Critical Infrastructure Technologies Ltd. has received an Innovation Certificate for dual-use technology from the Latvian Ministry of Defence, a development that enables the company to formally apply for funding to establish manufacturing operations in Latvia. The certificate recognizes the dual-use capability of CiTech's autonomous, high-capacity mobile communications platforms and strengthens the company's integration within the European defense and security ecosystem.
The Innovation Certificate allows CiTech to apply to ALTUM, Latvia's state development finance institution, for funding support toward establishing manufacturing operations in Liepaja, Latvia. Under the ALTUM innovation support framework, CiTech intends to apply for up to EUR 3.0 million in project financing. Upon successful completion of the project, the loan may be eligible for a capital discount of up to 30%, which would significantly enhance the company's capital efficiency as it establishes its European manufacturing base.
The funding will support the commencement of operations in Liepaja, including securing suitable industrial premises, employing up to six staff, engaging suppliers throughout Latvia and the broader European Union, and building five Nexus 20 units that will be marketed and sold within Latvia and/or the EU. CiTech is currently in discussions to lease a facility in the Liepaja Special Economic Zone where the corporate tax rate is 4%. The total project cost is estimated at approximately EUR 4.0 million, of which CiTech is required to contribute approximately EUR 1.0 million, with the balance funded through the proposed ALTUM facility.
This development represents a strategic expansion of CiTech's European operations and complements the company's partnerships across NATO's Eastern Flank. The establishment of manufacturing capacity in Latvia will support CiTech's growing European presence and aligns with 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's technology, which includes self-deploying platforms designed to support radio equipment including LTE and various technological payloads such as surveillance and anti-drone systems, targets multiple sectors including mining, defense, border security, surveillance, and emergency services. To learn more about the company, visit https://www.citech.com.au. The company will provide further updates as the ALTUM application progresses.
