Tag: Cooperation

  • EKOAgrITech 2025: A Hub for Connecting Innovators and End-Users in Ecological Farming

    EKOAgrITech 2025: A Hub for Connecting Innovators and End-Users in Ecological Farming

    Akademija, Lithuania — July 3, 2025 — Despite the sweltering summer heat, EKOAgrITech 2025 brought together over 420 participants—including nearly 200 end-users—for a dynamic day dedicated to sustainable agriculture, innovation, and knowledge sharing in the heart of Lithuania.

    Hosted by the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry (LAMMC), this year’s event embraced the theme “Sustainability starts here: from the experimental plot to every table,” offering a rich mix of research showcases, hands-on experiences, and discussions for farmers, scientists, businesses, and the public alike. The event featured 1,000 scientific research plots, precision and digital farming demonstrations, five dedicated discussion zones, and family-friendly activities—including organic product tastings and educational sessions for children.

    Main discussion “Novel physical technologies for AgriFood”: Dr. Ignas Hofmanas Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania, Dr. Gintaras Brazauskas Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, Saulius Daniulis Lithuania Association of Organic Farms Dangis Valaitis „Dotnuva Baltic“, Gintas Saulius Cironka Lithuanian Agricultural Advisory Service, and moderator of the discussion Raigardas Musnickas.

    Dangis Valantis, the CEO of Dotnuva Baltic UAB – one of the biggest companies for agricultural machinery and services in the Baltic states – during the main discussion said: “There’s no need to support tractor purchases, no need to wait for farming tools and equipment — we need to support smart technologies.”

    A standout moment of the day was the Photonics4AgriFood workshop, co-organized by RTO Lithuania within the framework of the Phorwards21 project that brought photonic solution providers from the whole Europe, including France, Finland, the Netherlands, and Poland. The session kicked off with an opening ceremony, followed by a compelling panel discussion on the impact of novel technologies in the Lithuanian agriculture sector. In the afternoon, presentations on novel physical technologies for AgriFood and a lively pitch and matchmaking session drew strong interest from researchers, innovators, and practitioners.

    Summarizing the matchmaking session RTO Lithuania scientific advisor Dr. Dovilė Čibiraitė-Lukenskienė stated that “Photonics4AgriFood sparked fruitful dialogue and planted the seeds for future collaborations. The session brought fresh ideas for research directions and shed light on the growing availability and capabilities of cutting-edge photonic technologies in the market.”

    As climate pressures mount and the need for sustainable solutions grows, events like EKOAgrITech serve as a vital space to connect tradition with transformation, helping stakeholders move from inspiration to implementation—one plot, one table, and one photon at a time.

  • Shaping the Future of Photonics: Phorwards21 Reaches Key Mid-Term Milestone

    Shaping the Future of Photonics: Phorwards21 Reaches Key Mid-Term Milestone

    20 representatives from research and industry organizations across Europe gathered for the Phorwards21 Mid-Term Review Meeting on 23rd of June in Munich. The event served as a key milestone in evaluating the project’s progress in strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy in photonics and advancing photonics-driven innovation in critical end-user industries, such as Health, Agriculture & Food, as well as Space and Manufacturing industries.

    Launched under the Horizon Europe framework, Phorwards21 brings together a pan-European consortium working to establish a cohesive photonics research and innovation (R&I) strategy that supports future EU missions, economic competitiveness, and global leadership in next-generation technologies. The main focus areas are:

    • Advancing European Strategic Autonomy. Making strong progress in defining community-backed photonics R&I priorities for the 2026–2027 Horizon Europe calls. Discussions with Member States are ongoing aiming for strategic alignment within European Union.
    • Regional and National Engagement. Integrating photonics solutions across regional and national ecosystems. The consortium summarized the regional development priorities from four organized cluster workshops where application and photonics clusters from the regions were working together to determine regional priorities. The project will seek to identify and coordinate EU-funded cooperation opportunities, to facilitate targeted cross-border collaboration.
    • Boosting Photonics Innovation and Investment. Identification of photonics startup ecosystem. An explicit study on European startups was conducted that allows to analyse the ecosystem and support photonics start-ups through the Photonics21 Innovation Award, workshops Photonics4Applications with targeted end users, as well as Tech Tour Photonics.

    RTO Lithuania, as a key stakeholder in this initiative, continues to support collaborative excellence and strategic foresight within the European research and innovation landscape and invites everyone to the upcoming Photonics4AgriFood workshop embeded within the forum-exhibition EKOAgrITech.

