AGP Executive Report

Defence Technology: Latvia has received its first locally assembled Hunter infantry fighting vehicle. The contract covers 84 vehicles by 2029, with at least 30% local industry participation. Tech Exports: LIAA is leading a new effort to help Latvian defence technology firms find international buyers and attract investment. 5G Networks: LMT and Santa Monica Networks have demonstrated private 5G applications at Lithuania’s Klaipėda Port as they explore a port-wide network. Clean Energy: NorSAF and Nova Pangaea plan to make ethanol in Latvia from food waste, supplying a sustainable aviation fuel facility. Airspace Monitoring: A developer in Cēsis is building AirAlert, an app that combines public reports and sensor data to track possible drone threats; development is about halfway complete. Quantum Research: Latvia has launched cooperation with Canada’s Sherbrooke quantum technology ecosystem.

Defence Technology: Latvia has received its first Hunter infantry fighting vehicle, with 84 planned by 2029 and local industry involved in the programme. A separate Latvian-built AirAlert app is being developed to combine public reports and sensor data on possible drone activity, though its creator says it still needs funding and equipment. Quantum Research: Latvia has launched cooperation with Canada’s Sherbrooke quantum technology ecosystem, opening a new link for research and technology development. Fintech: Latvijas Banka has issued new crypto-asset and payment licences, adding momentum to a fast-growing Latvian sector. Circular Economy: Latvia, Estonia and Finland are testing new ways to collect and sort textile, plastic and electronic waste, including five planned mobile collection points in Vidzeme.

Defence Technology: Latvia has received its first Hunter infantry fighting vehicle, with 84 expected by 2029 and local industry involved in the programme. Airspace Tech: A Cēsis resident is developing AirAlert, an app that combines public reports and sensor data to track possible drone threats; it is about halfway complete and needs funding and agency support. AI & Film: Latvian filmmaker Nikolay Shestak won a €401,000 prize at Kazakhstan’s first AI film festival for The First Honest Day. Research Links: Latvia has launched cooperation with Canada’s Sherbrooke quantum technology ecosystem. Circular Economy: A €2.64 million regional project will test five mobile waste collection points in Vidzeme, alongside recycling pilots in Estonia and Finland. Digital Security: Riga’s Techritory forum on October 21–22 will focus on Europe’s digital sovereignty, security, AI and next-generation networks.

Defence Innovation in the EU: The European Parliament backed the €115m AGILE programme to speed up rapid, low-cost defence tech grants for SMEs, start-ups and scale-ups, with fast-track funding plus testing and certification support. Latvia’s Security & Migration Tech: Latvia extended Operation “Vilkatis” on the eastern border until 31 December to curb illegal migration from Belarus, with plans to introduce new technologies and strengthen border capabilities. NATO’s “Theory of Victory”: NATO’s eastern-flank strategy draft reportedly focuses on stopping a Russian invasion using low-cost drones, minimally crewed systems and AI-enabled targeting, aiming to deter aggression. Drone Cooperation (JEF): Ukraine proposed deeper drone and counter-drone collaboration with the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force, offering mass-produced low-cost interceptor drones and real-time air-sensing integration. Public Health Watch: Latvia’s SPKC says the risk of plague spreading to Latvia is very low while it monitors a suspected pneumonic plague case in Russia. Circular Economy Pilots: Latvia, Estonia and Finland are testing new recycling models under the €2.64m SustainaCycle project, including mobile waste collection hubs and guided textile sorting. Latvia-Canada Quantum Link: LIAA signed a three-year deal with Sherbrooke’s quantum ecosystem to help commercialise quantum and deep-tech research for exports and joint projects. Fintech in Riga: UN:BLOCK Fintech will bring 600+ leaders to Riga to discuss MiCA, cross-border payments, AI in finance and how to unlock Latvia’s €9bn dormant savings and pension capital.

Science & Health: Latvia’s SPKC says a suspected pneumonic plague case in Russia poses a very low risk of spread to Latvia, stressing that timely diagnosis, isolation and antibiotics can contain outbreaks. Environment & Circular Economy: Latvia, Estonia and Finland are testing new recycling models under the €2.64m SustainaCycle project, including mobile waste collection points in Latvia’s Vidzeme region and guided textile sorting in Finland. Public Finance: Latvia’s Finance Ministry proposes austerity-style steps, including limiting new government contracts and postponing non-critical spending until end-2026. AI & Culture: Latvian filmmaker Nikolay Shestak won the $450k Grand Prix at Kazakhstan’s Astana AI Film Festival for an AI-created film, boosting attention on AI in creative production. Security Tech & Policy: Ukraine is offering JEF partners combat-tested drone, counter-drone and battlefield data-integration tech for Baltic and North Atlantic defense. Latvia in Global Tech: LIAA signed a three-year cooperation with Sherbrooke’s quantum technology ecosystem in Canada, aiming to commercialize deep tech and support exports and joint projects. Techritory 2026: Riga will host the Oct 21–22 forum on Europe’s digital security, sovereignty and competitiveness, with 600+ speakers.

