We invite to create ideas for solving energy and waste problems in Latvia!

February 20, 2023

ESI's student innovation program in cooperation with partners - “Rimi Baltic”, “SEB banka” and AS "Eco Baltia" - invites high school and university students to participate in the Sustainability Challenge from March 18 to 26 to create unique ideas for solving various challenges related to energy and waste issues.


The Sustainability Challenge is a hackathon-type competition in which, through various tasks, mentoring classes and other activities, participants will have to develop creative solutions to various issues related to energy production and use, waste reduction and proper management. High school and university students (at any level of higher education, in any specialty) can participate in the competition. Also, other interested parties who are motivated to offer solutions to sustainability issues are also invited to submit their ideas. It is possible to participate in the competition with an existing idea, as well as create it from scratch.


Challenge activities will be implemented in three phases. On March 18, there will be an opening event with a team and idea generation, so that each participant can get an accurate insight into the challenges, formulate their idea, create a team and present it. In the period from March 20 to 24, there will be online mentoring sessions, work in teams and face-to-face tours of companies representing the industry, where participants can get ideas for project development. On March 25 and 26, participants will meet with industry experts and relevant mentors for the development of the project, who will help to develop their idea more successfully, the event will take place on the premises of “Rimi Baltic” in Riga. On the last day of the challenge, the teams will present their solutions, which will be judged by a project jury made up of project partners. All activities will be held in English.


The partners of the challenge - “Rimi Baltic,” “SEB banka” and AS "Eco Baltia" - have prepared several topics for the creation of ideas based on real problem situations observed in the company's operation and society. An insight into the challenges prepared by our partners:

- AS "Eco Baltia" offers challenges in two areas related to circular economy in Latvia - promotion of sorting, recycling and recirculation of textile products, as well as recycling of used electronic devices.


Jānis Aizbalts, head of the environmental management sector of AS "Eco Baltia" and chairman of the board of SIA "Eco Baltia vide": "The circular economy is not new in Latvia either, but it should be moved faster on a national scale. As our experience in cooperation with young people and their representative organizations and educational institutions shows, pupils and students are the generation whose ideas are invaluable in implementing sustainability projects. We invite you to be active, participate in the challenge and make Latvia even greener, where waste is not a big mountain, but a resource to be used in the circulation of the market."

- The challenge prepared by “SEB banka” is related to the energy efficiency of buildings - the teams will be invited to find solutions that would help to significantly increase the proportion of renovated apartment buildings in Latvia, as well as the number of homes that undergo regular energy audits.


Viktors Toropovs, head of Sustainability Development: "Increasing the energy efficiency of existing housing plays an essential role in achieving the set goals of climate neutrality in Latvia by 2050. In addition to the creation of an appropriate state policy, the availability of funding and the decision-making of citizens, it is also important to find digital solutions and new products to promote the development of the field. The energy efficiency of houses helps not only to reduce the consumption of energy resources and improve the climate in the apartment but also to create an attractive environment in general, so everyone benefits.” 

- Rimi Baltic has prepared challenges that invite to find solutions on how to reduce the use of plastic and reduce food waste.

Zanda Šadre, “Rimi Baltic” Corporate Responsibility and Communication Director: "Responsibility towards the environment is one of our top focus areas, therefore we are constantly searching for new solutions. On top of that, reduction of food waste and plastic use not only helps the environment, but it can also lead to cost savings for the customer, which is a great win-win in both aspects. We encourage teams to think from this perspective, and we believe that it will definitely bring results,” says.


Teams of competition participants will compete for valuable prizes. The first place will be awarded 3000 EUR, the second place - 2000 EUR, the third place - 1000 EUR, as well as partner prizes will be raffled off, which will help the participants to continue working on the development of ideas. The winners will be announced on March 26.

Registration and detailed info about challenges and the event itself can be found on the event website: www.challenge.esi-startup.lv/


The ESI Sustainability Challenge is supported by the ESI Student Innovation Program of the Stockholm School School of Economics in Riga, “RIMI Baltic”, “SEB banka”, AS "Eco Baltia" and the European Regional Fund. Project number: 1.1.1. 3./21/A/008.a. The event is supported by ESI program partner organisations: Art Academy of Latvia (LMA), Rezekne Academy of Technologies (RTA), Riga Graduate School of Law (RGSL), Civitta, TechHub, Riga TechGirls, LSUA, LETERA, LU CFI. 


