

Business-science collaboration creates success stories
Lithuanian science-business collaboration in the field of laser technologies demonstrates impressive results that consolidate our country’s position as one of the innovation leaders in the global context. The SSAIL (Selective Surface Activation Induced by Laser) technology, developed by scientists from the Department of Laser Technologies of the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC), is a great example of this. This technology, which allows activating a surface with a laser beam and chemically coating it with metal, has opened the door to new opportunities in various industries.
LITEK™ member AKONEER’s path to success
Akoneer, a company engaged in the commercialization of SSAIL technology, initially looked for opportunities to apply SSAIL in the automotive industry, in cooperation with the Stellantis corporation. However, long innovation cycles and large investments in electric vehicles forced it to look for other directions. Attempts to apply the technology in the production of touch screens were also unsuccessful due to the use of old equipment and low investments in this area. The breakthrough came in cooperation with Taiwanese companies. Realizing that the touchscreen market was controlled by the display manufacturers themselves, Akoneer decided to focus on the semiconductor industry and advanced chip packaging systems. This decision turned out to be extremely successful. The company installed its first laser system at a Taiwanese semiconductor factory. Akoneer’s capabilities allow it to produce 50 or more such systems per year. The goal is to create a standard product for chip integration that can be easily replicated and offered to the market. Akoneer’s Commercial Director T. Kildušis emphasizes that access to the end user and understanding of real customer problems are essential for successful commercialization of technologies.
SSAIL technology
SSAIL technology, which allows for engraving extremely thin electrical tracks on semiconductor wafers, has a competitive advantage. This technology is cheaper and faster than traditional lithography technologies, does not require expensive lithography masks and is more environmentally friendly, as it consumes less water, electricity and aggressive chemicals. SSAIL technology undoubtedly contributes to the progress of the global semiconductor industry. Akoneer’s success story shows how scientific research can be transformed into concrete products and create added value. The potential of SSAIL technology is enormous. Although the current focus is on the semiconductor industry, other areas of application may emerge in the future.
Benefits for Lithuania
The Lithuanian laser industry has great potential, and Akoneer’s success is likely to inspire other Lithuanian industrial companies to invest in innovation and cooperate with scientific institutions. The entrepreneurship and perseverance demonstrated by Akoneer once again prove that even a small country like Lithuania can achieve great results in the field of science and technology. The joint work of scientists from the Department of Laser Technologies of FTMC and Akoneer is an excellent example of how science and business can create a successful tandem that contributes to increasing Lithuania’s visibility in the world. Such cooperation is strategically important for our country, as it helps attract foreign investments, create highly qualified jobs and strengthen the country’s competitiveness in the global market. The Lithuanian government should continue to support joint projects between science and business so that the country can exploit its full potential in the field of innovation. It is important to continue investing in scientific research and technological development, promote cooperation between science and business, and create a favorable environment for innovation.
More about Akoneer success on the website “Verslo Žinios“.