During the parallel “BioPhoT” sessions held on 12 May in Riga as part of the Innovation Impact Forum 2026, the Daugavpils University team achieved an excellent result — 2nd place and an €800 award. The “BioPhoT” sessions brought together biomedical and photonics research teams who presented their latest technological solutions and commercialization prospects to investors, industry representatives, and innovation experts.

This year, the forum gathered a broad international innovation ecosystem: technology specialists, investment professionals, and representatives of the academic community, strengthening the role of the Baltic region within the European innovation landscape. The event aimed to promote knowledge transfer, international cooperation, and the development of high value‑added technologies.

More than 20 projects were presented in two thematic categories:

• Photonics, Smart Materials and Advanced Engineering Systems
• Biomedicine, Medical Technologies and Pharmaceuticals

The project presentations were evaluated by an international panel of experts, who provided professional feedback on market potential, commercialization opportunities, and technological development prospects.

Daugavpils University was represented in the “BioPhoT” pitch session by researchers from the project “Smart Inks: Printed Chromogenic Windows”, which develops innovative solutions for energy‑efficient smart window technologies. At the core of the project are chromogenic coatings — next‑generation materials expected to play a significant role in reducing building energy consumption.

The Smart Inks team proposes a novel approach by using phototropic and thermochromic nanomaterials to create advanced printed x‑chromogenic coatings. These coatings incorporate plasmonic nanoparticles, ensuring high solar modulation and improved visible light transmittance, significantly enhancing the functional performance of smart windows.

A key advantage of the project is the nanoparticle‑based wet‑chemistry deposition technology, such as inkjet printing. This method allows for a substantial reduction in production costs compared to traditional vacuum‑based coating processes, making smart windows more accessible to civil engineers, architects, and end users.

Congratulations to our researchers on this outstanding recognition and the award received!

Additional Information:
Sanita Kecko
sanita.kecko@du.lv