LASER-PRO at IMNE 2025 in Krakow – Building Europe’s Laser Future Together

The LASER-PRO project took part in the 5th International Conference on Innovative Materials and Nanoengineering (IMNE-2025), held in Krakow, Poland, from 8 to 10 January 2026. The conference was organised by the Center of Laser Technologies and Nanoengineering at Lviv Polytechnic National University, a partner institution within the LASER-PRO consortium.

Rather than being a purely academic forum, IMNE-2025 created space for meaningful exchange between fundamental research and practical application. The conference focused on how innovative materials and nanoengineering can respond to current technological and industrial challenges - an approach closely aligned with LASER-PRO’s mission.

A platform for international scientific exchange

IMNE-2025 welcomed researchers and experts from Ukraine, Poland, France, the USA, and Lithuania, covering a broad spectrum of topics across materials science, physics, chemistry, and nanoengineering. Presentations and discussions reflected recent advances in material growth technologies, characterisation methods, and application-driven research.

The international character of the conference supported open dialogue across disciplines and regions, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in advancing complex technologies.

LASER-PRO – connecting research excellence with impact

LASER-PRO is a Horizon Europe Excellence Hub bringing together 18 partners from Czechia, Lithuania, and Ukraine. The project aims to strengthen Europe’s laser and photonics ecosystem by translating research excellence into industrial innovation and societal benefit.

Key focus areas include sustainable manufacturing, semiconductor technologies, biomedical applications, and digital laser systems. Through joint research activities, pilot projects, training programmes, and industry engagement, LASER-PRO supports the development of advanced laser technologies that contribute to Europe’s green and digital transformation.

Presentation of the Lithuanian laser ecosystem

A dedicated presentation at IMNE-2025 was delivered by Gediminas Račiukaitis from the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC). His contribution introduced the LASER-PRO project alongside the broader Lithuanian laser and photonics ecosystem.

Lithuania is internationally recognised for its strong laser industry and close cooperation between research institutions and industrial partners. Within LASER-PRO, this experience supports knowledge transfer, ecosystem building, and the development of new innovation capacities across participating regions.

Strengthening European collaboration through Ukraine

The active role of Ukrainian partners, including Lviv Polytechnic National University, highlights LASER-PRO’s commitment to inclusive and resilient European research and innovation. Participation in international conferences such as IMNE-2025 enables Ukrainian researchers to share expertise, establish new collaborations, and further integrate into the European R&I landscape.

Through mentoring, joint activities, and international visibility, LASER-PRO contributes to long-term capacity building and strengthens cross-border cooperation.

Beyond the conference

Participation in IMNE-2025 confirmed the importance of international scientific platforms for connecting ideas, people, and technologies. For LASER-PRO, the conference represented another step toward building a coordinated European laser innovation ecosystem - one that supports sustainable industry, advanced research, and meaningful collaboration across regions.