The experiment worked.
When Riga TechWeek launched its MVP edition from August 25-30, 2025, the question wasn’t just whether people would show up—it was whether Latvia’s tech community would embrace a fundamentally different kind of event.
The answer: nearly 1,000 attendees in person, visitors from at least 10 countries, approximately 40 speakers across 20 events, and more than 10,000 people following along remotely.
What Made This Different
Unlike traditional tech conferences with a single venue and central organizer, Riga TechWeek borrowed a format gaining momentum in San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles: a decentralized festival where anyone can host an event.
Companies, organizations, and individuals across Riga opened their doors during one concentrated week. The result was a mix of formats that no single organizer could have assembled:
- Panel discussions on topics from film production technology to sports investing
- Open house events at tech companies
- Networking gatherings at venues from Āgenskalna tirgus to Jūrmala
- Workshops on innovation and entrepreneurship with LIAA
- Healthcare technology showcases at Rīgas 1. slimnīca
International Reach
Attendees came from Latvia and neighboring Baltic states, but also from the United States, United Kingdom, Ukraine, Turkey, Nigeria, Egypt, and others. For a first edition with zero external funding, this international participation validated the format’s appeal.
What Hosts Said
“The panel discussion about opportunities for Latvia’s film industry to offer hybrid filming capabilities to global studios was another step toward realizing this vision.”
— Andrejs Ēķis, Cinevilla Studios
“We had to close registration well before the event because we exceeded capacity. The event turned into a substantial exchange of ideas, and one attendee signed up to become our business client right there on the spot.”
— Jānis Viklis, Files.fm
“A great exchange of investment experience stories with like-minded people from the professional sports world.”
— Andis Blinds, Blindsave & Gamepatch
“During Riga TechWeek, we celebrated the founding of the Sporttech Latvia organization.”
— Anrijs Brencāns, Fan Apps & Sporttech Latvia
“Rīgas 1. slimnīca wanted to break the stereotype of a medical institution as a heavy, old-fashioned organization. We showed positive examples of how the hospital has implemented technological solutions.”
— Aleksejs Molčanovs, Rīgas 1. slimnīca
What’s Next
“This was an experiment. Riga TechWeek was not just an attempt at a format borrowed from the US, but also a catalyst to test whether this kind of initiative-based community activity is possible. The first Riga TechWeek shows that it is. We will continue next year and invite organizers to join us.”
— Aivars Mirzo Līpenītis, XYZC
The Next Riga TechWeek
Planning is already underway for the next Riga TechWeek. Visit techweek.lv or contact hello@techweek.lv to get involved as a host, sponsor, or team member.