Apply for tech business studies: “StartSchool” opens admissions and offers 50 full scholarships for young talent

In 2026, the programme will expand to offer 120 partially sponsored full-time study places supported by industry partners. During the admissions process, applicants will also have the opportunity to apply for full scholarships.

This intake will focus on mastering programming fundamentals, practical application of AI tools, and creating new products with the objective of developing them to the stage where they have secured their first paying customers and are commercially profitable.

The new cohort will begin their studies on August 24 and conclude on August 20 next year. Applications are open until April 20 on StartSchool website. Admission results will be announced in June after two selection rounds.

According to entrepreneur and StartSchool co-founder Jānis Berdigans, “In just the first few years of the programme, we’re already seeing tangible results with over 40 ideas and prototypes created by participants, 10 of which are already generating revenue, while several other teams are continuing active product development and market testing. Within four months of completing the programme, graduates have found jobs with startups, technology companies, and in the public sector. This clearly shows that this programme isn’t just about learning — it’s a genuine launchpad for careers in the industry and business.”

The programme consists of a tech module developed in the United States and a business module devised by Latvian entrepreneurs. Both are continuously improved to adapt to technological advances, industry changes, and trends within the startup ecosystem.

“When we founded this programme a few years ago, it was a bold dream to simultaneously teach technology, entrepreneurship, and product thinking as opposed to just theory. At the time, we could only imagine the potential results. Today, it is clear that the programme works. It’s shaping future tech professionals, startup founders, and teams that create real value in the market and within Latvia’s innovation ecosystem,” says StartSchool co-founder Anna Andersone.

Several businesses already founded

It is on record that 77 students graduated from the first StartSchool programme, some of whom have opted to go into business and have already established their own startups:

• BookGenie simplifies the creation of game and activity books, enabling authors to create professional and personalised book layouts in under five minutes.
• AdFlow centralises digital marketing data analysis from multiple platforms, providing a unified overview to help customers make data-driven decisions.
• Companon is developing an interactive companion for senior citizens that collects and structures their life stories through conversations, thus preserving memories for the benefit of future generations.
• Maara is an afterlife planning tool and advisor that simplifies practical steps following the loss of a loved one.
• Chatbos personalises the e-commerce shopping experience with the help of AI.
• Sleepify is a voice-controlled sleep assistant that uses emotionally intelligent AI to help people relax and fall asleep more easily.
• 1st Legal provides AI solutions in the legal services sector.

The second cohort has 75 participants, many of whom joined with the objective of founding their own companies or changing career paths.

Implemented with support from the startup community

Latvia’s IT and startup sector is currently encountering a significant shortage of professionals. Recent estimates indicate that the country lacks approximately 1,500 specialists with tech skills. Worryingly this problem is expected to intensify, with the potential dearth of specialists reaching 3,500–3,600 specialists by 2028.

To remedy this, Latvia’s techy businesses and experts have created the StartSchool programme. Over a 12 month period, participants acquire programming and tech skills, startup and business management knowledge, problem-solving and critical thinking skills, teamwork, communication abilities, and a range of other aptitudes that will serve them will in their professional careers.

The programme’s mission is to make Latvia a globally competitive tech hub by offering self-directed learning. This not only prepares graduates for careers with tech companies, but also inspires them to found their own startups.

Among the organisations and businesses supporting the programme with expertise, knowledge, and financial contributions are the Berdigans Foundation “Ar mīlestību Latvijai”, Nutrameg, Swisscom DevOps Centre Riga, EazyBI, Balcia Insurance, Scandiweb, ITissible, Fonds Augt, Gravity Ream, the Riga Investment and Tourism Agency’s startup ecosystem development programme, GoCardless, DelfinGroup, SEB banka, and others.

Funding for the preparation of this article was provided under the auspices of the European Regional Development Fund project ‘Innovative SME Business Development’.