Latvia Politics & Security: Latvia’s ruling path looks set after Andris Kulbergs’ United List won 35.3% and 42 of 100 seats, with promises to keep backing Ukraine and avoid coalitions with pro-Russian parties—an election shaped by fears of drone incursions. Fintech in Riga: UN:BLOCK Fintech brings 600+ leaders to Riga on Oct. 15 to tackle MiCA, cross-border payments, AI in finance, stablecoins, DORA/PSD3, and licensing—plus a “dormant” €9bn savings-and-pensions discussion. Quantum Partnership: Latvia’s LIAA and Canada’s Sherbrooke quantum ecosystem signed a three-year deal to speed quantum, AI, and deep-tech commercialization and exports. Cyber & Finance: South Korea found 19 malicious IPs tied to a multi-country cyberattack on its financial system, including a Latvia-linked connection, and ordered sector-wide reviews. NATO “Theory of Victory”: NATO’s eastern-flank strategy draft focuses on integrating drones and AI to deter and, if needed, halt an invasion—scheduled for presentation in Poland Oct. 12. Defense Tech Cooperation: Ukraine proposed deeper JEF cooperation using Ukrainian drone, counter-drone, and battlefield sensing tech across the Baltic and North Atlantic. Energy Storage (Nordics): Finland’s “sand battery” heat-storage approach is expanding as a renewable backup option. Consumer Tech: Apple One Family prices rose in Latvia and several other countries.

Latvia Election & Security: Andris Kulbergs’ centrist United List won 35.3% and 42 of 100 seats, setting up a likely pro-Ukraine coalition as Latvia keeps a hard line toward Russia and promises more anti-drone capability. Fintech in Riga: UN:BLOCK Fintech will bring 600+ professionals to Riga on Oct 15 to discuss MiCA licensing, cross-border payments, AI in finance, and how to activate Latvia’s “dormant” €9bn in savings and pensions. Quantum Partnership: Latvia’s LIAA signed a three-year cooperation with Sherbrooke’s quantum ecosystem in Canada, aiming to commercialize quantum and AI deep-tech and support exports and joint projects. Defense Tech & NATO Planning: Ukraine proposed deeper drone and counter-drone cooperation with the UK-led JEF, while NATO’s “Theory of Victory” strategy reportedly focuses on integrating drones and AI for a rapid response to a Russian attack. Energy Storage Tech: Finland’s “sand battery” approach—heat storage in a silo—keeps spreading as a renewable backup option, with a second project under construction. Health & Science: A University of Latvia-linked study claims countries with more cats per person report higher happiness, while separate reporting highlights how war is hitting Ukraine’s science infrastructure and researchers.

Energy Storage in the Nordics: Finnish startup Polar Night Energy is scaling “sand battery” heat storage, with a second 2,400-ton silo under construction near two large lakes in southern Finland to store renewable heat for district heating. Latvia’s Election & Security: Latvia’s pro-Ukraine PM Andris Kulbergs looks set to stay in power after United List’s 35.3% win, aiming to form a coalition while keeping a hard line toward Russia amid drone-related fears. Fintech in Riga: UN:BLOCK Fintech will bring 600+ leaders to Fantadroms on 15 October, with workshops and direct regulatory access on MiCA, DORA, PSD3, stablecoins, digital identity, and licensing with Latvijas Banka. Renewables Funding (EU): The European Commission approved three cross-border renewable projects under CB RES status, including wind and district-heating upgrades spanning Ukraine–Romania, Poland–Germany, and geothermal heat-pump plans in Austria–Germany. Aviation Fuel Supply Chain: NorSAF and Nova Pangaea Technologies plan a wood-waste ethanol plant in Latvia to feed sustainable aviation fuel growth. Baltic Air Defence Drill: NATO tested an integrated air defence framework over Lithuania and Latvia with a U.S. B-1B Lancer and allied fighters, tankers, and ground assets.

