A strategic view on how companies in Latvia can use EU support instruments to overcome the critical stage from a functioning prototype to a market-ready solution. SIA Sistering is a strategic partner in the development phase of an innovative product.
For Emīls Ločmelis, the owner of ZS “Balstiņas”, one of the most painful jobs is removing stones from the field. As a farmer and engineer, he developed RockBot – an autonomous electric robot, the goal of which is to independently recognize and collect stones from cultivated areas, reducing dependence on seasonal labor and equipment damage.
The path from prototype to product is long and costly. That is why it is valuable to use available co-financing instruments. In this case, it was the European Digital Innovation Center (EDIC) grant “Test before invest” with intensity 100%, within the framework of which the Latvian computer vision developer SIA “Apply” was involved. The project investigated a computer vision model that is able to automatically recognize stones on the earth's surface in real field conditions.
Photo: Prototype of a rock-reading robot
About the EDIC POC grant
The EDIC POC (proof of concept) grant is specifically designed for testing and piloting digital solutions before larger investments. In Latvia, this instrument is administered by the Latvian Information Technology Cluster (LITK).
Main parameters of the grant:
- 240 expert hours from an accredited technology partner
- Tripartite cooperation between the client, EDIC and the contractor
- Term usually 2–3 months
The payment flow is designed so that the client pays only after the work is completed, and EDIC then repays the principal, which reduces the financial risk for the client.
“Everyone has their own job and specialized tasks should be entrusted to professionals. In the field of computer vision in Latvia, it is the Apply SIA team. The cooperation was fast, open and truly professional.” Katrīna Bartkeviča, project manager
See the prototype in action!
The project was implemented within the framework of the EDIC POC grant. Decision No. 2.2.1.1.i.0/23/I/CFLA/001-GLG-6270.
Funded by the European Union NextGenerationEU and the National Development Plan. The European Union is not responsible for the content of the material.
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