Ten students earned Ventspils City Hall scholarships for their excellence in the ICT field
October 13, 2020
Yestrday, in October 7th, the chairman of Ventspils City Council Aivars Lembergs, the alternate of the chairman in the infrastructure field in the City Council – Jānis Vītoliņš and the rector of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS) Kārlis Krēsliņš in a festive mood issued scholarships to ten VUAS students for their excellence in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) field.
A total of fifteen applicants applied for the contest, they were evaluated in accordance with the Ventspils City Council scholarship for excellence in the ICT field conditions of the regulations.
Six of the applicants were high school graduates – today, the VUAS Information Technology faculty bachelor and the 1st degree professional higher education study program first year students, which were evaluated by comparing the following criteria:
- participation in the international mathematics, physics or computer science Olympiads;
- award winning place in state or similar Olympiads in mathematics, physics or computer science;
- participation in the Latvian pupil business training program organized by “Junior Achievement Latvia”, getting in the national level finale with a training program product in the ICT field;
- earned an award winning place in the “Ventspils IT challenge” contest;
- the evaluation of skills acquisition in the centralized math and physics or computer science exams is not lower than 75%;
- first degree diploma in the state scientific research paper conference, if the scientific research paper is written in conjunction with mathematics, physics or computer science
As a result of the evaluation of the applicants, the Scholarship Commission recognized four applicants as eligible to receive Ventspils City Council scholarships for excellence in the ICT field:
- Daniels Fišers;
- Justīne Širina;
- Samanta Veinberga;
- Nauris Mālītis.
Nine students, who have VUAS 1st degree professional higher education, Bachelor and Master’s study program students, as well as, current Master’s study program first year students were evaluated, taking into account that the average grade of the previous semester must be at least 8 (for the first year students in Master’s also the average grade of the previous level higher education diploma is taken into account), as well as, taking into account the following criteria:
- giving a presentation in international, Latvia scale or VUAS scientific conferences;
- preparation of a scientific publication;
- participation in VUAS scientific research projects;
- a successfully realized business idea in the business incubator;
- successful participation in a local scale or international contests in the ICT field;
- successful participation in various events in connection with the popularization of the VUAS ICT field.
As a result of the evaluation of the applicants, the Scholarship Commission recognized six applicants as eligible to receive Ventspils City Council scholarships for excellence in the ICT field:
- Bils Gūtfricis;
- Roberts Ivanovs;
- Arvis Krafts;
- Arina Solovjova;
- Kirilo Vasiļiskovs;
- Kristofers Volkovs.
The scholarship for excellence in the ICT field is granted every year to no more than 10 best students. The scholarship is granted for 10 months, with a 200 EUR payout every month.
Ventspils University of Applied Sciences expresses gratitude to Ventspils City Council for support and participation in the development of the University.
Share on other platforms
Other news
On Tuesday we invite you to another TALKS & TEA afternoon with activities to learn about Latvian culture and to connect with local students! This time we will talk about different cities in Latvia and in general the Baltic countries, so you have the opportunity to get inspiration for your next weekend trip! You are welcome to bring snacks and your cup because this time there will be tea! Everybody is welcome to join! Where & when? Date: 24th March 2026 Time: 17:00 Place: D103 We are looking forward to seeing you and your friends!
At the end of February, the Rector of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, Andris Vaivads, participated in a roundtable discussion titled “Best Practice Examples of Latvian European University Alliances in Promoting Innovation and Regional Development.” The discussion brought together representatives of Latvian universities, ministries, and European University alliances to evaluate more than five years of experience and to discuss the potential of European Universities for the development of higher education in Latvia. During the discussion, participants focused on how European University alliances can be used effectively to strengthen the competitiveness of Latvian higher education, promote innovation, and support regional development. The role of universities in developing human capital and fostering international cooperation was also emphasized. At the same time, participants discussed challenges faced by universities, including resource-intensive coordination, issues related to institutional capacity, and the importance of state support for the successful implementation of these initiatives. The participants of the discussion also highlighted the need for closer cooperation between universities and policymakers to ensure the sustainable development of the higher education and innovation ecosystem in Latvia. The roundtable discussion concluded with a shared recognition of the importance of exchanging experience and a common willingness to continue strengthening the role of Latvian higher education at the European level.