AI & Media: AAIFF 2026 wrapped up with 25 AI-generated films in the final competition, with awards for character, story, visuals, direction and concept going to filmmakers from Kazakhstan, Italy and others. Latvia Politics: After the parliamentary election, PM Andris Kulbergs’ United List hit 35.3% (97% counted), positioning him to form another pro-Ukraine coalition and keep a hard line on Russia. Fintech in Riga: UN:BLOCK Fintech is set for 15 October at Fantadroms, aiming for 600+ attendees and hands-on sessions on MiCA, stablecoins, DORA, PSD3, digital identity, cybersecurity and licensing support with Latvijas Banka access. Latvian Fintech Licensing: Latvijas Banka approved new crypto and payment authorisations for Noah, Neverless and Atrya, boosting momentum for regulated digital finance. Energy & Health: A warning is making the rounds about energy drinks for kids, with calls to strictly limit caffeine for teens and avoid it for younger children. Defense Tech: NATO tested its new air defence framework over Lithuania and Latvia, including a U.S. B-1B bomber, as the region adapts to drones and missiles. Climate/Industry: NorSAF and Nova Pangaea Technologies plan a wood-waste ethanol plant to feed Latvia’s sustainable aviation fuel push.

Latvia Election Watch: Latvians vote in a Saeima election on Saturday, with security, Russia-linked drone incursions, and cost of living driving the campaign; Reuters reports pro-Ukrainian PM Andris Kulbergs’ United List leading in polls, but fragmentation could complicate coalition talks. Election Logistics: The Central Election Commission says the process is running smoothly, with turnout already at 7.44% from early voting. Investment Push: LIAA says it hit nearly 90% of its 2026 investment attraction target (€886.8m) in nine months, spanning energy, defence/dual-use, fintech and logistics. Fintech Regulation: Latvijas Banka granted crypto and payment licences to Noah LV, Neverless and Atrya, expanding MiCA-authorised services in Latvia. AI Growth: A new Baltic report finds AI company counts up 53% year-on-year to 282 across Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania, with Latvia strong in software and AI R&D. Energy & Climate: The EU added three cross-border renewable projects (WIND, DEPLOY, ZEGA-LINNK) to the CB RES list, unlocking Connecting Europe Facility support. Defence Tech: NATO tested a new air defence framework over Lithuania and Latvia with integrated air and missile defence under a shared command structure.

Latvia Election Watch: Latvians vote in a Saeima election on Saturday with security and Russia-linked drone incursions dominating the campaign; polls put pro-Ukraine PM Andris Kulbergs’ United List ahead, but fragmentation could complicate coalition talks. Investment Push: LIAA says it has reached nearly 90% of its 2026 investment attraction target (€886.8m) in nine months, spanning energy, defence/dual-use, fintech and logistics. Defence & Drones: NATO tested a new integrated air defence framework over Lithuania and Latvia, including a U.S. B-1B bomber, as Baltic forces keep tightening responses to aircraft and unmanned threats. SAF Supply Chain: NorSAF and Nova Pangaea Technologies plan a wood-waste ethanol plant in Latvia to feed sustainable aviation fuel production. Fintech Regulation: Latvijas Banka granted crypto and payment licences to Noah LV, Neverless and Atrya, boosting Latvia’s MiCA-authorised crypto-asset providers. AI Ecosystem: A new report finds the number of AI companies in the Baltics jumped 53% to 282, with Latvia at 95. EU Energy Funding: The EU added three cross-border renewable projects (WIND, DEPLOY, ZEGA-LINNK) to the CB RES list, unlocking Connecting Europe Facility support.

Latvia Election Watch: Latvians vote in the Saeima election amid warnings of possible Russia aggression and drone incursions, with pro-Ukraine PM Andris Kulbergs’ United List leading in polls but fragmentation threatening coalition talks. SAF Supply Chain: NorSAF and UK firm Nova Pangaea Technologies plan a wood-waste ethanol plant in Latvia to feed the region’s sustainable aviation fuel push. EU Renewables Funding: The European Commission added three cross-border renewable projects (WIND, DEPLoy, ZEGA-LINNK) to the CB RES list, making them eligible for Connecting Europe Facility Energy support. Baltic Air Defence Drill: NATO tested an integrated air defence framework over Lithuania and Latvia, including a U.S. Air Force B-1B, as the alliance adapts to aircraft, missile and drone threats. Latvian Fintech Licensing: Latvijas Banka approved new crypto and payment licences for Noah LV, Neverless and Atrya, boosting the number of MiCA-authorised firms in Latvia. AI Ecosystem Growth: A new report says the number of AI companies in the Baltics jumped 53% year-on-year to 282, with Latvia at 95. Riga Nordic University Launch: Riga Nordic University unveiled a new international journal, Interdisciplinarity in Applied Sciences, targeting applied engineering, AI and management research.

