FTMC LASER-PRO Project: New Opportunities for Lithuania’s Laser Technology Ecosystem
The Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC), a member of the Laser and Engineering Technologies Cluster LITEK™, together with international partners, is successfully implementing the LASER-PRO project (Excellence in Laser Technology for Sustainable European Prosperity).
The LASER-PRO project unites 18 partners from the Czech Republic, Lithuania, and Ukraine. The consortium is coordinated by the Czech research center HiLASE. This project was selected from 205 submitted applications – only 11 initiatives received funding, which confirms LASER-PRO’s exceptional value and potential.
The project’s objective is to create a comprehensive laser technology innovation ecosystem that seamlessly connects the academic community, industry, government, and society. The four-year project (2025–2028) focuses on developing a joint research and innovation strategy, implementing pilot projects that meet regional and national industrial needs, and training a new generation of researchers, engineers, and entrepreneurs in the field of laser technology.
Benefits for Lithuania’s Laser Technology Sector
Participation in the LASER-PRO project provides Lithuania’s laser technology ecosystem with the following significant advantages:
Access to new markets. The Czech Republic, as a manufacturing-oriented country with a strong automotive glass industry, is becoming a strategic market for Lithuanian laser technology applications. As emphasized by the project leader Dr. Gediminas Račiukaitis, this is a valuable opportunity to enter the Czech industrial market – both for FTMC and the entire Lithuanian laser technology ecosystem.
Knowledge and experience exchange. Lithuania’s laser technology sector, being one of the global leaders, has accumulated unique competencies. Czech partners are actively interested in this experience, while Lithuania gains the opportunity to learn from Czech industry-science collaboration models.
Infrastructure and network strengthening. The international seminar “Photonics Horizons: Building Stronger Ecosystems Together,” held in Vilnius on November 6, 2024, was an important milestone. During the event, the Lithuanian Laser Association (LLA) and the Czech Optics Cluster (COC) signed a memorandum of understanding. These organizations bring together more than 60 and 45 institutions respectively, operating in the fields of laser and photonics technologies.
Support for SMEs. The project actively supports SMEs and mid-cap companies, helping them leverage laser technology innovations to increase market competitiveness. This is particularly relevant for LITEK™ cluster members, such as UAB Akoneer and other industrial companies.
Research Areas and Development of New Competencies
The LASER-PRO project focuses on four main research areas: digital and 3D printing, innovations in biomedicine, semiconductor technologies, and sustainable manufacturing. These directions directly align with the competencies of LITEK™ cluster members and provide opportunities to develop new technologies.
The project also strengthens Ukraine’s innovation ecosystem by integrating Ukrainian partners into European research through mentorship programs, opening new collaboration opportunities for Lithuanian companies.
LASER-PRO 2026 Event Program: From Strategy to Practical Solutions
The project’s main events in 2026 will take place not only in the Czech Republic, but also in Lithuania and Ukraine, actively integrating into traditional European conferences and regional innovation ecosystems. The annual event program consists of the first LASER-PRO conference, the ROBUSTA event, a leadership academy, and specialized seminars, industry meetings, training sessions, and business networking formats organized by partners. Together, these 2026 events form the foundation of LASER-PRO community building – less talk, more action, and a clear path from innovation to results.
LASER-PRO Open Call: Opportunities for SMEs and Mid-Cap Companies
An online seminar dedicated to presenting the LASER-PRO open call will take place on February 13, 2026, at 1:00 PM (Central European Time). This webinar provides a clear and practical overview of the LASER-PRO open call: funding schemes designed to support SMEs and mid-cap companies using advanced laser technologies to create innovative solutions.
Participants will learn:
- What the LASER-PRO open call is and which technology areas it covers
- Who can apply and what the application evaluation deadlines are
- About application evaluation criteria and the assessment process
- How to prepare a strong application – from registration to submission
Questions can be submitted through SLIDO now or during the seminar.
More information and registration: https://url-shortener.me/9WDW