  • Visit us at ecological agricultural technology exhibition-forum EKOAgrITech

    Visit us at ecological agricultural technology exhibition-forum EKOAgrITech

    The exhibition EKOAgrITech is taking place on July 3, 2025 in Akademija, Kėdainiai distr., Lithuania, organized by Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry (LAMMC). The event is dedicated to both ecological and traditional farms striving for sustainability, including livestock, crop, and mixed farms. It also welcomes consumers, suppliers, processors, and product distributors. Everyone aiming for innovation and progress is invited to participate.

    This year’s theme: “Sustainability starts here: from the experimental plot to every table.”

    During the event 9 am – 4 pm you will find:

    • 1,000 scientific research plots
    • Exhibition areas and consultations
    • Innovative precision and digital technologies
    • 5 discussion zones and experience-sharing spaces for farmers
    • Presentations and tastings of organic products
    • Special educational activities for children

    As RTO Lithuania we are delighted to contribute to this event co-organizing Photonics 4 AgriFood workshop responsible for promotion of novel photonics solutions for agriculture within the scope of the Phorwards21 project!

    Photonics 4 AgriFood timetable:

    • 10:00 – 10:15 am Opening ceremony
    • 10:15 – 11:00 am Discussion: “Impact of novel technologies in Lithuanian Agriculture sector”
    • 1:20-2:20 pm Presentations “Novel physical technologies for AgriFood”
    • 2:30 – 3:30 pm Pitch session for novel technologies and matchmaking (Technological Bubble C)

    “This year’s event reflects our deep commitment to sustainability—not just in what we showcase, but in how we organize. From spotlighting mixed farming systems and short-chain organic production to highlighting the journey ‘from field to fork’, we aim to inspire a more resilient food future. We’re proud to offer a free, family-friendly exhibition that blends tradition with innovation, including the latest in novel farming technologies. In my view, cutting-edge photonics solutions are essential for the future of agriculture—they enable precise monitoring, efficient resource use, and smarter, greener farming practices that benefit both people and the planet.” says Dr. Monika Toleikienė, the main organizer of EKOAgrITech.

    You can already find the detailed event program at www.ekoagritech.lt!

  • Awarded Three RTO Lithuania Call Winners for Environmental Research Projects

    Awarded Three RTO Lithuania Call Winners for Environmental Research Projects

    RTO Lithuania is pleased to announce the signing of three joint research project contracts between leading Lithuanian research institutions. The Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry (LAMMC), the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC), and the Lithuanian Energy Institute (LEI) will collaborate on three innovative projects focused on environmental technologies and sustainable solutions.

    BAGEO-HM: “Synthesis and application of biofuel ash geopolymers for removal of Zn²⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions from simulated wastewater” aims to transform biofuel ash, typically considered an environmental liability, into effective absorbents for wastewater treatment. The project will utilize a rapid hydrothermal alkaline modification method to create geopolymers capable of removing heavy metal pollutants from water. Led by Dr. Kristina Bunevičienė (LAMMC), Dr. Sandra Stanionytė (FTMC), and Dr. Šarūnas Varnagiris (LEI), this research will provide valuable insights into secondary waste utilization.

    BACTOALGRO: “Enhancing bacteria and algae interaction using electroporation and plasma-activated water to stimulate plant growth” investigates how electroporation and plasma-activated water can strengthen bacteria-algae interactions to boost agricultural productivity. This innovative approach could lead to more efficient and environmentally friendly farming methods. The project team includes Shervin Hadian (LAMMC), Voitech Stankevič (FTMC), and Mindaugas Milieška (LEI).

    PLASTRO: “Modeling Microplastic Transport in Plants Using Microfluidic Systems” examines how microplastics move through plant tissues, with a particular focus on buckwheat (Fagopyrum sp.). Using cutting-edge microfluidic technologies, researchers will replicate microplastic migration processes under laboratory conditions. Led by Gintarė Šidlauskaitė (LAMMC), Justas Šereika (LEI), and Julija Pupeikė (FTMC), the project aims to contribute to our understanding of microplastic impacts on agriculture and food security.

    Funding and Timeframe

    Each project has received a total funding of €30,000, with equal contributions of €10,000 from each participating institution. All three projects will run for 12 months, bringing together experts from different scientific disciplines to address pressing environmental challenges.

    “These projects represent significant steps toward developing sustainable environmental technologies through collaborative research,” said Dr. Dovilė Čibiraitė-Lukenskienė, Senior Researcher at FTMC and a Project Manager at RTO Lithuania. “By combining the expertise of our leading research organizations, we are fostering innovation that addresses real-world environmental issues while strengthening Lithuania’s research capabilities.”

  • Three Innovative Environmental Research Projects Selected for Funding in Joint RTO Lithuania Initiative

    Three Innovative Environmental Research Projects Selected for Funding in Joint RTO Lithuania Initiative

    The Association of Research and Technology Organisations (RTO Lithuania) is pleased to announce the selection of three collaborative research projects under the 2025 Pilot Research Projects call. The initiative, launched by the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC), Lithuanian Research Center for Agriculture and Forestry (LAMMC), and Lithuanian Energy Institute (LEI), aims to foster innovative inter-institutional research addressing key national and societal challenges.

