Critical Infrastructure Technologies Ltd. (CSE: CTTT) has received an Innovation Certificate for dual-use technology from the Latvian Ministry of Defence, a formal recognition that strengthens the company's position within European defense and security networks. This certification enables the company to apply for substantial funding through Latvia's state development finance institution, ALTUM, to establish manufacturing operations in Liepaja, Latvia.
The certificate provides a pathway for CiTech to formally apply to ALTUM (https://www.altum.lv) for funding support toward establishing manufacturing operations in Latvia. Under the ALTUM innovation support framework, the company intends to apply for up to €3.0 million in project financing. If successful, the loan may qualify for a capital discount of up to 30% upon project completion, significantly improving capital efficiency as the company establishes its European manufacturing base.
The total project cost is estimated at approximately €4.0 million, with CiTech required to contribute about €1.0 million (25%) and the balance funded through the proposed ALTUM facility. The funding would support commencement of operations in Liepaja, including securing industrial premises, employing up to six staff, engaging suppliers throughout Latvia and the European Union, and building five Nexus 20 units for marketing and sale within Latvia and the EU.
CiTech is currently in discussions to lease a facility in the Liepaja Special Economic Zone, where the corporate tax rate is 4%. This strategic expansion supports the company's growing European presence and complements its partnerships across NATO's Eastern Flank. The company had previously announced plans to position Latvia as its European headquarters.
Brenton Scott, Chief Executive Officer of CiTech, stated that the Innovation Certificate recognizes the dual-use capability of the company's technology and provides a clear pathway to accelerate its European manufacturing strategy. The company develops autonomous, high-capacity mobile communications platforms that deliver essential services to areas where they are needed most, targeting mining, defense, border security, surveillance, and emergency services sectors.
The establishment of manufacturing capacity in Latvia represents a significant step in CiTech's commercial strategy, with all five Nexus 20 units produced at the facility expected to generate significant revenue through sales within Latvia and the European Union. The company will provide further updates as the ALTUM application progresses, marking an important development in the expansion of dual-use technology manufacturing within European defense ecosystems.
