A scientist who can solve practical business problems and communicate in a language that entrepreneurs understand is becoming increasingly valued. It’s no surprise that Dr. Artis Kinēns – PhD in Chemistry, acting researcher at the Institute of Organic Synthesis (OSI), and Associate Professor at the University of Latvia – recently received the Commercialisation Reactor Award at the high-profile Baltic science-driven technology forum, Deep Tech Atelier 2025, for a compelling investor pitch. He also earned a place in a six-month commercialisation training programme.

How Fresh Is That Fish?

Together with lead researcher Dr. Romāns Viters from the University of Latvia’s Institute of Atomic Physics and Spectroscopy, and commercialisation expert Jurijs Jastržembskis, Kinēns has developed a unique innovation: FRESHWAVE – a solution for monitoring the freshness of fish products. A built-in optical sensor inside the fish packaging enables precise determination of freshness and helps to optimise the product’s next step – whether freezing, smoking, processing, or placing on retail shelves.

Currently, there is no effective method on the global market to quickly and reliably assess the freshness of packaged fish .

This solution could significantly reduce the number of fish currently discarded as industrial waste. Globally, around 35% of all food produced is wasted.

Investors Are Silent – but Watching Closely

Deep Tech Atelier 2025 brought together entrepreneurs, scientists, investors, and policymakers from across Europe and beyond. Scientists from various European countries pitched their ideas, but only 30 were selected to present. FRESHWAVE was one of them. The jury – composed of representatives from major investment firms – shortlisted FRESHWAVE for the finals, awarding it the Commercialisation Reactor Prize to support its journey to market.

“Yes! Our fish freshness sensors are of interest to investors, but they’re looking for near-market-ready products,” says Kinēns. “We have more than just an idea – but we don’t yet have a product.”

Luminescence. Indicators. Accurate Data.

The team has developed an optical material in the lab that is highly sensitive to specific compounds released during fish spoilage. Crucially, it is several times more sensitive than existing alternatives 📈. The material’s optical properties change in response to even low concentrations of spoilage-related compounds in the air. By measuring the level of luminescence, the freshness of the fish can be assessed. The goal is to embed this material directly into the packaging.

While the luminescence changes will be visible to the human eye, warehouse scanning systems will read the changes automatically and calculate the fish’s exact freshness level and shelf life.

From Invention to Market-Ready Product

“We’re preparing a presentation for the FRESHWAVE BioPhoT competition next week – part of a national funding programme for science projects with market potential. We are aware that significant investment is crucial to take this further and deliver a finished product,” says Kinēns. “We need to build the production process – develop a way to turn the optical material into printable ink , find a suitable printer, and integrate it into the packaging. It’s no longer just about lab work with flasks and liquids, but also technical development, coordination, and collaboration with partners – transforming each stage of the project into an industrial process.”

Born in Latvia 

Meanwhile, major global investors are carefully watching the development of projects that pique their interest. Their strategy is to join in at just the right moment – when a product is ready but not yet dominated by competitors. FRESHWAVE is one such promising innovation, spreading its wings right here in Latvia!