Labs of Latvia has compiled a calendar of twelve startup events scheduled for 2026, ranging from informal networking sessions to large-scale conferences. These events offer opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders to connect, collaborate, and drive innovation within the Latvian and broader Baltic startup ecosystem.
Local Events with Global Reach
The events span the year, beginning with recurring Open Coffee Club Riga meetups starting February 12, 2026, and culminating with the Latvian Startup Awards in December 2026. Several events, including TechChill and UN:BLOCK, are positioned as major gatherings within the Baltic region, attracting participants from across Europe.
A Diverse Range of Focus Areas
The events cater to a wide spectrum of startup interests. UN:BLOCK focuses on Web3, blockchain, and decentralized technologies, while Deep Tech Atelier highlights advancements in AI, MedTech, and other science-driven fields. Baltic Fintech Days concentrates on the rapidly growing fintech sector in the Baltics. Other events, like LAMPA festival, offer broader perspectives on societal trends and their intersection with innovation.
Community and Networking Opportunities
Beyond the formal conference settings, several events emphasize community building and informal networking. Events like Summer UnRest and the Startup BBQ provide relaxed environments for founders and industry professionals to connect outside of traditional business contexts. The Open Coffee Club Riga is specifically designed as an “un-meeting” to foster peer-to-peer connections.
Looking Ahead
While many events have confirmed dates, some, like StartSchool Demo Day and several of the summer events, are still to be announced. It is likely that additional events will be added to the calendar as the year progresses. Founders are encouraged to monitor the websites of organizations like TechChill and Startup House Riga, as well as the BirdyChat app, for updates and announcements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of events are included in this list?
The list includes a range of events, from informal networking meetups like Open Coffee Club Riga to large-scale conferences like TechChill and UN:BLOCK, as well as competitions like Idea Cup and awards ceremonies like the Latvian Startup Awards.
Where are most of these events held?
The majority of the events are scheduled to take place in Riga, Latvia, with a few exceptions, such as LAMPA festival in Cēsis and Summer UnRest in Liepāja.
How can I stay updated on event dates and programs?
The article suggests following startup organizations like TechChill, Startup House Riga, and ITWaffleMeetup on social networking sites, as well as joining the tech community chat on the BirdyChat app. Event websites are also listed for further information.
How important is networking within the Latvian startup ecosystem, and what resources are available to facilitate those connections?
