RedFrog’s experience: how the LIAA innovation voucher helped transform an idea into a product
Latvian start-up RedFrog is developing an indoor navigation solution called Stride Navigation, which allows users to navigate large building complexes with high precision. The company is currently growing rapidly and the solution will soon be implemented at Riga 1st Hospital, where it will help patients and visitors navigate the expansive facility. At the same time, the company is expanding the technology’s application beyond the field of navigation, developing it as a precise location tool. A project is currently under discussion to implement the solution in an Eastern European country, where it could be used in a correctional facility: specifically for monitoring inmates under open-regime conditions who are permitted to be outside the prison at certain times, such as at their place of residence. In this case, the solution functions as a locator embedded in a bracelet that continuously communicates with the prison and allows the person’s location to be determined with up to one-meter accuracy which is significantly more accurate than the GPS solutions used to date.
The support provided by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) has played a crucial role in the company’s development. RedFrog operates out of the LIAA business incubation programme in Jelgava and has also utilised the innovation voucher programme, which helped create the product’s first version. “The voucher was very valuable to us as it allowed us to build the entire software framework and the first version of the product. In fact, thanks to the voucher, the product itself was created, which we were then able to continue developing,” says company co-founder Madara Kalniņa-Kalnmale.
She emphasises that the innovation voucher programme is particularly well-suited for early-stage companies, as it allows them to turn an idea into a real, working solution. At the same time, it is also important that the programme allows for flexibility in the development process.
“At first, we thought we’d get everything done in five months, but in reality, it took longer. It’s good that the programme accommodates this; it’s possible to complete the project over a longer period, rather than everything coming to a halt if the initial deadline isn’t met,” Ms Kalniņa-Kalnmale explains.
In addition to funding, the company also highly values the day-to-day support provided by the LIAA incubator both through consultations and through access to information about other development opportunities. “There are always people at the incubator you can ask. We also have a group chat with other entrepreneurs where we share opportunities, for example, to obtain grants or join a programme. For example, that’s how we recently learned about the SEB grant and successfully applied for it,” says Ms Kalniņa-Kalnmale.
She also notes that, although support programmes require preparing documentation and applications, cooperation with LIAA has been very positive overall. “Of course, documents need to be prepared, but the LIAA has a very human approach: if something isn’t right, they let you know and give you the chance to correct it. This helps entrepreneurs stay on track and move forward,” Ms Kalniņa-Kalnmale emphasises.
Information material prepared with the support of the European Regional Development Fund
