant growth potential. Additionally, 31% of company leaders recognize that employees do not always have sufficient knowledge to improve internal processes, highlighting the importance of employee training to acquire new skills for enhancing export capacity, production processes, and more.
What is the purpose of the digital development roadmap?
EDIC, in collaboration with the Latvian IT Cluster, focuses on digitalizing production processes. They have created a website, www.dih.lv, where companies can apply to create a digital transformation roadmap. The platform is user-friendly and designed based on company needs. Entrepreneurs can submit their information and quickly receive a roadmap. By clicking “test” on the website, a company provides details about itself, applies for a training program, and the roadmap is automatically generated, allowing them to proceed with their chosen training program.
What training programs are offered by LIFT and the Latvian IT Association?
Currently, two types of training programs are most relevant. The first, created by the Latvian IT Cluster in collaboration with Riga Business School, is called LIFT. This program focuses on various AI solutions and teaches how to apply AI in everyday business processes for efficiency improvements, such as organizing document flows.
The second program, developed by the Latvian IT Association, is tailored to the specific needs of particular industries. It offers courses addressing the sector-specific requirements of IT-related fields.
How does the Latvian IT Cluster view the future of digitalization in companies?
The Latvian IT Cluster and EDIC see immense importance in continuing digital development. Today, companies must not waste time on processes that can be improved digitally. It is crucial to keep up with market trends, both within their industry and in broader digital transformation. The cluster focuses on providing companies with practical knowledge to apply in daily operations, enabling the creation of new products, added value for services, and improved internal processes. This ensures companies remain confident in their operations and competitive both in Latvia and globally.