lacise - News & Events

From Continental Grids to Smart Homes: Challenges and Opportunities in the Energy Transition

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 13:10:00 +0000

On 12 August 2026, the Swiss-Latvian Smart Energy Digital Center (part of the LACISE project) hosted the webinar From Continental Grids to Smart Homes: Challenges and Opportunities in the Energy Transition, bringing together experts from Switzerland and Latvia to discuss key developments shaping the future of energy systems.

The webinar examined the energy transition from two interconnected perspectives: the evolving European electricity grid and the growing role of smart energy solutions at the household level.

The first presentation, "The Continental European Power System: Current Landscape, Challenges, and Pathways Toward a Sustainable Future," was delivered by Dr. Rafael Segundo from the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW). The presentation provided an overview of the Continental European power system and explored the increasing complexity of operating a grid that is rapidly integrating renewable energy sources. Using recent examples from across Europe, including major system disturbances and blackouts, Dr. Segundo highlighted the challenges and opportunities of building a more sustainable, interconnected, and resilient electricity system.

The second presentation, "EnergySmart Challenges in Latvia's Residential Market," was delivered by Egils Trumpe, Head of B2C at Ignitis Latvija. His presentation focused on changes taking place in Latvia's residential energy market, including the growing impact of renewable energy generation, evolving electricity consumption patterns, and the increasing need for active consumer participation in energy management. The presentation also showcased emerging approaches such as personalized tariffs, digital forecasting tools, smart integrations, energy storage, and electric vehicle charging solutions that can help households contribute to a more flexible and efficient energy system.

To ensure that attendees can access the full information presented by the speakers, both presentations are available:

The webinar was organized within the framework of the Swiss-Latvian Smart Energy Digital Centre, promoting knowledge exchange and collaboration in smart energy technologies and sustainable energy systems.

Next webinars in the series:

14 October 2026 – Batteries
9 December 2026 – Hydrogen

Register here to receive invitations and updates about upcoming events.

LACISE project Invites You to a Webinar on the Challenges and Opportunities of the Energy Transition

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 17:04:00 +0000

On 12 August 2026, from 13:00 to 14:00 EEST (12:00-13:00 CEST), the Swiss-Latvian Smart Energy Digital Centre, established within the LACISE project, will host an online webinar titled "From Continental Grids to Smart Homes: Challenges and Opportunities in the Energy Transition."

As countries across Europe accelerate the transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy systems, the webinar will bring together experts from academia and industry to discuss developments spanning the entire energy value chain, from large-scale electricity networks to smart energy solutions for households.

The first presentation, "The Continental European Power System: Current Landscape, Challenges, and Pathways Toward a Sustainable Future," will be delivered by Dr. Rafael Segundo from the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), Switzerland. His presentation will provide insights into the evolution of the European electricity grid, the growing integration of renewable energy sources, and the technical and operational challenges involved in maintaining a reliable and sustainable power system.

The second presentation, "EnergySmart Challenges in Latvia's Residential Market," will be given by Egils Trumpe from Ignitis Group Latvia. Ignitis Group is one of the largest integrated energy companies in the Baltic region, operating across electricity and gas supply, renewable energy generation, energy storage, and e-mobility solutions. The presentation will explore the opportunities and challenges of implementing smart energy technologies in Latvian households and highlight their role in supporting a more efficient, flexible, and sustainable energy system.

The webinar offers an opportunity for researchers, energy professionals, policymakers, students, and other stakeholders to gain insights into current trends shaping the energy transition and to engage in discussions on the future of sustainable energy in Europe.

Event Details

Date: 12 August 2026
Time: 13:00-14:00 EEST (UTC+3) / 12:00-13:00 CEST (UTC+2)
Venue: Online via Zoom
Language: English
Participation: Free
Join via Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86990429440

More information about the Swiss-Latvian Smart Energy Digital Centre.

