As part of the events marking the 105th anniversary of the Patent Office of the Republic of Latvia, the Intellectual Property Award “Visionary” was presented on 8 September 2025 during a formal ceremony. This year’s recipient is “Light Guide Optics International” SIA, a company operating within the Latgale Special Economic Zone (Latgale SEZ) and based in Līvāni.
Specialising in the development and production of optical fibres, fibre bundles, cables, and laser delivery systems, the company was recognised for its significant contribution to the advancement of intellectual property both nationally and internationally, as well as for its role in fostering economic growth in Latvia.
The “Visionary” award was established in 2023, with Aerones Engineering Ltd., a robotics firm serving the wind energy sector, being the inaugural recipient. Light Guide Optics International is only the second company in Latvia to receive this distinguished recognition, underscoring its leadership in innovation and intellectual property excellence.
This year, a total of 26 applications were submitted for the “Visionary” Intellectual Property Award, with Light Guide Optics International, based in Līvāni, receiving the highest score from the expert jury.
The evaluation panel—comprising representatives from the Patent Office, the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), Riga Technical University, and Aerones Engineering Ltd.—assessed each candidate's contribution to the field of intellectual property. Particular emphasis was placed on applicants who had registered inventions at both national and international levels, as well as those demonstrating a strong focus on innovation, future technologies, and visionary thinking.
The jury sought not only technological excellence but also the ability to anticipate future trends, pursue long-term goals, and identify opportunities where others might not—key attributes of a true “Visionary.”
"The high number of applications clearly demonstrates that Latvia values forward-thinking companies that are actively shaping future technologies while safeguarding their intellectual property," said Agris Batalauskis, Director of the Patent Office.
"These are bold entrepreneurs, scientists, and innovators who see potential in unconventional approaches and understand their role in shaping the future. Light Guide Optics International exemplifies this spirit—its achievements and ambitions make it a deserving recipient of the 'Visionary' title."
Source and Photo: Patent Office
Operating within the Latgale Special Economic Zone (SEZ) since 2018, Light Guide Optics International Ltd., based in Līvāni, has successfully implemented five major investment projects, positioning itself as one of the region’s most dynamic high-tech enterprises.
Lightguide is a global leader in the design and manufacture of silica optical fibres and fibre optic solutions. The company’s light-conducting fibres are used in the production of minimally invasive medical devices, while its fibre bundles support a wide range of industrial and scientific applications worldwide.
Their medical-grade optical fibres are integral to procedures in phlebology, urology, and other surgical fields. In parallel, their industrial solutions are utilised in semiconductor manufacturing, quality control, spectroscopy, UV curing, and other precision-driven technologies by leading global manufacturers.
Contact Information
To learn more about the statutory requirements for investments to qualify for direct tax incentives within the Latgale SEZ, including detailed information on operating regulations and the application process, please contact the Latgale SEZ Authority:
📧 Email: lsez@lpr.gov.lv
📞 Phone: +371 26511047
🌐 Website: www.invest.latgale.lv
For additional inquiries, please contact:
📞 Latgale SEZ Authority: +371 29957750
