Research partnerships for green and digital transition

Tag: Young talents

  • 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!

  • Astrolight Selected to Supply Optical Communications Terminal for Greek Space Mission

    Astrolight Selected to Supply Optical Communications Terminal for Greek Space Mission

    We are thrilled to congratulate Astrolight, a Lithuanian laser communication company founded by the scientists from the Center of Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC), a constituent member of RTO Lithuania, on their remarkable achievement in the space technology sector!

    Astrolight has been selected to supply an optical communications terminal for Aristotle University of Thessaloniki’s PeakSat Space Mission. This significant partnership involves integrating Astrolight’s ATLAS-1 optical terminal into PeakSat, a CubeSat mission that will demonstrate laser communication from low Earth orbit (LEO) to ground stations in Greece.

    The PeakSat mission represents a key initiative under the Greek National Satellite Space Project, jointly launched by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Greek Ministry of Digital Governance. The project aims to validate next-generation optical communication technologies and is implemented through the EU-funded Recovery and Resilience Facility.

    “The collaboration between Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and Astrolight on the PeakSat mission exemplifies the dynamic growth we’re fostering in Greece’s space sector,” said Frédéric Rouesnel, Greek Connectivity RRF Project Manager at European Space Agency (ESA). The project is currently in the Greek Connectivity implementation phase, with plans for launch in 2025.

    This achievement highlights Lithuania’s growing capabilities in high-tech space applications and demonstrates how research-industry collaboration can drive technological innovation. We are proud to see an RTO Lithuania member spin-off making significant contributions to European space technology advancement.

  • 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 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