Follow ESI on social media for updates:

Facebook: https://fb.me/e/3mIwgHRYV

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/esidrosmigs/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esi_sustainability_challenge/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D


Share on other platforms

Other news

Student participation in COLOURS summer school in Germany

By Rota Rulle • August 11, 2025
Ventspils University of Applied Sciences Faculty of Translation Studies Bachelor’s degree student of “Translation and Language Technology” Matīss Jansons and Bachelor’s degree student of “Intercultural Communication” Līva Slesare participated in an exciting summer school “Responsible Digitalization: AI, Social Media and their Contribution to a Sustainable Society”, which took place from 21st to 25th of July in Paderborn, Germany. The aim of the summer school was to provide a learning experience about sustainable use of artificial intelligence and digital technologies for the benefit of society, while promoting collaboration, practical innovation and cultural exchange. The summer school program was intense and dynamic – lectures, workshops and discussions led by lecturers and guest lecturers took place throughout the day, covering the practical application of artificial intelligence, its ethical and social aspects, issues of power, prejudice and everyday life. Each day provided new insights and encouraged students to think about the role of technology in the future society. Outside of lectures, students from Latvia, as well as from various other countries, had the opportunity to go on guided tours and get to know the city of Paderborn in Germany and its ancient history, see the world's largest computer museum "Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum", as well as have informal conversations and make new contacts. Students admit that the opportunity to work in international teams with participants from several COLOURS alliance universities was very valuable. This diversity promoted the exchange of experience and allowed for different approaches to solving problems related to artificial intelligence. Dr. François Vignale's (Le Mans University) lecture on the identification of AI-generated and biased content also aroused special interest, providing practical knowledge and sparking a discussion about these problems in society. This experience gives students the opportunity to gain new knowledge, opening a broader view of the everyday life of students at other European universities, exchanging opinions and creating contacts and future friendships. Read more about the summer school on the COLOURS website: https://colours-alliance.eu/event/international-summer-school-on-responsible-digitalization-ai-social-media-and-their-contribution-to-a-sustainable-society/

Latvian scientists develop unique instrument to studies variable astrophysical radio sources

By Rota Rulle • July 30, 2025
Today, the field of radio astronomy has experienced a resurgence in ‘transient’ science, with more and more astronomical phenomena found to be active on timescales of months, weeks, and even within a single day. For example, high-mass stars form in short, intense bursts of mass accretion that display active variations on day-long timescales. The use of single-baseline interferometers (two telescopes connected together) has been known in astronomy since the 1940s. However, demand for this observing technique was soon overtaken by the development of interferometers comprising large numbers of radio telescope dishes. As demand for aperture synthesis arrays increased, the time available for each observing programme became more limited. The recent emphasis on transient science has renewed the demand for facilities capable of high-cadence monitoring of brightness variations in radio emission—an area in which the now uncommon single-baseline radio interferometer is particularly well suited. The aim of this project is the development of the Irbene Single-Baseline Interferometer (ISBI), designed to detect variations in the radio emission associated with high-mass star-forming regions. The ISBI will be used to monitor both radio continuum and maser emission from high-mass protostars. This will enable clearer distinctions to be drawn between currently untested and competing theoretical models proposed to explain the enigmatic variability recently linked to the formation of high-mass stars. With recent discoveries confirming rapid accretion bursts in high-mass protostars, time-domain radio astronomy has become a key frontier in understanding the formation of massive stars. These short-lived accretion episodes give rise to measurable variations in both radio continuum and maser emission. However, existing large-scale arrays are often oversubscribed and are not optimised for long-term, targeted monitoring of such sources. “The method will enable clearer distinctions to be drawn between currently untested and competing theoretical models proposed to explain the enigmatic variability recently linked to the formation of high-mass stars.” High-cadence, long-term monitoring, such as that possible by ISBI, greatly benefits from automation, which makes it much easier to carry out long-term, frequent monitoring of space signals, from planning observations to processing the data. Latvian scientists have created a unique set of tools and automated systems for the ISBI, turning it into a one-of-a-kind instrument with capabilities not found anywhere else. ISBI stands out because, unlike single-dish telescopes or large VLBI arrays, it can both detect weak signals and track them regularly over time. This makes it ideal for studying the changing radio emissions of massive star-forming regions, helping researchers understand processes like matter falling onto stars and the jets they eject. Thanks to automation, almost the whole workflow runs smoothly, allowing continuous and efficient monitoring of these fascinating cosmic events.

Business Management students attend summer school at Le Mans University, France

By Rota Rulle • July 25, 2025
From June 26 to July 5, 2025, third-year Business Management students Mārtiņš Didzis Gailis and Daniels Balcers from Ventspils University of Applied Sciences participated in the COLOURS project summer school "Scientific Project Management: From Idea to Funded EU Project", which took place at the University of Le Mans, France. The aim of the programme was to provide students with theoretical and practical knowledge in scientific project management, with a particular focus on attracting European Union funding. The program was organized in a combined format – with online classes on June 26 and 27 and in-person activities at the University of Le Mans from July 1 to 5. During the online sessions, students learned about the project life cycle, European Union project evaluation criteria, the use of Gantt and PERT charts, risk analysis, and budgeting. The in-person sessions included practical workshops on stakeholder mapping and Horizon Europe funding opportunities, as well as the development and presentation of students' final projects in the form of a simulated competition. The program also included a visit to the Le Mans 24 Hours Museum and participation in the international event "Le Mans Classic," where students gained insight into the organization and management of high-level events. Daniels says that he is very interested in everything related to cars and motorsports, so he was particularly excited to attend the Le Mans Classic race – it was a great opportunity to get to know one of the world's most legendary racing events, see classic racing cars in action, and experience the authentic atmosphere that reigns in this historic place. Mārtiņš admitted that he had visited France before, but Le Mans left an even deeper impression on him – quieter, more authentic and with a strong historical presence. He particularly liked the historic atmosphere of the city, the enthusiasm for motorsport and how open and friendly the local people were. "To be honest, we regret a little that we didn't take advantage of such opportunities earlier during our studies – they provide not only knowledge, but also a broader view of the world, people and ourselves. That's why we especially encourage other students and young people to be active, take advantage of the international programs on offer, and not be afraid of challenges – these are experiences that create unforgettable memories," the guys admit. Participation in this program provided students with valuable experience in project planning, risk assessment, budgeting, and international communication. The knowledge and skills they gained will be useful both in their future studies and professional activities.

