Academic CentreOn 13 September 2017, Microsoft Latvia in cooperation with the University of Latvia opened the Innovation Centre of the University of Latvia and Microsoft.
This is the only Microsoft innovation centre in the Baltics. It calls for gathering and cooperation between representatives of various industries, entrepreneurs, ICT professionals, public sector representatives, researchers, students and pupils to jointly create innovative solutions, promote digital transformation in Latvia and strengthen Riga's position as the centre of the Baltic region and innovation city.
The Innovation Centre is accessible to anyone interested in innovation and technology.
By developing and promoting various networks, the Innovation Centre has become a local innovation platform and business centre.
The mission of the Innovation Centre is to promote digital transformation and develop innovative solutions in Latvia. Industry professionals, students, entrepreneurs, researchers, the public sector, and Microsoft experts work together to create new ideas for Latvian innovation projects.
LUMIC provides an opportunity for anyone interested to participate and promote the development of the local ICT market to such an extent that it will significantly affect the overall Latvian economy. This means increasing employment, developing interdisciplinary cooperation, creating new solutions, services and promoting investment opportunities in the following areas:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- Data analytics
- Internet of Things
The Innovation Centre operates in two main directions:
- Implementation of innovative cross-sectoral ICT projects with a focus on cloud technologies, the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence solutions
- Promotion of ICT education and support for training of new specialists
In order to achieve and implement the goal and programmes set by the Innovation Centre, events for following interest groups are regularly organized and take place in the premises of the Innovation Centre:
- Entrepreneurs
- Academics – scientists and researchers
- Startups
- Students and pupils
- Developers and IT professionals
- Industry experts and specialists
- Business solution developers and partners
- Public sector decision makers
The Innovation Centre has developed and now operates four programmes:
- Startup development programme
- Programme for the development of new digital skills
- Application and solution development programme
- Ecosystem development programme