Latvian defence sector hands out its annual awards

At the recent Latvian Defence and Security Industry Annual Awards 2026, prizes were presented to a number of leading innovators, exporters, and researchers, reports Labs of Latvia.

Winners included Origin Robotics, Perkons Energy, Edge Autonomy Riga, Exonicus R&D, AGM Orthopaedics, the University of Latvia’s Riga Medical College, as well researchers from the University of Latvia’s Faculty of Exact Sciences and Technology.

Elīna Egle, Board Chair at the Latvian Security and Defence Industries Federation (DAIF Latvia), said that 2025 was a dynamic year across several sectors of the national economy under the aegis of the defence and security industry. It was the eighth time the awards have been presented.

Over the course of the year, drone platforms, counter-drone systems, and key components for unmanned systems maintained their rapid development. Meanwhile, mechanical engineering, metalworking, and electronics companies were able to cheer growing sales volumes, which were mirrored by rising demand for engineering, cybersecurity, construction, and logistics services. Investment projects supported by both public and private funding were implemented to bolster the combat capabilities of Latvia’s armed forces, reinforce technological superiority, and boost export capacity.

According to Egle: “During this turbulent period, the ability of Latvia’s defence sector and industry to collaborate and adapt to challenges—creating appropriate solutions and products to combat persistent threats across multiple domains—is crucial. The Latvian Defence and Security Industry Annual Awards not only confirm that we are a smart nation, when we focus on excellence, success follows naturally.”

Winners of the Latvian Defence and Security Industry Annual Awards 2026:

• Innovation: For the second year in a row, the startup Origin Robotics was recognised for its autonomous interceptor drone Blaze, which is already in service with the armed forces of both Latvia and Belgium.
• Export: Perkons Energy received an award for its power supply units designed to be compatible with all types of autonomous systems. Its battery packs have been delivered to over 50 customers in 20 countries.
• Growth: Edge Autonomy Riga received an award in recognition for its accomplishments in opening a new 10,000 m² manufacturing facility in Riga last year, nearly doubling its previous production capacity, and equipping the plant with modern machinery and technologies that ensure high precision and efficiency.
• Partnership: Exonicus R&D was recognised for its medical simulation platform Military Exonicus Trauma Simulator (MilExTS). In 2025, the platform was fully localised into Ukrainian and adapted to meet the training needs of the 3rd Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
• Education: The University of Latvia’s Riga Medical College received an award for establishing an Immersive Technologies and Simulation Laboratory.
• Research: An award was presented to the University of Latvia’s Faculty of Exact Sciences and Technology recognising its standing as a scientifically powerful, innovation-oriented partner within Latvia’s defence and security industry ecosystem. Certificates of recognition will be awarded to university researchers Elīna Pajuste, Jānis Karušs, Andrejs Mozers, Reinis Lazda, and Ingus Mitrofanovs.
• Special Jury Commendation: This year’s special award was awarded to AGM Orthopaedics for its tactical tourniquet Trust, designed for fast, safe, and intuitive control of life-threatening bleeding.