Business & Technology

Bayer and Brazil's IdeeLab Team Up to Develop Biofungicides
Agriculture group Bayer and Brazilian biotech company IdeeLab have launched a 12-month R&D partnership to develop biological fungicides. The aim is to give Brazilian farmers new crop protection options.
AgFunderNews (agrotehn.) · 4 Nov, 18:08

Publisher Dienas Bizness gets Recovery Fund support for digital transformation of its media
On 9 January 2025 the Latvian publisher SIA Izdevniecība Dienas bizness signed a contract with the Central Finance and Contracting Agency on Recovery Fund support for digital development. The project covers CRM systems, mobile apps and Smart TV apps.
Diena · 4 Nov, 17:10

Smart TV OS maker Titan OS raises $46 million to expand internationally
Barcelona-based smart TV operating system developer Titan OS has raised $46 million in new funding to enter more markets. Its software now reaches 30 million users.
TechCrunch · 4 Nov, 17:09

US midterm results: how a Democratic Congress could press Big Tech on accountability
After the US midterm elections, which The Verge's commentary says Democrats won, attention is turning to whether Congress will push major technology companies toward greater accountability. The piece points to possible investigations, data center disputes and the risk of no real legislation.
The Verge · 4 Nov, 17:09

Guidelines for sustainable farming developed for Latvian agricultural holdings
The Latvian Farmers' Parliament-type umbrella body LOSP and the Latvian Sustainability Cluster have produced guidelines to help farmers apply sustainability principles without losing economic stability. The document can be downloaded free of charge.
Lauku tīkls (LLKC) · 4 Nov, 17:08
Russia nearly doubles import duties on hard liquor from “unfriendly” countries
Russia's government has raised the import duty on hard liquor from “unfriendly” countries to 35%, with a minimum of five euros per liter. The measure is temporary and will remain in force through the end of 2027.
Meduza · 4 Nov, 16:11

Study: Opting out of TV tracking works for some makers but not others
Northeastern University researchers tested 12 TVs from 10 manufacturers and found that turning off automatic content recognition (ACR) fully worked only on some of them. Samsung and Roku kept sending some data, while Vizio's opt-out changed nothing.
The Verge · 4 Nov, 16:10

Eight tankers carrying Russian diesel are heading to the US, with up to 13 possible
Eight tankers with more than 300,000 tonnes of Russian diesel are currently sailing to the United States. Data from Ukrainian authorities and monitoring groups suggest the number of such vessels could reach 13.
TVNET · 4 Nov, 16:09

Dairy prices rise for third time in a row at New Zealand's GDT auction
At the Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction on 3 November, the dairy price index rose by 3.0%. Cheddar cheese gained the most, while butter became cheaper.
farmer.pl cenas (Polija) · 4 Nov, 16:08

Orlen must decide whether to modernise the Mažeikiai refinery or risk closing it
Poland's oil group Orlen must decide whether to invest in modernising its Mažeikiai refinery in Lithuania. Without the project, the only oil refinery in the Baltic states may have to close.
Dienas Bizness · 4 Nov, 15:12

TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026 Gets Under Way in Boston
TechCrunch's Founder Summit 2026, a conference for startup founders and investors, is being held at SoWa Power Station in Boston. The programme includes panel talks, roundtables and networking events.
TechCrunch · 4 Nov, 15:11

Latvian nutrition tech firm Nutrameg publishes its first Transparency Report
Nutrameg, a company offering personalised nutrition plans and digital health tools, has released a Transparency Report in response to recent media coverage. It says some published claims were inaccurate, while acknowledging areas needing improvement.
NRA · 4 Nov, 15:09

Kocēni to Host Conference on Cooperation Among Local Producers in Public Food Procurement
A conference organised by the Latvian Rural Advisory and Training Centre (LLKC) will take place in Kocēni on 12 November, focusing on how cooperation can help small food producers win public procurement contracts. Ministry of Agriculture officials and cooperative representatives will take part.
Lauku tīkls (LLKC) · 4 Nov, 15:08

November issue of “Lauku Lapa” published: agriculture growth plan and “Mans Lauks” updates
The November issue of “Lauku Lapa”, published by the Latvian Rural Advisory and Training Centre (LLKC), covers the government's Agricultural Growth Plan for 2026–2036. It also features updates to the “Mans Lauks” system, accounting explanations and training for forest owners.
Lauku tīkls (LLKC) · 4 Nov, 15:08

18.5% of Latvian Companies Use Artificial Intelligence
A survey by Latvia's Central Statistical Bureau shows that 18.5% of companies used artificial intelligence solutions in 2026. Use of cloud services, ERP, CRM and other digital tools is also rising.
Dienas Bizness · 4 Nov, 14:11

BMW cuts profit outlook for second time this year over restructuring that includes 8,000 job cuts
German carmaker BMW has issued its second profit warning within a year, citing fourth-quarter restructuring costs that include 8,000 job cuts in Germany. The company is under pressure from Chinese competition.
The Guardian World · 4 Nov, 14:10

Canva cuts 22% of its workforce as growth slows
Design software maker Canva is laying off 1,271 employees after its growth slowed for the first time in a decade. Management is restructuring teams and moving to hybrid work.
TechCrunch · 4 Nov, 14:10

Google's Search Revenue Growth Slows as It Works Out How to Earn from AI Advertising
Search revenue growth at Google's parent Alphabet slowed to 12 percent in the third quarter, as investors weigh the cost of AI spending. The company has yet to show that ads in AI search can earn as much as traditional search.
The Verge · 4 Nov, 14:10

