Swiss Startup Chooses Latvia to Develop Drone Simulation Technologies
Press release – 21 July 2026
Swiss technology startup nordfen AG has chosen Latvia as the location to develop drone simulation technologies and advance drone operator training together with the association “Drone Force – Europe”. Today, the partners signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Riga, confirming their shared intention to develop cutting-edge training solutions that are expected to be used not only in Latvia but across Europe.
The growing role of drone technologies in the civilian economy
Uncrewed aerial technologies are becoming an increasingly important part of the civilian economy. They are widely used in infrastructure inspection and maintenance, energy, agriculture, emergency response, environmental monitoring and many other sectors, driving growing demand for highly skilled drone operators. Simulation technologies enable pilots to acquire and refine practical skills in a safer, more efficient and more versatile environment before conducting real-world flights.
The company selected Latvia because of its recognised expertise in uncrewed technologies, well-established practical training infrastructure and the opportunity to develop innovative solutions together with Latvian partners.
The Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) is supporting nordfen’s establishment in Latvia and the creation of the company’s local presence.
“LIAA is delighted to support nordfen’s expansion into Riga. The decision by a Swiss startup originating from the ETH Zurich innovation ecosystem to invest in Latvia is a strong recognition of our country’s expertise in drone technologies. I am confident that this Memorandum of Understanding will mark the beginning of a new chapter in Latvian–Swiss innovation cooperation and further strengthen Latvia’s reputation as a hub for high value-added technology development,” says Laura Štrovalde, Deputy Director General for Investment Promotion at the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia.
Combining technology with practical expertise
Under the partnership, “Drone Force – Europe” will provide practical training infrastructure, instructor expertise and training programmes, while nordfen will develop simulation technology that uses geospatial and Earth observation data to create highly realistic virtual training environments. This will complement practical instruction with simulation-based exercises, enabling trainees to safely develop and refine their skills across a wide range of operational scenarios.
“Our partnership with nordfen will enable us to build a simulator that accurately reflects the Latvian environment and can be adapted to specific mission profiles—from reconnaissance and resupply to operations in electronically contested environments. The simulator will support training for the armed forces, the State Police and the State Fire and Rescue Service, while ensuring that all training data is securely stored in Latvia,” says Viesturs Silenieks, Chairman of the Board of “Drone Force – Europe”.
By combining “Drone Force – Europe”‘s practical expertise with nordfen’s simulation software, the partners aim to develop solutions that will strengthen drone operator training and facilitate knowledge transfer between Latvian and international partners. The approach is intended to be applicable both in educational programmes and in the training of professional organisations and public services.
“Drone Force – Europe has what no software company can build alone: real students, highly skilled instructors, and classroom‑proven curricula put to the test on a daily basis. We bring the technology to scale it, from piloting skills to drone engineering. Riga is where Europe’s drone ecosystem is taking hold.” says Jack Kendall, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of nordfen.
About nordfen
nordfen AG is a Swiss technology startup originating from the ETH Zurich innovation ecosystem. The company develops simulation software for unmanned aerial systems and remotely operated platforms, using geospatial and Earth observation data to create highly realistic virtual training environments.
About “Drone Force – Europe”
“Drone Force – Europe” is a drone education and training centre based in Riga, providing practical training infrastructure, instructor expertise and professional training programmes for drone operators.
About the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA)
The Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) is a government agency operating under the Ministry of Economics of the Republic of Latvia. LIAA helps Latvian businesses expand into international markets, attract foreign investment and drive innovation. The Agency supports exports, market diversification, investment projects and initiatives that strengthen Latvia’s competitiveness in the global economy.
Image – Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA)
