Empowering Latvian Startups through the BIA Programme

We're thrilled to highlight the inspiring journeys of two innovative Latvian startups, BeeSage and Bruntor, as they participate in the Baltic Impact Accelerator (BIA) programme. These startups are not only revolutionizing their respective fields but also showcasing the importance of sustainability and international collaboration.

BeeSage: Harnessing Data for Environmental Protection

BeeSage, an innovative company from Latvia, is on a mission to bridge the gap between bees and humans through real-time data. Their cutting-edge modular beehive monitoring system increases honey yield by up to 20% and minimizes the need for frequent apiary visits. By leveraging advanced technologies such as wireless sensor networks, Earth observation, geospatial data, and machine learning, BeeSage is paving the way for sustainable beekeeping. Operating in 10 countries, they serve beekeepers and continuously develop new customer segments.

Reflecting on their BIA experience, BeeSage's team noted, "The most valuable part of the BIA programme was the pitch session with Gleb Maltsev in Tallinn. I met the Illuminum team from Sweden, which is building a synergistic product, and we decided to organize a hackathon together to explore various use cases and develop a partnership. I have deepened my skills and knowledge in sustainability, ecosystem services, negotiation, and finance. Collaborations are being explored with the aforementioned Illuminum start up from Sweden, as well as Sustainability InnoCenter and Cleantech Estonia."

BeeSage continues to advance in environmental protection and sustainable beekeeping, and we’re proud to be part of their journey!

Bruntor: Revolutionizing Last-Mile Deliveries

Another standout participant in the BIA programme is Bruntor, a dynamic Latvian start-up revolutionizing last-mile deliveries with their innovative electric 4-wheel kick-scooters equipped with cargo compartments. Their mission is to make last-mile deliveries efficient, fast, and safe for everyone. Bruntor focuses on enhancing product safety, efficiency, and user experience.

BRUNTOR's BIA experience has been pivotal for their growth. They shared, "The most valuable parts of the BIA programme were the 1:1 meeting with specialized mentors and tailored training sessions. We could choose topics of interest, from impact metrics and transparency to sustainable workplace culture. Additionally, the support for connecting with potential international customers was very beneficial. We gained valuable insights from meeting other programme members, trainers, and guest speakers from different countries. The ongoing relationships with some trainers have been particularly helpful. The training sessions have enhanced our understanding of our business's climate impact, helping us integrate sustainability more effectively."

Gratitude and Forward-Looking Perspectives

Within the three acceleration cohorts, a total of 96 scale-up companies will be supported (32 per cohort) and out of these 96 companies, 48 will scale up. The project will implement open seminars and events, where a broader audience of companies is reached and upskilled in order to provide knowledge about the 3BL methodology. The project provides unique acceleration for scale-up companies both from the 3BL methodology perspective, as well as the regional set-up: scale-up companies are specifically scaled in another CB country in order to help the companies to establish a better presence outside their home market.

Aim of the project: The “Triple Bottom Line Baltic Impact Accelerator” tackles the challenges of new growth companies in the CB region by utilizing the Triple Bottom Line (3BL) methodology that enables more growth (Profit) with specific consideration towards the environment (Planet) and society (People).

The “Baltic Impact Accelerator” project will achieve the following results:

• At least 720 (unique) companies reached
• At least 480 (unique)company applications received
• 3 cohorts implemented with 32 companies per cohort
• 480 individual trainings within the project provided to companies
• 3 joint cross-border collaboration events (1 per cohort)
• 3 demo-day events (online) - 1 per cohort

Implemented within the EU Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme the Baltic Impact Accelerator (ID: CB0100053), this program exemplifies the power of collaboration and innovation in driving sustainable business practices.