Latvia is committed to fibre optics: it exports more than 90% of its production

Latvia is a nation that places high importance on fibre optics technology. In fact, it exports over 90% of its production, making it a global leader in this field. Dr Ints Ūdris, a vascular surgeon and phlebologist, is one example of how this technology is revolutionizing the medical industry. He uses fibre-optics daily in his operations, which are flexible, transmit light, ultraviolet and infrared rays, and result in less invasive procedures with quicker recovery times. Ūdris has been collaborating with Latvia's leading company in the sector, Lightguide, to develop catheters.

The region of Latgalia, bordering Lithuania, Russia, and Belarus, serves as Latvia's center for the fibre-optic industry. Here, a host of specialist companies have emerged, thanks to the European project: Optical Fiber Valley. Lightguide, a prominent player in this sector, manufactures approximately 20 million metres of optical fibre annually.

Their products cater to a wide range of applications, from simple medical devices to complex procedures. Santa Vucina, Lightguide's quality manager, explains that their optical fibres are as thin as a strand of hair, with a core diameter of around 50 micrometres. She also notes that while they do not produce fibres for military technology, it remains a possibility.

The total budget for Optical Fiber Valley exceeds €5.4 million, with 40.4% funded by the European Cohesion Policy and the remaining 59.6% contributed by associated companies and organizations. By 2036, Latvia's fibre-optic sector is projected to contribute 10% to the country's GDP. The demand for optical fibre in the medical and other sectors is soaring in Europe.

The Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIAA) actively supports this thriving business activity, as highlighted by Vita Balode Andrews, head of the Export and Innovation Services Department.

In medicine, these fibre-optic instruments find applications in various fields, including proctology, plastic surgery, liposuction, urology, ophthalmology, and cardiology. Dr Ints Ūdris emphasizes that not only do these devices improve patients' quality of life, but they also consume approximately four times less energy than they did twenty-five years ago.