Latvia’s Role in Europe’s Energy Independence: LACISE Discussion at LAMPA Charts the Path from Research to Energy Independence

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 11:52:00 +0000

Will Latvia emerge as a leader or a follower in Europe’s energy transition? This was the central question explored during the discussion “Latvia’s Role in Europe’s Energy Independence and Sustainability”, held on 10 July at the LAMPA Conversation Festival, one of Latvia’s largest platforms for public dialogue and civic engagement.

The event took place on the stage of the European Commission Representation in Latvia, “Europe is here!” and was organized by the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL) and the LACISE project, in cooperation with the Institute of Electronics and Computer Science (IECS) and the Swiss–Latvian Cooperation Programme.

LAMPA is much more than a festival. Held annually in the historic town of Cēsis, it provides an open platform for researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, civil society organizations, artists, and citizens to engage in conversations about the challenges and opportunities shaping society. Inspired by democracy festivals across the Nordic and Baltic regions, LAMPA has grown into one of the most influential public engagement events in the Baltics. The 2026 edition featured more than 400 events, brought together 1,445 speakers and attracted approximately 27,000 visitors over two days.

Against this vibrant backdrop, the conversation on energy independence provided an opportunity to connect cutting-edge scientific research with broader public debate. The audience included not only energy professionals and policymakers but also students, entrepreneurs, and citizens interested in understanding how energy security, innovation, and sustainability will shape the future of Latvia and Europe.

Today, energy is no longer simply a technical matter of power plants, transmission lines, and kilowatt-hours. It has become a question of national security, economic competitiveness, and quality of life. The discussion therefore explored how Latvia can strengthen its energy independence while leveraging science, innovation and international cooperation to become an important contributor to Europe’s sustainable energy future.

Moderator Vita Brakovska together with the panelists and audience members. Photo: LETA.

The discussion was moderated by Vita Brakovska, PhD, Head of the association ZINIS, whose dynamic approach created an engaging dialogue between the speakers and the audience. From the outset, participants were invited to reflect on what concerns them most about Latvia’s energy independence. Is it security of supply, dependence on imports, technological development, financing, workforce skills, or other factors? This helped frame the conversation around both national priorities and individual responsibility.

The panel brought together experts from research and industry:

Gatis Junghāns, Member of the Management Board of the Latvian transmission system operator Augstsprieguma tīkls and Professor at Riga Technical University;
Dr. Aigars Laizāns, Professor and Senior Researcher at the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Latvenergo;
Dr. Anna Mutule, Professor at Riga Technical University, Senior Researcher and LACISE Project Lead at the Institute of Electronics and Computer Science;
Dr. Gints Kučinskis, Head of the Energy Materials Laboratory at ISSP UL, Leading Researcher and Coordinator of the LACISE project.

Together, they offered perspectives spanning power system operation, infrastructure development, artificial intelligence, advanced battery technologies and hydrogen solutions.

Panelists (clockwise from left): Anna Mutule, Gints Kučinskis, Gatis Junghāns and Aigars Laizāns. Photo: LETA.

One of the key themes was the resilience of future energy systems. The speakers emphasized that modern energy networks require much more than reliable infrastructure. Data-driven decision-making, digitalization, advanced forecasting, and artificial intelligence are becoming increasingly important for identifying risks early and ensuring stable system operation. Latvia, they noted, has several significant advantages: abundant renewable energy resources, well-developed grid infrastructure, strong connections with the European energy market, and internationally recognized scientific expertise.

One particularly engaging part of the session focused on energy resilience in everyday life. Vita Brakovska invited the audience to consider a simple yet powerful question: What would be your biggest challenge if Latvia experienced a 48-hour power outage tomorrow?

The responses quickly highlighted how deeply electricity is embedded in modern life, from communication and digital payments to heating, food supply, transportation and work. The exercise transformed energy security from an abstract policy concept into a tangible issue affecting every household.

