"Baltic Photonics 2024” Brings Together Lithuanian and Taiwanese Scientists and Industry Representatives in Vilnius

Last week, from October 14–18, the “Baltic Photonics 2024: Science and Industry Days” took place in Vilnius. Held over an extended 5-day period for the first time, the event brought together scientists, representatives from Lithuania’s laser technology and biotechnology sectors, international industry leaders, and a Taiwanese delegation. This gathering served as a powerful bridge between Lithuanian and Taiwanese researchers and companies, promoting global and cross-industry collaboration in science and industry.

The event was held just before October 21, the date the world celebrates International Day of Photonics, making it a perfect opportunity to acknowledge achievements in photonics technology and discuss future perspectives. This year’s “Baltic Photonics 2024” not only strengthened ties between Lithuania and Taiwan but also highlighted synergies between the photonics and biotechnology sectors.

The first 2 days featured a scientific conference organized by Vilniaus universitetas / Vilnius University and the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC) , in cooperation with the Lithuanian Laser Association and the Research Council of Lithuania | Lietuvos mokslo taryba . During the conference, recent achievements in photonics were presented, including discussions on THz sources, ultrashort-pulse lasers, and their applications in materials processing, spectroscopic applications in healthcare, dielectric coating technologies, multiphoton photopolymerization, and more. The presentations and subsequent discussions provided participants with a deeper insight into international cooperation opportunities.

On the 3rd day, conference participants visited leading Lithuanian photonics companies and research centers, where they were introduced to the latest technologies and innovations and saw industry leaders’ production facilities and laboratories firsthand. The visits offered participants the chance to deepen their technical knowledge and establish connections with local scientists and engineers. The day concluded with a networking event in historic Trakai, giving foreign guests a valuable opportunity to learn more about Lithuania’s history and culture while enjoying scenic surroundings and warm conversations in an informal setting.

The 4th day was organized by the Toolas - Laser Micromachining Cluster , coordinated by Visoriai Information Technology Park (VITP) , in collaboration with LithuaniaBIO and the Innovation Agency Lithuania | Global . This day focused on cross-industry cooperation between the photonics and biotechnology sectors. The Lithuanian Laser Association and LithuaniaBIO presented one of the strongest Lithuanian ecosystems in Lithuania, followed by presentations from representatives of both industries, sharing insights on innovations at the intersection of these 2 fields. During the event, the Research Council of Lithuania also presented planned bilateral funding opportunities for research and technology development between Lithuania and Taiwan. The day concluded with a tour of five Toolas laser micromachining companies located at VITP.

“Photonics and biotechnology ecosystems are among the fastest-growing in the world, yet representatives from these two ecosystems have had limited opportunities for interaction and networking. This year’s international Baltic Photonics event gathered representatives from the photonics and biotechnology ecosystems of four different countries in Vilnius, at Visoriai Information Technology Park, where they could engage directly, showcase their technologies and research, discuss applications, and explore potential collaborations,” commented Edmundas ?virblis , Acting Director of Visoriai Information Technology Park.

The final, 5th day, was hosted by the Research Council of Lithuania. The discussions focused on industrial applications and innovations in laser technology and was centered on collaboration opportunities, with special attention given to the ULTRI laboratory at Taiwan’s ITRI Institute and the upcoming Eureka Globalstars bilateral program call.

“We are delighted to have attracted a 12-member delegation from Taiwan to the week-long event series. Not only did they share the results of their ongoing research, but they also enriched the discussions with valuable insights and experiences. Their active participation throughout the event further strengthened the ties between our countries’ researchers and companies, encouraging future collaboration opportunities,” - stated Kristina Anani?ien? , Executive Director of the Lithuanian Laser Association.

“Baltic Photonics 2024” received international attention, with participants not only from Lithuania and Taiwan but also from other industry leaders, including representatives from global companies such as Edmund Optics and Thorlabs. Looking ahead, organizers hope that next year’s event will be even larger and attract participants from across the Baltic and European regions.

Event Organizers: Vilnius University, Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC), Visoriai Information Technology Park (VITP) with the Toolas Cluster and the Lithuanian Laser Association

Partners: Research Council of Lithuania, LithuaniaBIO, Innovation Agency

More photo: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1q43jKPvxLnH1BNMh_oHFQ9ezLXkdKeSH?dmr=1&ec=wgc-drive-hero-goto