Ten Latvian women entrepreneurs join EWA 2024 Programme cohort
Riga Technical University, in collaboration with EIT Food, is launching the Empowering Women in Agrifood (EWA) programme in Latvia. This six-month initiative supports ten women in developing their agrifood business ideas through expert mentorship, workshops, and a range of programme events.
On June 13, 2024, the Empowering Women in Agrifood programme officially began in Latvia with a Matchmaking event, where 10 selected mentees and 10 mentors gathered. The programme is implemented by the Riga Technical University (RTU) Science and Innovation Centre (SIC). EWA programme equips women with essential tools and support to launch and expand sustainable agrifood businesses.
After the introductory part, 10 selected participants pitched their business ideas. During their 6-month entrepreneurial journey, 10 mentors will support Mentees with knowledge and experience through 1:1 mentoring sessions.
EWA 2024 Latvia cohort
- Inese Skapste – Developing a biorefinery utilizing Baltic seaweed as a sustainable agricultural resource.
- Ilze Kalniņa – Creating energy drink powders rich in natural and high-quality ingredients.
- Liega Krasovska – Producing antioxidant extracts and biodegradable food packaging from potato peel and potato starch.
- Krista Rozenberga – Making apple fibre powder from apple pomace, free from preservatives and added sugar.
- Kristīne Štikāne – «Gutopia», offering fermented vegetable products as alternatives to sour milk products.
- Līga Pollaka – Manufacturing protein-rich foods from mushrooms grown in Latvian conditions.
- Jūlija Vilcāne – Formulating soil additives that reduce leaching, protect plants from root rots, and minimize pest impact while promoting plant growth.
- Jolanta Smane – Producing goat cheese, quince juice, syrup, and succades.
- Zane Migliniece – «Botanical Shaman», producing kombucha from locally harvested teas.
- Elīna Zandere – «Legomo», producing vegetable-based ready meals to meet daily vegetable intake recommendations.
Mentors in EWA 2024 Latvia:
- Evita Štrausa
- Zanda Ozola
- Kristīne Veģere
- Solvita Kostjukova
- Terēze Riekstiņa
- Mārtiņš Kaugars
- Lauris Grāvelis
- Evita Lūkina
- Zanda Šadre
- Ksenija Langa
Over the next six months, entrepreneurs will engage deeply in intensive trainings on business development, enhancing their entrepreneurial skills. This marks the fifth international iteration of the EWA programme and the second time it has taken place in Latvia. EWA Programme represents a significant initiative aimed at reducing gender disparities in the agrifood sector within the European Union. By empowering women entrepreneurs and enabling them to realize the potential of their ideas, EWA fosters the development of successful and sustainable businesses, thereby strengthening women's presence and influence in the marketplace.
Riga Technical University
Riga Technical University (RTU), founded in 1862, is a top institution in the Baltic States with 13,000+ students and a strong research team. Holding 91 Latvian patents, RTU excels in education, research, and innovation, consistently ranking high globally. The 2022-established RTU Science & Innovation Centre supports entrepreneurship and knowledge transfer. It aims to boost innovation and entrepreneurship, enhance knowledge transfer, and foster active engagement. RTU expanded its impact in 2023 by integrating two more universities.
Learn more about Riga Technical University on their webpage.
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