Audience members were also encouraged to reflect on their own preparedness for unexpected disruptions. Do we have a Plan B, or even a Plan C, if electricity becomes unavailable? How many households have backup energy sources or alternative solutions? This part of the discussion underscored one of the event’s key messages: energy independence is not built solely by governments, researchers or energy companies. It is also shaped by countless individual decisions regarding energy efficiency, consumption habits, and preparedness.

Audience and panelists at the discussion “Latvia’s Role in Europe’s Energy Independence and Sustainability”. Photo: LETA.

The conversation then turned to emerging technologies. Dr. Gints Kučinskis highlighted the importance of advanced battery materials, battery longevity and hydrogen technologies for the long-term sustainability of Europe’s energy system. Dr. Anna Mutule focused on smart energy systems and the growing role of artificial intelligence in managing increasingly complex electricity networks.

A recurring message throughout the session was that Latvia does not necessarily need to become Europe’s largest producer of batteries or solar panels. Instead, the country has the potential to excel in knowledge-intensive niches where innovation creates the greatest value: advanced energy materials, battery technologies, digital solutions and intelligent energy management systems.

Another important topic was collaboration between science and industry. The panel explored how research results can be translated more effectively into practical applications, innovative products and exportable technologies. The speakers pointed out that internationally relevant research is already taking place in Latvia, including projects focused on AI-based solutions for energy system security, next-generation battery technologies and hydrogen innovations. At the same time, they acknowledged that transforming scientific breakthroughs into commercially viable products remains one of the country’s major challenges.

During the concluding round, each panelist shared a key takeaway on how Latvia can strengthen its energy independence in the years ahead. A common theme emerged: energy independence cannot be achieved through technology or policy alone. It requires long-term cooperation between researchers, industry, policymakers and society, combined with a willingness to take responsibility at every level, from national strategies to everyday choices.

The discussion at the LAMPA Conversation Festival demonstrated that Latvia possesses the scientific expertise, industrial experience and international partnerships needed to contribute meaningfully to Europe’s energy future. The question is no longer whether Latvia has the potential. The real challenge is how effectively that potential can be transformed into innovation, economic growth, and lasting energy resilience.

LACISE Partners Gather in Switzerland to Drive Smart Energy Innovation Forward

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 13:21:00 +0000

Project team and representatives from SECO at the Paul Scherrer Institute. Photo: Inese Jansone

On 17–18 June 2026, LACISE project partners met at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Switzerland for the latest General Assembly. The event brought together researchers, engineers, and institutional representatives from Latvia and Switzerland, marking a significant milestone toward smarter, more resilient energy systems.

Over two days, participants shared progress, exchanged ideas, and coordinated next steps. The meeting highlighted both technical achievements and the strong collaboration central to LACISE.

A Collaborative Effort Across Borders

The meeting gathered representatives from all consortium partners, including:

• Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL)
• Institute of Electronics and Computer Science (IECS)
• Riga Technical University (RTU)
• Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW)
• Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI)
• Swiss Centre for Electronics and Microtechnology (CSEM)

Representatives from the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) provided valuable insights, connecting the project’s scientific work to the broader goals of the Swiss Contribution programme. They shared reflections on progress and highlighted LACISE as a model of effective cooperation between Switzerland and Latvia.

Beyond institutional collaboration, the project is creating meaningful opportunities for knowledge exchange at the individual level. As Emiliana Fabbri (PSI, WP5) explains:
“Many young researchers can spend short- or long-term visits here in Switzerland, at a well-established research institute. They learn not only new techniques, but also how research groups and institutes operate in practice.” This exchange is already producing tangible results.

“Within LACISE, we are collaborating with colleagues from Latvia to develop new materials. Students visit our group and carry out testing in our laboratories, where they can access facilities that are new to them. We hope this will lead to new materials for green hydrogen production,” she adds.

