Tag: Funding

  • 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.

  • 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.”

  • 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 Promotes Prestigious Photonics21 Innovation Award 2025 

    RTO Lithuania Promotes Prestigious Photonics21 Innovation Award 2025 

    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.

    Official invitation to apply for Innovation award 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. 

  • 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.

  • RTO Lithuania prepares the S&T policy recommendations for the new government

    RTO Lithuania prepares the S&T policy recommendations for the new government

    The Association of Research and Technology Organizations (RTO Lithuania), representing three leading Lithuanian research institutes, has presented comprehensive recommendations for strengthening the country’s science, technology, and innovation (STI) ecosystem.

    The recommendations emphasize Lithuania’s potential to become a leading STI country while highlighting the need for fundamental changes in the current system. Among the key proposals is the initiation of a National Research, Technology and Innovation Programme focused on climate resilience and strategic autonomy, covering areas such as plant technologies, semiconductors, and renewable energies.

    A major emphasis is placed on bridging the gap between industry, research institutes, and universities through an Excellence in Applied Sciences programme. The association also calls for enhanced collaboration between science, business, and investors through pilot demonstration projects.

    To address brain drain and attract talent, RTO Lithuania recommends establishing a researcher attraction grant programme coordinated by the Lithuanian Research Council, including support for returning Lithuanian researchers and foreign experts.

    The recommendations also focus on reforming the scientific evaluation system, making it less dependent on quantitative indicators and more aligned with EU Research Area reforms. Additionally, the association proposes improvements to the industrial doctorate program and calls for increasing the number of PhD students while enhancing their study conditions.

    A crucial point in the recommendations addresses research funding, highlighting the current shortfall in R&D expenditure (0.47% of GDP) and emphasizing the need to reach the targeted 0.75% of GDP by the end of 2024, as agreed in the Agreement between Lithuanian political parties.

    The proposals also include strengthening science diplomacy, increasing internationalization through joint research programs, and enhancing funding for the Next 100 programme, which supports student internships at leading global institutions.

    These recommendations were presented by Sigitas Rimkevičius, President of the Association’s Governing Board, representing the collective vision of the Centre for Physical and Technological Sciences, the Lithuanian Energy Institute, and the Lithuanian Agrarian and Forestry Research Centre.

    The document can be found here: S&T policy recommendations

  • RTO Lithuania Joins BSR Deep Tech Entrepreneurship Launchpad Project to Drive STEM Education for Innovation

    RTO Lithuania Joins BSR Deep Tech Entrepreneurship Launchpad Project to Drive STEM Education for Innovation

    RTO Lithuania has recently started implementing a Baltic Sea Region Interreg project – Deep Tech Entrepreneurship Launchpad – developing efficient model for fostering STEM entrepreneurship among students and young researchers, to increase deep tech innovation in economy.

    Title of the project:

    BSR DeepTech Launch

    Project description:

    The project in the Baltic Sea Region together with partners from Poland, Germany and Lithuania is addressing the technology talent gap by creating a DeepTech Entrepreneurship Toolbox. This toolbox will equip students and young researchers with the tools they need to explore entrepreneurship and drive innovation. It will be accessible to various organizations and regions, empowering future entrepreneurs to succeed in the market.

    Partnership:

    Mazovia Development Agency, Polish Technological Platform on Photonics, OpTecBB , RTO Lithuania and Lithuanian Innovation Centre supported by the 3 associated organizations: Candela Foundation , Vigo Ventures ASI ) and Berlin Partner.

    Budget:

    Total budget of the project is €499,350.40

    Project duration:

    01/08/2023 – 31/07/2025 (24 months)

    Project is financed by the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme