Building Stronger Photonics Ecosystems: LASER-PRO Partners Meet in Vilnius

The gathering began with an internal consortium session, where work package leaders reviewed technical achievements, discussed upcoming milestones, and strengthened coordination across key areas from research and innovation to education, entrepreneurship, and science-business collaboration.

A highlight of the event was the international conference Photonics Frontiers: Building Stronger Ecosystems Together, which brought together researchers, entrepreneurs, public authorities, and innovation leaders to discuss how cross-border collaboration can advance Europe’s photonics landscape. Opening the event, Czech Ambassador to Lithuania Aleš Opata underlined the strategic importance of international cooperation for innovation and growth. 

Tomas Mocek, project coordinator and Head of the HiLASE Centre, noted that photonics lies at the heart of a sustainable, digital, and secure European economy, yet Europe still struggles to turn scientific excellence into industrial strength. He described  LASER-PRO as a strategic effort to bridge this gap: “ It’s not just a project, but a long-term effort to connect discovery, innovation, and industry — and turn discoveries into impact.” he said.

A comprehensive overview of Lithuania’s thriving laser ecosystem was presented by Gediminas Račiukaitis (LLA/FTMC), while Darius Pauleitis (Innovation Agency Lithuania) emphasized that photonics is a national priority and highlighted Lithuania’s global standing in innovation and laser research. Lithuania currently ranks first worldwide in unicorn valuation as a share of GDP and is home to more than 60 companies developing laser technologies. This high-tech ecosystem thrives thanks to targeted national support, a strong community, and entrepreneurial drive

A major symbolic and practical step was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Lithuanian Laser Association and the Czech Optical Cluster, opening a new chapter in cross-border industrial collaboration. On the final day, participants also visited leading Lithuanian companies such as Light Conversion and Eksma Optics, seeing first-hand how scientific excellence translates into commercial success.

Throughout the three-day meeting, partners from across Czechia, Lithuania, and Ukraine showcased their complementary strengths and collaboration efforts.  The Czech delegation, representing HiLASE Centre, ELI Beamlines, and the Czech Optical Cluster, highlighted excellence in advanced laser technologies and industrial applications, as well as programmes linking research and industry. The Central Bohemian Innovation Centre (SIC) and STAR Research and Innovation Cluster presented education initiatives and mentoring programmes supporting emerging entrepreneurs.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian partners from Lviv Polytechnic National University, SID City, NoviNano, and Junior Achievement Ukraine shared their progress in research, innovation, and education — demonstrating remarkable resilience and scientific talent despite current challenges.

The meeting clearly showed how these three ecosystems complement one another:

• Lithuania – a strong photonics ecosystem bridging science and business,
• Czechia – excellence in advanced laser technologies and industrial applications,
• Ukraine – growing innovation capacity and outstanding scientific talent.
  
  

Under the steady guidance of Lenka Bajarova from AMIRES, whose precise and dedicated project management kept the entire meeting running smoothly, the consortium benefited from open, inspiring, and forward-looking discussions across all partners. Together, we can put our laser technologies firmly on Europe’s technological map.

The LASER-PRO consortium is building a connected ecosystem that unites discovery, innovation, and industry — a foundation for European leadership in photonics and laser technologies.