The strength of the consortium lies in its complementary expertise. As Philippe Dallemagne (CSEM) highlights: “The LACISE consortium brings together partners that complement each other very well — from basic research to technology transfer and industry engagement. At CSEM, we focus on innovation and technology transfer, connecting the research carried out in the project with industrial applications.”

LACISE team and SECO representatives at the Paul Scherrer Institute during the General Assembly of the project. Photo: Inese Jansone.

From Data to Decisions: Smarter Energy Systems

Researchers presented progress in developing and validating models of the Baltic power system using real-world data. Early results highlight the complexity of accurately capturing grid behavior during disturbances, which is essential for improving stability in a renewable energy future.

Teams are also building the necessary infrastructure. Advanced laboratories and real-time simulation systems now enable researchers to observe and analyze grid behavior in greater detail. A new event detection system can automatically identify disturbances using live measurement data, reducing manual analysis and enabling faster, smarter responses.

Beyond technical developments, the cooperation plays an important strategic role. As Gints Kučinskis (ISSP UL, LACISE coordinator) emphasizes: “There is a lot we can learn from Switzerland, but I am equally sure that Switzerland can learn from us. Switzerland has strong expertise in energy grid modeling, advanced energy storage solutions, and understanding materials at the nanoscale — down to atomic-level processes.” He adds: “At the same time, Latvia has a rapidly growing number of research teams motivated to apply this knowledge and contribute to a more stable and renewable energy system.”

Bringing Intelligence to Forecasting

Another key area is the development of AI-based tools to enhance forecasting and decision-making in energy systems.

These tools require high-quality data, and LACISE is making significant progress in this area. New low-cost smart weather stations are being tested in real-world conditions, collecting solar irradiance data to improve forecasting models. Deploying these systems is an important step in connecting physical measurements with digital intelligence.

LACISE team listens to the progress reports from the work package representatives. Photo: Inese Jansone

Developing the Technologies of Tomorrow

In addition to digital tools, LACISE is advancing the physical technologies required for the energy transition.

Sustainable Battery Materials

Researchers are developing next-generation battery components that are safer, more sustainable, and less reliant on critical raw materials. Promising results include:

• Cobalt-free cathodes with improved performance
• High-stability materials suitable for long-term energy storage

• New approaches to understanding how batteries age and degrade

Green Hydrogen Solutions

In parallel, teams are exploring innovative methods to produce hydrogen, a key energy carrier for the future. Progress is being made in several areas:

• Improved water electrolysis using advanced catalysts
• Photo-assisted processes that use light to boost efficiency
• Methods to generate hydrogen from aluminium waste, linking energy production with circular economy principles.

The practical importance of this work is already becoming evident in Latvia. As Andris Šutka (RTU, WP5) explains: “Our hydrogen-related research focuses on water electrolysis, using electricity to split water and produce hydrogen. We are developing materials for devices that could be commercialised, and several industries in Latvia are already interested.” He further highlights the broader impact:

“There is a growing start-up environment working on hydrogen technologies, and companies like Latvenergo are investing in greener energy approaches. We are in constant contact with industry partners. Importantly, this programme also helps attract more students to the field, which. Without this support, it would be much harder to advance our ideas.”

Together, these efforts demonstrate LACISE’s commitment to addressing energy challenges from multiple perspectives, including data, modeling, materials, and real-world applications.

LACISE team is ready for the Swiss Light Source tour. Photo: Inese Jansone

Experiencing World-Class Research Infrastructure

During their visit, project partners and SECO representatives also had the opportunity to tour the Swiss Light Source (SLS), an X-ray synchrotron facility at PSI — one of the leading research infrastructures in Europe.

The visit offered insight into cutting-edge analytical techniques used to study materials at the atomic and molecular level — capabilities that are essential for advancing research in areas such as battery materials and energy technologies. The tour provided valuable context for the experimental work presented during the meeting and highlighted the importance of access to world-class infrastructure in driving innovation.

