vedavyzkum.cz | Inovace a transfer

Article Overview with Quotes

“This isn't just another European project. It's a strategic initiative shaping the future of laser technologies in Europe—a direct response to Europe's urgent economic situation,” emphasized Tomáš Mocek, head of the HiLASE Centre and LASER-PRO coordinator. He further underscored the project's long-term vision: "Scientific publications alone are not enough to change society."

With a budget of €6 million over four-and-a-half years, LASER-PRO stands out in Europe's highly competitive innovation landscape. Out of 205 submitted proposals, only 11 received funding, marking a remarkable 5% success rate. "This success rate is comparable to the most demanding calls in Europe, such as ERC grants," explained Mocek. "We have consistently demonstrated to evaluators the importance of investing in technological areas within the Czech Republic."

During the public session at the project's kick-off meeting on March 3, 2025, Michael Prouza, director of the Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, welcomed attendees, highlighting the significance of this cross-border initiative. The session saw prominent political and industry figures, including Petra Pecková, governor of the Central Bohemian Region, Radek Špicar, vice-president of the Confederation of Industry and Transport, and Lithuania’s ambassador, Rolandas Kačinskas, who all emphasized the importance of close collaboration between research institutions and industry.

"We are still a supply-based economy, and we must change this. Industry-research collaboration is essential," stated Radek Špicar, vice-president of the Confederation of Industry.

Ambassador Kačinskas proudly declared, "Despite being a small country, when it comes to lasers, Lithuania is a global powerhouse." This was supported by Gediminas Račiukaitis from FTMC, noting Lithuania's impressive laser industry generating revenues of €254 million with 89% exports.

Gediminas Raciukaitis, lead researcher at FTMC, highlighted the project's collaborative strength: "Our consortium exemplifies how international collaboration can spark transformative innovations. Through LASER-PRO, we aim not only to accelerate the adoption of laser technologies in Europe but also empower Ukrainian partners within Europe's innovation community."

LASER-PRO addresses critical industry sectors, including sustainable manufacturing, semiconductor technologies aligned with the EU Chips Act, biomedical innovations, and digital and 3D printing applications. The project will offer specialized training and foster the establishment of startups and spin-offs, enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs.

"Spin-offs can bring both profit and further contractual research collaboration," Mocek added, emphasizing plans to create more spin-offs as done successfully in Lithuania.

The project, funded through Horizon Europe's Excellence Hubs initiative, has an ambitious goal: transforming regional innovation ecosystems, integrating advanced science, and promoting sustainable industrial growth. Renata Liubinavice from the Innovation Agency Lithuania explained, "By supporting cutting-edge projects like this, we aim to position Europe as a global leader in laser technologies, ensuring sustainable industrial transformation and strengthening regional ties."

LASER-PRO thus emerges as a research and innovation initiative and a cornerstone for Europe's technological and economic sustainability, setting Czechia and Lithuania as leading lights in the global laser technology arena.

Read the full article on Vědavýzkum.cz portal (available in Czech)