LITEK™ Cluster Members’ Achievements in 2025: International Recognition and Innovative Products
The year 2025 has been significant for LITEK™ cluster members UAB EKSPLA, UAB LITILIT’s subsidiary “Atžalas” UAB Altechna, and the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC). These cluster members have purposefully developed advanced laser technologies and strengthened Lithuania’s position in the international high-tech and scientific research arena.
International recognition
One of the most notable achievements this year is associated with UAB EKSPLA, one of Lithuania’s laser industry leaders. The company’s industrial femtosecond laser FemtoLux 50 was selected as a finalist for the prestigious international “Laser World of Photonics” innovation awards in the Laser Systems for Industrial Production Engineering category. This recognition confirms that the 50 W femtosecond laser meets the highest technological requirements and is acknowledged as one of the most advanced solutions in today’s photonics market.
The technological distinctiveness of FemtoLux 50 is based on an innovative Direct Refrigerant Cooling (DRC) system that operates without water. This solution significantly reduces the probability of failures, ensures longevity, and allows the laser to operate stably in continuous 24/7 mode without regular maintenance. These features are particularly important in industrial and manufacturing applications, where reliability, low operating costs, and compact system design are essential factors.
In addition to developing femtosecond lasers, UAB EKSPLA has also expanded its range of laser electronics solutions this year. The company’s assortment has been supplemented with new-generation laser diode drivers and uniLDD controllers, characterized by extremely stable current and low noise levels. These features are critically important for pulsed and continuous wave lasers used in both scientific research and industrial processes.
2025 has been an exceptional year for Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC) scientists Dr. Paulius Gečys and Dr. Juozas Dudutis, who earned significant international recognition by becoming laureates of the “Gentec-EO Laser Lab Awards” program. Thanks to this award, the FTMC Laser Research Department received a modern laser power measurement detector UP19K-15S-H5-BLU-D0. This equipment will significantly strengthen ultrashort pulse laser research capabilities and contribute to the quality of experimental work and student training.
Additionally, the FTMC Laser Technology Department was awarded the Lithuanian Laser Association’s “Innovation of the Year 2025” award for a new optical element – a polarizer and spatial filter operating at 0° incidence angle. This solution improves laser system performance and opens new possibilities for creating advanced optical systems.
Significant contribution to product development
The MAGIKAL project, successfully implemented by LITEK™ member UAB LITILIT’s subsidiary “Atžalas” for the second year, aims to create a globally distinctive, economically accessible femtosecond laser. The project focuses on reducing laser costs, maintenance expenses, increasing system operational efficiency, and shortening production and delivery times, thus creating conditions for broader application of these technologies in science and industrial sectors.
The MAGIKAL project’s total budget reaches approximately 2.01 million EUR, of which nearly 1.88 million EUR consists of European Union funding support. EU financial support for SMEs enables technological advancement and increases Lithuanian laser industry competitiveness in the international market.
UAB Altechna plays an important role in developing innovative laser technology products by actively participating in defense industry projects. The company, together with over 40 European partners, has begun implementing the TALOS-TWO project, dedicated to transferring directed energy laser systems (DEW) from experimental concepts to deployable systems. The project budget is 25,300,557.50 EUR, of which EU funding constitutes 25,000,000.00 EUR. Main activity areas include:
• Sovereign EU supply chains for high-power laser components,
• New laser source architectures for future laser weapons,
• Optics and optical coatings specially adapted to tactical environments,
• Optics vulnerability research and operational concepts for next-generation systems.
By implementing this project, UAB Altechna contributes to the development of a strategically important area for both Lithuania and all of Europe.
More information about scientific achievements and developed products can be found on UAB EKSPLA, UAB LITILIT, UAB ALTECHNA, FTMC LinkedIn accounts.
Photos: UAB EKSPLA, UAB LITILIT, UAB ALTECHNA, FTMC.