    All three selected projects focus on environmental technologies and will receive funding of €30,000 each, with €10,000 allocated to each participating research group. The projects were evaluated based on research novelty, relevance, feasibility, and potential for future development.

    BACTOALGRO: Enhancing Bacteria-Algae Interactions for Plant Growth

    The highest-scoring project focuses on investigating how electroporation and plasma-activated water can enhance bacterial-algal consortia to promote plant growth naturally. This innovative approach aims to develop sustainable alternatives to synthetic fertilizers by optimizing microbial traits that support plant health and nutrient uptake.

    The research will be led by Dr. Shervin Hadian (LAMMC), Dr. Voitech Stankevič (FTMC), and Dr. Mindaugas Milieška (LEI), combining expertise in microbiology, plant physiology, and advanced microbial enhancement technologies.

    BAGEO-HM: Biofuel Ash Geopolymers for Water Treatment

    The second-ranked project addresses two environmental challenges simultaneously: reducing biofuel ash waste and removing heavy metals from wastewater. The research team will synthesize geopolymers from biofuel ash and evaluate their capacity to remove zinc and copper ions from simulated wastewater.

    The project will be conducted under the leadership of Dr. Kristina Bunevičienė (LAMMC), Dr. Sandra Stanionytė (FTMC), and Dr. Šarūnas Varnagiris (LEI), combining analytical, structural, and materials science expertise.

    PLASTRO: Modeling Microplastic Transport in Plants

    The third selected project takes an innovative approach to microplastic research by creating a model to analyze how secondary microplastics from textile fibers migrate through plant vascular systems. Using microfluidic technology, the researchers will develop a plant vessel system model to observe and analyze microplastic movement.

    This interdisciplinary research will be led by Dr. Gintarė Šidlauskaitė (LAMMC), Dr. Justas Šereika (LEI), and Dr. Julija Pupeikė (FTMC), bringing together expertise in plant physiology, fluid dynamics, and materials analysis.

    All three projects demonstrate the value of collaborative, interdisciplinary research in addressing pressing environmental challenges. The research is expected to produce high-impact scientific publications and potentially lead to patent applications or larger-scale national and international research projects.

    The projects will commence in May 2025 and run for 12 months, with results expected to contribute significantly to sustainable agricultural practices, waste management solutions, and understanding of microplastic pollution in the food chain.

  • Networking Opportunities for Innovators in Photonics Field!

    Networking Opportunities for Innovators in Photonics Field!


    We are thrilled to announce that on 3rd of July, we will be co-hosting the Photonics4Agrifood sessions in the EKOAgrITech forum-exhibition organized by our Association Members LAMMC.

    Event webpage (EN)

    As part of this event, we are organizing a Pitching Session and Matchmaking Time with end-users and investors. This is a unique opportunity to introduce your ideas, showcase your innovations, and expand your network between researchers, end-users, and startups of the agriculture sector!

    To secure your spot as a presenter (and demonstrator) please register till 15th of May: Registration form

    We look forward to welcoming you in Lithuania – the country of agriculture and innovations!

  • RTO Lithuania Co-Hosts Successful Cross-Regional Collaboration Workshop in Agrifood Sector

    RTO Lithuania Co-Hosts Successful Cross-Regional Collaboration Workshop in Agrifood Sector

    RTO Lithuania, in partnership with Photonics Bretagne and the European Technology Platform Photonics21, successfully co-hosted the “Cross-regional Collaboration Workshop in the Agrifood/Agriculture sector” on March 20, 2025. The event brought together stakeholders from agriculture and photonics sectors across multiple European regions (including France, Italy, Poland, and Lithuania) to foster innovative collaborations and develop strategic R&D initiatives. 

    The workshop was designed to identify common regional challenges in agriculture and agrifood sectors while exploring how photonics technologies could address these challenges through cross-regional collaboration. Dr. Linas Eriksonas from RTO Lithuania and Dr. David Méchin from Photonics Bretagne led the event, which featured presentations from agricultural clusters and photonics technology providers.

    “This collaborative event aimed to spark innovative ideas and co-create strategic plans for R&D cooperation between regions in one of our most critical sectors – Agriculture & Agrifood,” said Eriksonas. “By bringing together experts from both domains, we create a win-win opportunity to match technological capabilities with real-world agricultural challenges that are relevant to all of us.”