LACISE partners at the SLS. Photo: Nathalie Estievenart

Strategic Context: The Swiss Contribution

The General Assembly also underscored the broader framework supporting the project.
LACISE is funded under the Swiss–Latvian Cooperation Programme, part of Switzerland’s second contribution to selected EU Member States. The programme aims to reduce economic and social disparities while strengthening bilateral cooperation.
LACISE embodies this vision by:
• Connecting institutions across countries
• Supporting knowledge exchange and skills development
• Delivering solutions that address shared challenges such as energy security and climate change

Reflection and Forward Look

At the end of the second day, a Stakeholder Advisory Board member representing A/S Latvenergo, Pēteris Lesničenoks, offered an external perspective on the project’s progress. The feedback recognized the strong results to date and encouraged continued focus on real-world applicability and integration.

Pēteris Lesničenoks (A/S Latvenergo) representing Stakeholder Advisory Board. Photo: Inese Jansone

The meeting concluded with a clear sense of momentum. While challenges remain, as expected for a project of this scope, the progress presented in Switzerland confirmed that LACISE is steadily advancing toward its goals.

By combining cutting-edge research, international collaboration, and a strong strategic framework, LACISE is helping to create a future where energy systems are more efficient, resilient, and sustainable.

Acknowledgements

The consortium extends its sincere gratitude to Sigita Trabesinger (Laboratory for Battery Science, PSI) and Emiliana Fabbri (Laboratory for Electrochemistry, PSI) for their excellent organisation of the General Assembly and for hosting the partners at the Paul Scherrer Institute.

We also warmly thank the SECO representatives – Nicolas Guigas and Nathalie Estievenart for their presence, engagement, and continued interest in the project's progress.

From data to devices and from laboratories to real-world impact, LACISE continues to show how collaboration can transform complex challenges into shared progress.

RTU Researcher Andris Šutka Presents LACISE Project Results at the E-MRS 2025 Spring Meeting

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 11:00:00 +0000

From May 26 to 30, the Spring Meeting of the European Materials Research Society (E-MRS) took place in Strasbourg, France. As one of Europe's leading materials science conferences, the event brings together researchers, industry representatives, and innovation stakeholders to discuss the latest advances in materials synthesis, characterization, and applications in energy, electronics, sustainability, and other fields. The conference featured 23 thematic symposia, plenary sessions, oral presentations, and poster sessions, providing an international platform for scientific exchange and collaboration.

The LACISE project was represented by Andris Šutka, leader of Work Package 5 (WP5) at Riga Technical University (RTU), who presented a poster entitled “Photoanode-assisted membrane-free decoupled acid water electrolysis” within the symposium Engineered Nanomaterials for Energy and Environment: From Synthesis to Applications.

The presented research focused on the development of innovative hydrogen production technologies based on decoupled water electrolysis (DWE). Unlike conventional water electrolysis systems, where hydrogen and oxygen are generated simultaneously and must be separated by a membrane to avoid the formation of explosive gas mixtures, DWE divides water splitting into two independent steps. This approach eliminates the need for membranes, potentially reducing system complexity and operational costs while improving safety.

In the study, RTU researchers demonstrated how a WO₃-based photoanode can be integrated directly into an acidic DWE system to enhance its performance. The technology combines a WO₃ redox mediator, a WO₃ photoanode, and a platinum electrode. During the oxygen evolution step, light irradiation activates the photoanode, facilitating proton intercalation into the WO₃ mediator. In the subsequent hydrogen evolution step, the photoanode is disconnected, and the stored charge is utilized to produce hydrogen. The results showed that incorporating the photoanode significantly reduced the energy required for the process, increasing the overall energy efficiency from 65% to 82%. These findings highlight the potential of photoelectrochemical approaches to develop sustainable, cost-effective green hydrogen production technologies.