Latvian Crypto Regulation: Latvijas Banka keeps expanding MiCA-era oversight, issuing new crypto-asset and payment licences to companies including Atrya Technologies SIA (custody/admin and crypto exchange) and Noah LV SIA (crypto custody/exchange plus payment services), while Neverless SIA also receives a payment institution licence—bringing the total MiCA-authorised crypto-asset providers in Latvia to 12. AI in the Baltics: A new report says the number of AI companies across Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia jumped 53% year-on-year to 282, with Latvia at 95 firms and a strong software/R&D base plus “AI-first” startups. Defence Tech & Drones: Latvian startup Origin Robotics and Anduril integrate Origin’s BLAZE interceptor with Anduril’s Lattice AI command-and-control for layered counter-drone defence, while Latvia also signs for Czech Morana 155mm wheeled howitzers and rocket artillery under EU SAFE loans. Energy & Industry: NorSAF and Nova Pangaea Technologies plan an ethanol-from-wood-waste supply chain for sustainable aviation fuel, aiming to reduce Europe’s reliance on imported feedstocks. Research & Academia: Riga Nordic University launches a new international journal, Interdisciplinarity in Applied Sciences, to publish cross-disciplinary applied engineering and AI work. EES Border Rules: The EU’s EES biometric entry/exit system is rolling out for travellers, with Latvia among participating countries and UK visitors needing photo and fingerprint registration.

Latvia Tech & Research: Riga Nordic University launched a new international journal, Interdisciplinarity in Applied Sciences, aiming to publish cross-disciplinary work spanning engineering, AI, data science and applied sustainability. Counter-drone & Defense Tech: Latvian startup Origin Robotics teamed up with Anduril to integrate Origin’s BLAZE interceptor with Anduril’s Lattice AI command-and-control, targeting faster, layered drone defense for NATO’s eastern flank. Engineering Platform for Hardware Teams: Riga-based Trace.Space launched Trinity, a platform meant to connect requirements, testing and design variants so hardware groups can scale from prototypes to production with AI-assisted engineering. EU Funding & Military Procurement: Latvia signed a trilateral deal to buy Czech-made Morana 155mm wheeled howitzers and rocket artillery, with SAFE financing and a gradual move of production to Latvia. Cybersecurity (Latvia): CERT.LV reports a summer of elevated cyber risk, with a notable share of attacks causing significant impact on businesses and public institutions. Crypto Regulation: Latvijas Banka issued Noah LV both a crypto-asset services licence and a payment institution licence. Hydrogen in the Baltics: Tartu Hydrogen Days returns Oct 8–9 with an EXPO and a hydrogen hackathon, linking lab progress to market-ready solutions. Markets: European stocks slid as bond yields jumped to multi-year highs, feeding inflation and fiscal worries.

Counter-drone Tech: Latvian startup Origin Robotics teamed up with Anduril to integrate the BLAZE interceptor with Anduril’s Lattice AI command-and-control, aiming for faster, scalable drone defense for NATO’s eastern flank. Engineering Platform: Riga-based Trace.Space launched Trinity, a hardware engineering platform that links requirements, testing, design parameters and variants, with AI agents using the engineering data to speed prototype-to-production. Cybersecurity Culture: CERT.LV data shows Latvia’s cyberattacks are increasingly impactful, and a new analysis argues cybersecurity must be treated as organisational risk management, not just an IT problem. Hydrogen Push: Tartu Hydrogen Days (Oct 8–9) will mix an EXPO and a hydrogen hackathon with a “From Molecules to Markets” focus on moving lab solutions into industry. Finance & Regulation: Latvia’s central bank issued a crypto-asset services and payment institution licence to Noah LV, expanding the regulated crypto landscape. EU Mobility Tech: Latvia is included in the EU Entry/Exit System rollout, with biometric checks replacing passport stamping for many travellers. Startup Pipeline: LIAA’s business incubation programme hit a record 313 applications for the autumn intake, signalling strong demand for export- and innovation-focused support.

Latvia’s International Image Strategy: Latvia’s International Image Policy Coordination Council restarted after 2020, aiming for a unified national image plan for 2027–2031 and coordinated public diplomacy ahead of the 2028 EU Council Presidency. Defense Tech & NATO Readiness: Latvia is moving deeper into drone and missile-era security, with reports of Latvia’s support network for Ukraine’s interceptor scaling and new long-range strike missile plans, while NATO partners discuss faster-response combat units for the JEF. Counter-UAS Progress: Anduril’s Barracuda-M cruise missile family was certified compliant with the U.S. Air Force’s open systems architecture standard, a sign of how “plug-in” weapon design is spreading. Border & Supply Chain Pressure: Latvia tightened checks on grain transit amid concerns about stolen Ukrainian grain, with customs and lab testing underway. Public Sector Tech Trust: Latvia’s police suspended use of Oxygen Forensics software after allegations of Russian-linked ownership and EU digital-evidence involvement. Startup & Innovation Pipeline: LIAA’s Business Incubation Programme hit a record 313 applications for autumn 2026, showing strong demand for tech and export-focused early-stage support. Payments Digitization: Cashless payments in Latvia reached a record 81% of transactions in August, with smartphone payments rising.