    The workshop featured presentations from several key organizations:

    Agriculture/Agrifood Clusters:

    • Vegepolys Valley (France) – a national cluster with over 600 members focused on the plant sector
    • Agrobio Cluster coordinated by UNIMOS (Poland) – representing 73 members across the agri-food value chain
    • Coldiretti, a major farmers’ organisation in Italy

    Photonics Technology Providers:

    • Photonics Bretagne (France) – offering expertise in spectroscopy, imaging, and lidar technologies
    • PPTF (Polish Technological Platform on Photonics) – specializing in photonics and microelectronics
    • RTO Lithuania – bringing together national RTOs, including the Center for Physical Sciences (FTMC)

    During the interactive brainstorming session, participants identified several key agricultural challenges where photonics technologies could provide innovative solutions:

    1. Crop Monitoring and Management
      • Growth monitoring and plant nutrition assessment
      • Precision agriculture technologies for optimized fertilizer use
      • Water quality monitoring and improved water use efficiency
    2. Quality Control and Food Safety
      • Quality assessment of fresh products
      • Detection of food fraud
      • Improved traceability systems for consumer awareness
    3. Disease and Pest Management
      • Early detection of plant diseases and pests
      • Automated inspection and control systems

    The discussions highlighted the potential of various photonics technologies, including spectroscopy, fluorescence imaging, multi/hyperspectral technologies, and laser applications in addressing these agricultural challenges. The workshop established a clear roadmap for future collaboration that will result in the Strategic Plans to be presented to regional authorities by mid-June 2025, potentially leading to funded cross-regional initiatives.

  • RTO Lithuania Call for Collaborative Pilot Research Projects Launched

    RTO Lithuania Call for Collaborative Pilot Research Projects Launched

    Three Lithuanian RTOs members – the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC), Lithuanian Energy Institute (LEI), and the Lithuanian Research Center for Agriculture and Forestry (LAMMC) – have announced today an annual joint call for pilot research projects for 2025. This initiative aims to foster the interdiscplinary and cross-institutional collaboration between three RTOs in addressing key national and societal challenges for a sustainable, climate-resilient and secure Lithuania.

    The call offers funding of up to €30,000 per project (€10,000 for each research group) and focuses on three key areas:

    • Smart/Sustainable Technologies
    • Environmental Technologies
    • Defence Technologies

    Projects must involve researchers from all three participating institutions. Successful projects are expected to result in high-impact scientific publications and lead to a further follow-up – the submissions for national and international R&D&I funding calls, thus providing a launch pad for emerging ideas that can have longer impact.

    An information event will be held at FTMC in Vilnius on March 5, where potential applicants can present their project ideas and find partners. For more information and registration, interested researchers can visit: https://forms.office.com/e/nC5Pe1rt5Q

    The deadline for submitting applications is March 31, 2025. The projects will have to be completed by March 31, 2026.

    Call documents:

    Call for Collaborative Pilot Projects
    RTO LT interinstitutional project rules 2025
    RTO application form 2025

    Contact persons:

  • Lithuanian Energy Institute and Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry Join Historic MIT Cooperation Agreement

    Lithuanian Energy Institute and Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry Join Historic MIT Cooperation Agreement

    Two members of RTO Lithuania – Lithuanian Energy Institute and the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry – are among the key partners in a groundbreaking cooperation agreement signed with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on January 28, 2024, at the Presidential Palace of the Republic of Lithuania.

    The agreement establishes the MIT-Lithuania Seed Fund, which will promote cutting-edge research collaborations between MIT faculty and Lithuanian researchers. The $900,000 initiative, spread over three years, is part of the MIT International Science and Technology Initiatives (MISTI) programme.

    As consortium members, both institutes will participate in various forms of cooperation, including joint scientific research, technology projects, innovation development, and international mobility of researchers. The partnership aims to address key areas such as renewable energy, sustainable environment, and agro-innovation.

    The Lithuanian Energy Institute was represented at the signing ceremony by its Director, Prof. Dr. Saulius Gudžius, who also participated in a panel discussion titled Partnership between Lithuania and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology: preparing to play in the top league.

    This historic collaboration positions Lithuania to become a regional leader in science and innovative solutions, while strengthening the country’s transatlantic ties and increasing its visibility in the international arena.

  • Collaboration between LAMMC and LEI scientists

    Collaboration between LAMMC and LEI scientists

    We are pleased that scientists from the RTO Lithuania association members, representatives of the LAMMC and LEI, PhD student Greta Striganavičiūtė and Dr. Marius Praspaliauskas, recently participated in the international HORIZON Europe XTRACT “A Sustainable Ecosystem for the Innovative Resource Recovery and Complex Ore Extraction” project meeting in Greece. Their participation is a great example of cooperation between the RTO Lithuania association members.
    Interdisciplinary cooperation is essential for achieving breakthroughs in sustainability and climate change research.

    More information about the project: news article in Lithuanian.