“Ideas Cup” competition (closed)

Who is it for?

• Any adult resident of Latvia with a business idea.

Aid provided by the programme

• Consultations, training and mentoring sessions
• The first place winner will receive a cash prize of EUR 10 000, while the other winners will receive special prizes from Swedbank, Helve and Labs of Latvia. The total prize fund is EUR 40 000.

Non-eligible areas

• Trade
• Financial intermediation
• Immovable property
• Gambling, tobacco, fishing

How to apply?

• Fill out the application form at business.gov.lv

Latest news

• Applications for the “Ideas Cup” competition are open from 29 August to 19 September 2025.
• The press release is available here.
• The official website of the competition: idejukauss.lv

• ANYONE who is a resident of Latvia and is at least 18 years old can participate in the competition;
• Each author may submit only one business idea;
• To enter the final and receive a cash prize, the idea submitter must:
  • submit additional documents on the business.gov.lv platform to verify compliance with the de minimis criteria for natural persons. More information about de minimis is available at liaa.gov.lv
  • also indicate the business idea’s industry classification code in accordance with the Statistical Classification of Economic Activities in the European Community 2nd revision (hereinafter – NACE). More information: liaa.gov.lv

Detailed information on the competition rules can be found in the competition regulations (PDF)

The official website of the competition: idejukauss.lv

Learn and grow your business with us!

• During the first round, participants will have the opportunity to independently watch video lessons on starting a business and creating a business model. Apply at business.gov.lv e-service.
• During the second round, training will take place in a webinar format, which means that each participant will have the opportunity to learn about topics relevant to entrepreneurs and develop their business ideas regardless of their location.
• During the third round, 20 of the best idea authors will have the opportunity to polish their skills in an individual presentation workshop and receive valuable advice from experts in the start-up ecosystem during mentoring sessions.

The official website of the competition: https://www.idejukauss.lv/

• Competition regulations (PDF)
• Procedure for evaluation and aid in the Round 3 (PDF)
• Form for providing aid in the Round 3 (to be completed at business.gov.lv) (PDF)
• Amendments to the evaluation and aid procedure in the Round 3 (PDF)