Participation in the E-MRS Spring Meeting provided an excellent opportunity to present the latest LACISE project achievements to the international materials science community, exchange knowledge with leading researchers, and explore future collaboration opportunities in the fields of hydrogen technologies, electrochemistry, and advanced functional materials.

Sergejs Koržuks (IECS) presents interim results of his master’s thesis at the RTU conference

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 12:44:00 +0000

On 29 May 2026, at the plenary session of the Riga Technical University Student Scientific and Technical Conference, Sergejs Koržuks presented the interim results of his master’s thesis titled “Application of Graph Neural Networks for Early Detection of Instability in Power Transmission Networks.”

The main focus of the research is on innovative machine learning solutions and their ability to analyse complex and dynamic power system structures, enabling timely and accurate identification of network disturbances.

After the conference, Sergejs reflected on his experience, noting:

The conference provided an excellent opportunity to learn about current topics, research, and the achievements of colleagues from other fields. Such meetings broaden perspectives and provide new inspiration for the final stage of my master’s thesis.”

From Curiosity to Clean Energy: Daniels Jurjevs Inspires the Next Generation in Vaiņode

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 18:13:00 +0000

When research meets curiosity, inspiring moments are born—and that’s exactly what happened when Daniels Jānis Jurjevs, a Research Assistant at the Energy Materials Laboratory of the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL), visited Vaiņode Secondary School on May 28.

During his visit, Daniels engaged around 80 students – from third graders to the last grade of secondary school – in a series of interactive lessons. With an even balance of boys and girls, the classrooms were filled with attentive young minds eager to explore the world of science.

Daniels shared his personal journey into physics, describing what first sparked his interest and how that curiosity evolved into a research career. He gave students a glimpse into his daily work at the laboratory, explaining how science can help solve real-world problems—especially in the field of energy materials.

A key part of his talk focused on the LACISE project, highlighting the many opportunities it offers for students. From exciting excursions and support in developing research papers with guidance from LACISE scientists to participation in the Solar Cup competition, Daniels illustrated how young people can actively engage in science. He also spoke about visits to LACISE partner institutions and experiences such as the European Researchers’ Night, where students can immerse themselves in the vibrant world of research.

To bring science closer to life, Daniels treated students to a memorable demonstration: small, safe hydrogen bubble explosions. The experiment sparked excitement and curiosity—proving that science can be both educational and thrilling.

Through his visit, Daniels not only shared knowledge but also inspired young people to imagine themselves as future scientists. His message was clear: science is open to everyone, and curiosity is the first step toward discovery.

From Zurich to Riga: Swiss–Latvian Cooperation Drives LACISE Innovation

Wed, 27 May 2026 11:00:00 +0000

Prof. Dr. Petr Korba meeting IECS partners of the LACISE project. Photo: IECS.

When spring arrived in Riga, LACISE’s work took on a distinctly international rhythm. On May 14, the Institute of Electronics and Computer Science (IECS) welcomed Prof. Dr. Petr Korba from Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) for a day of focused exchange and hands‑on collaboration as part of the LACISE project.

The visit began in IECS’s labs and meeting rooms, where researchers and students presented the project’s second-year progress. Conversations ranged from bachelor’s and master’s thesis developments to larger research directions: power‑system modelling, renewable integration, and short‑term forecasting methods. IECS showcased the first prototype of a fault‑registration algorithm that uses frequency-fluctuation data from phasor measurement units; Prof. Korba offered practical recommendations to strengthen the prototype, bringing it closer to an automated tool that can detect faults and help trace their causes — a step toward smarter, more resilient grids.

Prof. Dr. Petr Korba (ZHAW) at the Deep Tech Atelier 2026 conference in Riga. Photo: Deep Tech Atelier.