Within the framework of the JIVE ERIC Latvia Partnership Plan, a meeting took place on February 24 to enhance cooperation in the research of space technology solutions and innovative materials. The meeting brought together Latvian representatives from the Ventspils University of Applied Sciences – Engineering Research Institute “Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre” (VIRAC) and the Institute of Solid State Physics of the University of Latvia, as well as international guests from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (Germany) and L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University (Kazakhstan). During the meeting, participants presented their current research directions and opportunities. Discussions were held on potential joint cooperation and the development of projects within European and international programmes. The participants also identified potential synergies between space research technologies and innovations in new materials. Particular attention was given to shared use of research infrastructure, the involvement of early-career researchers, and the strengthening of long-term partnerships. This meeting marks an important step in expanding the international cooperation of Latvian scientific institutions, laying the foundation for joint research and innovation projects while promoting knowledge transfer and technological development on both regional and global scales. The meeting was held within the framework of the European Regional Development Fund project No. 1.1.1.5/3/25/I/012 “Ventspils University of Applied Sciences` International Cooperation and Innovation for the Development of Latvia’s Smart Specialisation”.
On Monday, March 3rd, the latest Talks and Tea session gathered around 16 participants, including international students, Erasmus+ students, and local students, for a relaxed afternoon focused on the theme “Festivals.” The event aimed to create a welcoming environment where students from different backgrounds could meet, exchange experiences, and build a stronger sense of community. The session began with a short introduction to several Latvian celebrations connected to the traditional sun year, highlighting a few interesting customs during these festivities. Following the introduction, participants divided into small discussion groups where they shared festival traditions from their own countries. These conversations created a lively exchange of ideas and experiences, allowing students to discover both differences and similarities between cultures. Beyond learning about traditions, the event’s main focus was bringing people together. Through informal discussions over snacks, students had the opportunity to connect, practice intercultural communication, and build friendships in a welcoming and inclusive space. The Talks and Tea series continues to support community building, inclusion, diversity, and cooperation between international and local students. By creating opportunities for dialogue and shared experiences, the events help strengthen connections within the student community and encourage a sense of belonging for everyone involved.
On March 5–7, 2026, the Latvian Academy of Sciences hosted the 8th International Forum of Humanistic Economics “ Innovative Economy in a Time of Geopolitical Change ”, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Latvian Academy of Sciences. Researchers from Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, Professor Una Libkovska and doctoral student Monta Anšica, participated in the forum, presenting research findings on the importance and development of management competences as a strategic investment in the development of organizations operating in knowledge-intensive sectors and promoting sustainable development, within the framework of the State Research Programme project “Elaboration of evidence-based solutions for effective professional competence development of adults and assessment of the transfer of its results into practice in Latvia” (VPP-IZM-Izglitiba-2023/4-0001). The main objective of the forum defined the promotion of dialogue between science, business and policy makers in search of solutions for sustainable economic growth, the development of innovation and the acquisition of new export markets. The forum brought together scientists, entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors and international experts from European, American and Asian countries to discuss the importance of innovation in economic development in a time of change. During the discussions, special attention was paid to the development of education and human capital, the introduction of science-based innovations, attracting investments and the development of competitive projects in Latvia and Europe. During the forum, plenary sessions were held in which international experts analysed global economic development trends, the importance of innovation in technological advancement, and the role of human capital in ensuring sustainable growth. The programme also included thematic workshops and discussion sessions addressing current issues related to economic development, including the role of artificial intelligence and high technologies in shaping modern economies. Scientists from different countries, innovation policy experts, entrepreneurs, and representatives of the academic community participated in the discussions, fostering international exchange of experience and strengthening cooperation. The insights gained at the forum promote the use of research results in practice and help to develop knowledge transfer, which is essential for strengthening the competitiveness of the Latvian economy.
On February 26, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences participated in the Vidzeme Innovation Days event in Valmiera, "START-UPS – THE NEXT LEVEL IN BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT IN VIDZEME REGION", where VUAS was represented by Elvis Brauns, a mentor of start-up management and head of the Student Entrepreneurship Centre. As part of the event, Elvis Brauns participated in a panel discussion on the development of start-ups in the regions, emphasizing that a competitive business environment outside the capital requires purposeful cooperation between educational institutions, entrepreneurs and support organizations. At the same time, the issue of how to create the conditions in the regions for ideas to become pilot projects, products and sustainable companies more quickly was raised. In addition to the panel discussion, participants in the event were presented with the approach and practical methods of the Ventspils University of Applied Sciences study programme "Start-up Management," based on the principles of Learn by Doing. The presentation explained how, through teamwork, real challenges and mentoring, students develop entrepreneurial skills and create projects that can make a significant contribution to regional development. "The ecosystem of regional start-ups is not just about ideas – it needs the environment, people, collaboration and practice. That is why at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, we learn by doing and create a platform where students can work with real business needs," emphasizes Elvis Brauns. Participation in the event strengthened the presence of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences in the regional business support network and promoted the identification of new contacts and cooperation directions with entrepreneurs, education representatives and ecosystem organizations of the Vidzeme region. About the Ventspils University of Applied Sciences programme "Start-up Management" "Start-up Management" is a professionally oriented study program with an emphasis on developing practical business skills, teamwork and mentoring, helping students create projects and develop ideas to real solutions for the market.
