Development of Research Infrastructure at Riga Technical University in the Field of Latvia’s Smart Specialisation Strategy

GENERAL PROJECT INFORMATION

The aim of the project is to support the improvement and development of research infrastructure at Riga Technical University (RTU), including the Riga Technical University Rezekne Academy (RTU RA), in order to promote the development of scientific excellence in at least one area of Latvia’s Smart Specialisation Strategy (hereinafter – RIS3), thereby increasing the capacity of the Latvian innovation system in line with the RIS3 strategy.

The planned development of research infrastructure will directly contribute to achieving both the project objectives and the strategic goals of RTU.

To achieve the set objective and the output and result indicators defined in the Cabinet of Ministers regulations, RTU developed a list of priority equipment while planning the improvement and development of research infrastructure in accordance with the RIS3 strategy. From this list, at least 33 equipment sets are planned to be purchased using the total eligible funding, as well as 8 additional scientific excellence equipment sets if flexibility funding becomes available.

The research equipment to be purchased within the project corresponds to at least one RIS3 priority area and contributes to the development of at least one RIS3 domain.

The planned development of research infrastructure will ensure broader knowledge exchange at both national and international levels through collaborative projects, high-level scientific publications, and the involvement of visiting researchers.

At the national level, this infrastructure will serve as a foundation for further successful cooperation with state scientific institutes, other research institutions, and innovation centres working with high-precision technologies such as microwave technologies, power electronics, laser technologies, robotics, artificial intelligence, and data analytics.

The acquisition of new equipment will foster the professional development of RTU research staff and facilitate the transfer of knowledge and technologies both between sectors and between universities and industry.

01 September 2025 – 31 December 2029

During the project, the following activities will be implemented:

1. Development of research infrastructure

1.1. Improvement of research infrastructure at the RTU Institute of Architecture and Design;
1.2. Improvement of research infrastructure at the RTU Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology;
1.3. Improvement of research infrastructure at the RTU Faculty of Civil Engineering and Mechanical Engineering;
1.4. Improvement of research infrastructure at the RTU Faculty of Computer Science, Information Technology and Energy;
1.5. Improvement of research infrastructure at the RTU HPC Centre (High-Performance Computing Centre);
1.6. Improvement of research infrastructure at RTU Rezekne Academy.

2. Ensuring communication and visual identity requirements

Development and implementation of the project communication plan.

3. Project management.

By 31 December 2029, the project aims to achieve the following:

• At least 236 full-time equivalent (FTE) researchers working in the supported RTU research facilities;

• The nominal value of RTU research and innovation equipment of at least 6,658,216 EUR;

• Funding obtained by RTU through research and development contracts, intellectual property transfer agreements, and international research and development competitions for R&D projects of at least 34,753,916 EUR.

PROJECT PROGRESS INFORMATION

26.09.2025 – Agreement signed with the Central Finance and Contracting Agency (CFLA) for project implementation.

12.11.2025 – Procurement “Research and Training Equipment (3rd round)” (RTU 2025/66-3) announced, including 4 lots for equipment acquisition within the project:

• Lot 24 – Multifunctional tribometer

• Lot 27 – Thermal analysis equipment for biomass DTA, DSC, TGA analysis

• Lot 29 – Cutting mill for biomass grinding

• Lot 40 – Modular thermal analysis equipment for in operando analysis of viscoelastic, quasi-static, dynamic and optical properties.

04.12.2025 – Order placed in the Electronic Procurement System (EIS) for the acquisition of 4 cybersecurity servers.

12.12.2025 – Order placed in EIS for the acquisition of:

• a deep learning server set, and

• a server cluster for virtualization of research workstations.

29.12.2025 – Supplier consultation announced in EIS
“Supply of Research and Training Equipment (4th round discussion)” (RTU 2025/66-4A) regarding 15 pieces of equipment to be purchased within the project.

28.01.2026 – Contract signed with SIA “Adrona” for the purchase of a cutting mill for biomass grinding.

02.02.2026 – Contract signed with SIA “Armgate” for the purchase of thermal analysis equipment for biomass DTA, DSC, TGA analysis (calorimeter).

24.02.2026 – Procurement “Research and Training Equipment (4th round)” (RTU 2025/66-4) announced, including 17 lots for equipment acquisition within the project.