From 6–8 May 2026, Sigulda, Latvia hosted the BTechPro! Conference 2026, alongside the 80th anniversary celebration of the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry. The events brought together international experts and highlighted the strong potential for collaboration in the field of advanced materials, particularly between Latvia and Austria.
International cooperation is a core strength of BNN, and this occasion placed a special focus on strengthening links with the Baltic region. Andreas Falk (BNN), coordinator of InnoMatSyn and ATIMA projects, participated in both the anniversary panel discussion and the conference programme. His contributions emphasized opportunities for closer collaboration between Latvian and Austrian advanced materials stakeholders. The discussions demonstrated significant synergy potential across research and innovation activities, with a particular focus on advanced materials. As a result, initial collaborative actions have already been initiated, and further joint steps are foreseen.
ATIMA’s role was highlighted through its contribution to fostering international networking and enabling structured exchange between European advanced materials communities, supporting the development of new partnerships and strengthening cross-border cooperation.