On January 14–15, 2025, Sanita Kecko, a representative of the Institute of Life Sciences and Technology (DZTI), completed the “TTO Network Mentoring Program for Spin-offs in the Baltic States” organized by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The acquired knowledge will be applied at the Research and Business Center “REBUS” to promote technology transfer at Daugavpils University.

The program was divided into six modules, with two modules held in-person: the Launch Event scheduled for May 2–3, 2024, in Riga, Latvia, which encompased Module 1; and the Closing Session in January 2025 in Tallinn, Estonia, focusing on Module 6. The remaining modules was conducted online, each up to three hours.

The Baltic States Mentoring Program is the follow-up of the long-term WIPO Project in collaboration with the Baltic States, designed to foster regional technology transfer and IP commercialization capabilities. The overarching goal is to effectively harness research outcomes from academic institutions, foster regional collaboration in scientific and innovation realms, and ultimately drive economic growth through innovative products and services in the Baltic States.

In response to the request from the Baltic States for WIPO assistance in enhancing the regional innovation ecosystem and fostering IP collaboration, with a specific focus on increasing the number of academic spin-offs while utilizing existing technology transfer (TT) resources from prior WIPO Projects, a tailored methodology and approach became necessary. The Mentoring Program was proposed as the most suitable form for imparting practical knowledge and experience to an audience already familiar with TT concepts.

Additional information: sanita.kecko@du.lv