RTO Lithuania, as an active promoter of photonics innovation in the Baltic region, is pleased to announce the launch of the Photonics21 Innovation Award 2025 competition. This prestigious European-level contest aims to transform groundbreaking photonics ideas into successful business ventures.
The competition, supported by RTO Lithuania through its regional networking activities, targets PhD and Master’s students, young entrepreneurs, and makers who have innovative photonics concepts with commercial potential. This aligns with RTO Lithuania’s mission to foster technological advancement and entrepreneurship in the region.
The winner will receive a substantial €5,000 cash prize, along with valuable entrepreneurial skills training provided by PhotonHub Europe and direct access to venture capitalists. Second and third place winners will benefit from specialized entrepreneurial training programs.
“This competition represents a significant opportunity for Lithuanian innovators to showcase their talents on a European stage,” says Dr Dovilė Čibiraitė-Lukenskienė, Project Officer and Scientific Adviser at RTO Lithuania. “We encourage all eligible participants like PhD/Master’s students, young entrepreneurs, and makers from our region to submit their applications.”
Participants can enter by submitting either a two-minute video presentation or a written description of their innovative concept, highlighting its industry impact potential. Application Deadline: March 10, 2025.
Exciting Prizes Await:
- 1st Place: €5,000 cash prize, entrepreneurial skills training by PhotonHub Europe, and access to venture capitalists.
- 2nd & 3rd Place: Entrepreneurial skills training by PhotonHub Europe.
The award ceremony will take place on 15 May 2025 during the Photonics Partnership Annual Meeting in Brussels – a prime opportunity to showcase your innovation on a European stage.
RTO Lithuania continues to support this initiative as part of its ongoing commitment to advancing photonics innovation and entrepreneurship in Lithuania and the broader European community. RTO Lithuania is a partner of the project consortium Phorwards21.