Faculty of Translation Studies Represented at the EU Multilingualism Summer School in Luxembourg

By Rota Rulle • July 21, 2025
From July 7 to 12, the Multilingualism EU Summer School 2025 took place in Luxembourg for the second time. The participation of master's students in this summer school is ensured by the European Master's in Translation (EMT) network, which also includes the master's program Translation and Terminology of VUAS. Thirty-three students from master's programs in translation or law participated in the summer school. The school aimed to introduce participants to the importance of multilingualism and its practical implementation in EU institutions. This year, our program was represented at the school by Ailenda Bulindža-Leitiete. Ailenda shares: "Participation in the summer school was an excellent opportunity to visit the European Parliament and meet translator Alīna Grīnberga, get acquainted with the European Union (EU) Court's work and meet legal linguists Kristīne Bārdiņa and Kristaps Bērziņš. We also visited the European Court of Auditors, where we had the opportunity to speak with translator Inga Stodere. Additionally, during our visit to the European Commission, we met translator Mairita Drauga. At the Publications Office, I met translator Ieva Rozenberga, who told me about the daily work and the specifics of a translator. We also went to the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign Affairs and met with Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel, who guided us on a tour. We also visited the European Investment Bank. At each of the visited institutions, we met professionals who shared their experiences, told us about behind-the-scenes work, and encouraged us to engage in practical tasks. The summer school program was intense and packed with activities. There were presentations, thematic workshops, and discussions about language specialists' daily lives, as well as about the role of languages in a broader political and social context. I particularly remember the Luxembourg Foreign Minister's words that diversity is our strength. Of course, one of the summer school themes was also artificial intelligence (AI) and its role in the translation sector. However, this did not raise concerns about the future of the translator profession, but instead inspired us. It was emphasised that the future belongs to those who freely manage AI, and the discussion is about AI managed by translators, not about replacing translators with AI. No less significant was the experience in the informal part – getting to know each other, exchanging thoughts with participants and EU institution representatives, and the spirit of cooperation. This week provided an opportunity not only to gain professional knowledge but also to develop a firm conviction and motivation for translator work. I am especially grateful to the Latvian language section representatives of all the visited institutions. Thank you for the warm welcome and for sharing knowledge! The experience gained at the summer school will serve as a guide for my professional growth. I still think with a smile about every person I met during the summer school week. Luxembourg will now always be a place to return to – in thoughts, languages, or perhaps even as a professional."

TSF researchers' participation in an international conference in Geneva

By Rota Rulle • July 14, 2025
A researcher and associate professor from the Faculty of Translation Studies of VUAS, Silga Sviķe, participated in the "Transius Conference 2025" at the University of Geneva, Switzerland, with a research poster presentation titled "Translation of legal documents, drawing up and certification of translation: Latvian practice" from July 7 to 9. The conference was organised by the University of Geneva's Translation Studies Faculty together with the legal and institutional translation studies centre "TRANSIUS". The centre's main objective is to promote research and education in translation studies. The centre achieves this goal by collaborating with translation professionals, particularly from international organisations and Swiss institutions, as well as researchers from other universities. This year marks ten years since the first "Transius" conference, and this is one of the largest conferences on legal text and institutional document translation. The conference brought together and featured research presentations from 250 participants from various countries worldwide. Current research in legal text translation focuses on the use of artificial intelligence tools and large language models in translation, the specifics of document translation and translation certification, translation editing and post-editing, as well as adapting translation study programs to new opportunities. More information about the conference can be found on the conference website: https://transius.unige.ch/en/conferences-and-seminars/international-conferences/tc25/cfp Information prepared by: FTS researcher and associate professor S. Sviķe Group photo author is Transius Centre.

Researcher from VUAS reveals conditions that influenced the beginning of planet formation

By Rota Rulle • July 4, 2025
The planets of the Solar System formed from fine interstellar dust particles. As the interstellar cloud (which would later become the Solar System) condensed, the dust particles gradually sticked together. As this process continued in the disk around the proto-Sun, they grew to the size of sand grains, peas, beans, pebbles, etc., until the “dust” the size of flying mountains continued growing by attracting material with their own gravity.
Other news