On April 1, 2026, the RTU Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering welcomed more than 40 students from across Latvia as part of the annual Shadow Day, offering them the opportunity to explore the profession of a scientist and gain hands-on experience to support their future career choices.
During the event, BIOCORE researcher Artemijs Sceglovs introduced his shadow students (a 10th-grade student from Riga State Gymnasium No. 1 and a 12th-grade student from Riga Distance Learning Secondary School) to the daily life of a researcher and the development of biomaterials, with a particular focus on antibacterial materials.
The students had the opportunity not only to observe but also to actively engage in research activities, including participating in material synthesis and antibacterial studies. This experience provided a genuine insight into the world of science and demonstrated that future innovations begin with curiosity, hands-on experience, and inspiration.
On January 26, 2026, the BIOCORE team participated in the BioPhoT Industry Day, held at the House of Sciences of the University of Latvia. The event brought together researchers, industry representatives, and innovation stakeholders to strengthen collaboration between science and industry.
The programme featured keynote talks and thematic sessions focused on science–industry collaboration, research commercialisation, and innovations supported by BioPhoT. Industry-presented technological challenges further highlighted real-world needs, creating opportunities for researchers to contribute practical solutions.
Participation in the event provided valuable insights into future collaborations and funding opportunities, while fostering new connections between academia and industry, an important step in advancing the BIOCORE mission to develop impactful biomaterial solutions.
On January 21, 2026, BIOCORE Team Leader Prof. Dagnija Loca participated in the open panel discussion “How to turn life sciences into my next career opportunity” in Riga, bringing together students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors shaping the future of biotechnology.
The 60-minute panel and Q&A session offered practical insights into how research can be translated into innovation and into career pathways in sustainable biotechnology. The discussion reflected diverse perspectives from academia, industry, and the investment community.
The event also introduced Nucleate Genesis, an international program supporting early-stage biotech entrepreneurs, and offered networking opportunities in an informal setting.
On December 18, 2025, the ideas and vision behind the BIOCORE project were featured in the science podcast “Nākotnes kods”, in a conversation with Māris Zanders.
In an engaging, hour-long discussion, the journey of how laboratory-born ideas gradually move toward real-world application and closer to society and the market was brought to light. The conversation also revealed how new scientific ideas emerge – shaped not only by knowledge, but also by creativity, collaboration, and the courage to explore unconventional solutions.
Behind every discovery lies persistent work, experimentation, and a continuous effort to understand the interaction between materials and biological systems.
In December 2025, the BIOCORE team took an important step toward future market readiness by engaging with the State Agency of Medicines of the Republic of Latvia. This milestone focused on understanding the regulatory framework required to advance BIOCORE toward certification as a medical product.
The insights gained are now guiding the project’s next phases, ensuring that BIOCORE’s development aligns with regulatory expectations, quality standards, and long-term clinical applicability.
This marks a key step in BIOCORE’s journey from scientific innovation toward real-world medical impact.
On 24 November 2025, the 1st Conference of the Biomedical and Photonics Research Platform for Innovative Products “BioPhoT”, titled “BioPhoT – Latvia’s Innovation Launchpad”, brought together industry representatives, science policy makers, and the scientific community. The conference showcased BioPhoT’s research and innovation projects, highlighted future development plans, and presented international success stories from the biomedical and photonics sectors.
The event fostered expert discussions on the role of innovation in national development and economic growth. Participants explored 40 research and innovation projects, and the best poster presentations were awarded in the categories “Biomedicine” and “Photonics”.
The conference united a broad range of stakeholders – researchers, industry leaders, startup founders, policymakers, university leadership, innovation experts, and public sector representatives – enabling cross-sector dialogue across biomedicine, photonics, manufacturing, biotechnology, data analytics, and innovation governance, and strengthening pathways from academia to commercialization.
October 2025 marked the start of a new journey with the BIOCORE project — a different kind of initiative, focused not only on scientific excellence but on bringing research closer to the market and real clinical application.
🦴 Within BIOCORE, we work on BIOmaterials for Infection COntrol and fast bone tissue REgeneration, addressing a critical challenge in modern medicine: post-surgical infections and slow bone regeneration.
Within 12 months, BIOCORE will deliver:
✔️ Clinically relevant product design co-developed with medical professionals
✔️ A strengthened intellectual property portfolio, paving the way toward commercialization
✨ BIOCORE is about impact, translation, and real-world value – turning advanced biomaterials into better outcomes for patients.