Vītols Clinic introduces da Vinci robot-assisted surgery in urology and gynaecology
The private Vītols Clinic in Latvia is introducing the da Vinci robot-assisted surgical system for urology and gynaecology operations. The system was developed by the US company Intuitive Surgical, and every operation is performed by a surgeon.
Dienas Bizness · 4 Nov, 13:11
Ireland plans €1 billion programme to help startups scale
Ireland's Budget 2027 includes a €1 billion scaling programme intended to give startups better access to growth capital. The source is an opinion piece on whether Irish companies can grow in their home country.
EU-Startups · 4 Nov, 13:10
Rumours on Base iPhone 18: Display, Launch Timing and Model Lineup
Apple's standard iPhone 18 smartphone could be unveiled in the first half of 2027, according to the latest rumours. They also mention a 6.3-inch OLED display with 1.5K resolution.
Kursors.lv · 4 Nov, 13:09

Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake for Switch 2 keeps the original's spirit and improves play
Nintendo releases a remake of its 1998 video game The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time on the Switch 2 on November 5. The Verge's reviewer calls it the ideal way to play the game today.
The Verge · 4 Nov, 13:09

Apple Music to let users record karaoke videos of themselves in iOS 27.3
Apple Music's new Selfie Sing feature will let users record videos of themselves singing along to music. It will arrive with iOS 27.3, whose beta is already available for download.
Engadget · 4 Nov, 13:09

US dollar slides after Democrats' midterm win
The US dollar fell to a one-month low after Democrats won control of both the Senate and the House in the midterm elections. Investors fear tougher regulation of artificial intelligence could slow economic growth.
The Guardian World · 4 Nov, 12:11
STATION F unveils its 2026 Future 40 list as its startups raise a record €2 billion
STATION F, a startup campus that describes itself as the world's biggest, has published its annual Future 40 list of top companies. It also said its companies have raised a record €2 billion in 2026 alone.
EU-Startups · 4 Nov, 12:11

BMW quarterly profit falls as car division faces possible 2026 loss
German carmaker BMW reported an 11% drop in third-quarter pre-tax profit and cut its full-year margin forecast for its core car business. It says it will speed up structural measures, including job cuts.
Euronews Business · 4 Nov, 12:10
Tesla driver-assistance system in Europe gets a 10% speed tolerance cap
The Dutch transport authority RDW has announced software changes to Tesla's driver-assistance system in Europe. The speed offset above the legal limit will now be capped at 10% instead of up to 50%.
Kursors.lv · 4 Nov, 12:10
Replacing staff with AI backfires as companies ask laid-off workers to return
Recruitment industry observers describe a growing “AI backlash”: employers who cut jobs to save money through artificial intelligence are asking former staff to come back within a relatively short time. The trend is reported in a survey by talent assessment company SHL.
Kursors.lv · 4 Nov, 11:10
Glovo hosts fourth Startup Campus in Barcelona, citing €461 million multiplier effect
Barcelona-based Glovo held its annual Startup Campus at its Yellow Park headquarters, with 19 startups taking part. New research on companies founded by former Glovo employees was released at the same time.
EU-Startups · 4 Nov, 11:10

Malta's Representatives to Join Latvian Conference on AI and Economic Growth for the First Time
The “Future-Thinking Afternoon” expert event, organised by Turība business university, will have an international focus for the first time, with Maltese government representatives taking part. Participants will discuss what is needed for artificial intelligence to deliver lasting economic returns in Latvia.
Dienas Bizness · 4 Nov, 11:09

Wall Street Stocks Rise While European and South Korean Markets Fall; Oil Prices Ease
On Tuesday, the US S&P 500 and Nasdaq indices rose, while major European exchanges and Seoul declined. Crude oil prices edged lower as markets weighed a possible US–Iran agreement.
Dienas Bizness · 4 Nov, 10:10
Rotterdam's Hardt Hyperloop Secures Multi-Million-Euro Funding After Bankruptcy
Hardt Hyperloop, a Rotterdam-based mobility systems developer, has raised a multi-million-euro investment. It marks the company's return after one of its entities entered bankruptcy proceedings earlier this year.
EU-Startups · 4 Nov, 10:10
AI data centres turn to old aircraft jet engines amid power shortage
Some artificial intelligence data centres short of electricity are generating their own power with converted aircraft jet engines that run on natural gas. The trend highlights the strain on power infrastructure.
Kursors.lv · 4 Nov, 10:09

Latvian Armed Forces Clarify Details of Two Drone Incidents in Country's Airspace
Latvia's National Armed Forces said a Russian Geran-type drone most likely crossed Latvian airspace on 1 November. The drone detected overnight on 3 November resembled those used by Ukraine's forces, and a search for it continues in Balvi municipality.
iAuto.lv · 4 Nov, 09:11

Paul Krugman backs temporary rent caps in Europe to curb housing speculation
Nobel-winning economist Paul Krugman told Euronews he accepts temporary rent regulation while Europe builds more homes. He also warned about French public debt and the risk of European deindustrialisation.
Euronews Business · 4 Nov, 09:10

US court dismisses small firms' antitrust suit against protein bar maker David Protein
A US federal court has dismissed an antitrust lawsuit brought by three small food companies against David Protein over access to the fat substitute EPG. The judge found the plaintiffs had not plausibly defined the relevant market or shown harm to competition.
AgFunderNews (agrotehn.) · 4 Nov, 09:08