The next day, at the Deep Tech Atelier conference, Korba brought those technical insights to a broader audience. His keynote, “Strategic Grid Resilience in a Dual‑Use World: How Europe’s Renewable Transition Shapes Civilian and Defence Readiness,” framed the renewable transition as a matter of both societal resilience and defence preparedness. He discussed how digitalization, frequency stability, and real‑time monitoring underpin continuity of supply, protection of critical infrastructure, and responses to hybrid threats and cyber‑physical risks, arguing that stronger civilian grids directly reinforce Europe’s defence capabilities.

He was also a presenter in the workshop “Data‑driven monitoring and control of electrical power systems – challenges & experience,” where he explored how PMUs, PDCs, high‑frequency data streams, and modern analytics enable deeper visibility, faster situational awareness, and adaptive control. Drawing on ZHAW lab implementations and trials with transmission system operators, Korba addressed integration across heterogeneous assets, the scalability of analytics, and the need for trustworthy automation in safety‑critical environments — sharing lessons and best practices to make data‑centric methods operational.

Presenting at the opening of the Swiss-Latvian Smart Energy Digital Centre. Photo: Valdis Jansons.

The visit’s high point came with the inauguration of the Swiss‑Latvian Smart Energy Digital Centre during the Deep Tech Atelier. At the opening, Korba presented his work within the LACISE project. These 2 days in Riga highlighted LACISE’s path from prototype to practice: international collaboration turning research into tools that boost reliability, resilience, and operational efficiency in tomorrow’s power systems.

More about the Deep Tech Atelier conference.
More about the opening of the Swiss-Latvian Smart Energy Competence Centre.

LACISE project advances AI-based utility pole inspection research at AC/DC Tech Forum

Mon, 25 May 2026 11:17:00 +0000

Programming engineer Juris Siņica-Siņavskis, within the framework of the LACISE project, participated in the AC/DC Tech Forum and the MUPSIS* project results presentation event, where short presentations showcased innovation stories from AS “Sadales tīkls” and its cooperation partners on artificial intelligence and other current topics related to power transmission security, with particular emphasis on the wooden utility pole inspection system developed within the project.

During the event, contacts were established with a Norwegian research institution, and further steps were discussed with the distribution system operator (DSO) to continue research under the LACISE project on detecting rot defects in utility poles and developing AI-based algorithms.

*Research project “Mobile Utility Pole Smart Inspection System”.

More info: https://sadalestikls.lv/acdc

Solar Cup 2026: Where Ideas Took Flight Under the Sun

Mon, 25 May 2026 11:00:00 +0000

On a bright Saturday morning, May 23, the courtyard of the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL) transformed into something far greater than a competition venue; it became a living laboratory of imagination, determination, and discovery.

A little more than 200 young minds from across Latvia gathered for the 18th Solar Cup, bringing with them not just solar-powered cars and boats, but stories of teamwork, persistence, and curiosity. From Riga to Ilūkste, from Cēsis to Jelgava, the geography of Latvia came together in a shared language of innovation.

Solar Cup 2026 participants in a group photo by Alex Lisenko. Let the race begin!

Where It All Began

For many teams, the real journey had started months earlier.

Back in March, students formed small teams of two or three and began sketching their ideas—simple lines on paper that gradually evolved into functioning solar-powered vehicles. Step by step, they moved from concept to creation: selecting materials, engineering structures, testing prototypes, and refining performance. Along the way, they documented their progress, learning not only engineering principles but also how to communicate the story of their work.

Behind the scenes, the Energy Materials Laboratory of the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia – an important partner in the LACISE project – played a vital role in shaping this journey. The team contributed to preparing the competition, evaluated submitted designs, and built the competition tracks where theory would meet reality, ensuring both scientific relevance and hands-on excitement.

Race Day: Science in Motion

As the clock approached nine, anticipation filled the courtyard. Teams lined up for technical inspection – would their creations pass?

Technical station. Photo: Alex Lisenko.

Those who succeeded moved on to the tracks and water pools, ready to compete. The sun, both the power source and silent judge, shone brightly as vehicles raced forward, transformed from classroom ideas into moving machines.

But speed was only part of the story.

In the pulling challenge, limits were pushed to the extreme. One unforgettable moment came from Robotic.Style team, whose model pulled an astonishing 77 kg load, earning first place and capturing the attention of everyone present.

Robotic.Style team with their teacher and director of the ISSP UL; the team's vehicle pulling the record load. Photo: Alex Lisenko.

Nearby, boats glided across water, cars accelerated across tracks, and teams gathered around technical stations, solving last-minute challenges under pressure. Engineering was no longer abstract—it was alive, unpredictable, and exhilarating.

Learning Beyond Competition

While judges compiled results, the event evolved into an open classroom. Participants attended lectures on renewable energy, hydrogen technologies, and electromobility. Science demonstrations added another dimension, reinforcing that innovation is not confined to textbooks—it can be seen, touched, and built.

Solar Cup 2026 participants. Photo: Alex Lisenko.

LACISE Awards: Celebrating Creativity and Inclusion

For LACISE, Solar Cup 2026 was more than a competition; it was an opportunity to inspire future scientists and engineers.

Solar Cup referee with Saules Zaķīši and Banānu Impērija teams. Photo - Alex Lisenko.

Special awards were presented to promote STEM among school students, with particular attention to engaging young people outside Riga and encouraging girls to pursue careers in science and engineering. The LACISE awards celebrated not only performance but also creativity, perseverance, and the courage to innovate.

Among the recognized teams were:

Robotic.Style – Power Meets Precision
Helēna Jēkabsone and Ervīns Jēkabsons (teacher Haralds Jēkabsons), representing VisLatvijas Secondary School (distance learning), demonstrated exceptional engineering capabilities. Their vehicle’s ability to pull 77 kg embodied the essence of Solar Cup, pushing limits and transforming ideas into measurable results.
Banānu impērija – Strong Across Disciplines, the Best Girls Team
Kate Elīza Kandavniece, Annija Vēvere, and Amanda Bišofa from Naukšēni Lower Secondary School demonstrated consistency and versatility, achieving 4th place in boat speed and 5th place in non-standard speed, reflecting balanced engineering and creative problem-solving.
Barometrs – Determination on the Track, Original Vehicle
Vasilisa Tarusina, Arina Ibragimova, Līga Ramoliņa (teacher – Kristaps Dzilna), representing Exupéry International School (Piņķi), reached the Top 10 fastest cars, showcasing persistence and the value of learning through experimentation.
Saules zaķīši – Creativity in Motion, Original Vehicle
Adrija Melite Ozola, Laura Madara Skujiņa, and Jūlija Korižniha (teacher – Juris Alups) from Naukšēni lower secondary school ranked among the Top 10 in the boat speed track, highlighting teamwork and the growing strength of regional participation in STEM.

Team Saules Zaķīši and their teacher receiving presents from ISSP UL's director Andris Anspoks; the team waiting for their results. Photo: Alex Lisenko.

Banānu Impērija team with their car and boat, and the team with their boat in the pool. Photo: Alex Lisenko.

Beyond Results: Why These Awards Matter

For LACISE, these recognitions go far beyond rankings. They:

highlight talent from across Latvia, especially outside the capital
encourage girls and underrepresented groups to explore STEM
reward not only results, but also originality and the courage to experiment

Together, these teams tell a larger story – a story of classrooms turning into workshops, sketches becoming prototypes, and sunlight transforming into motion.

Looking Ahead

Year after year, Solar Cup proves that the next generation of scientists and engineers is already here – curious, capable, and ready to shape a sustainable future.

Behind every prototype and every breakthrough stands a network of support: teachers, families, scientists, organizers, and partners who make it all possible.

Thank you to all organizers and partners, especially to the LACISE team, whose dedication, mentorship, and vision made Solar Cup 2026 not just a competition but a lasting inspiration.

Solar Cup organizers from the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL). Photo: Alex Lisenko.