Lithuania holds the leader position in the field of lasers
The members of the Laser and Engineering Technologies Cluster (LITEK™) unanimously state that LITEK™ is particularly important for small and medium-sized companies in both cross-sectoral and international activities, discovering and creating new business opportunities abroad, developing research and experimental development and innovation (R&D). At the moment, the cluster unites 17 companies that are famous for their inventions and products all over the world.
Nikolajus Gavrillinas -the director and founder of ultra-short laser solutions JSC “Integrated Fiber Optics” says he joined the cluster three years ago. With the help of a cluster, he develops a revolutionary invention in the laser market, which has been patented worldwide and talks for its use are being held with various manufacturers and consumers. In his view, it is too weak to say that the cluster is helping its members, it is fairer to say: “The cluster strengthens each of its members at times”.
Many of the world’s specialized publications are writing about this invention and conferences, in this invention field, also begin. According to Nikolajus Gavrillinas, they have gone through a traditional cycle of invention, when scientists are initially interested in it, and when the benefits of the invention become apparent, after three to five years, the industry is interested in it. “With the help of a cluster, we are rapidly moving to a final product that is protected by global patents,”- says director.
Global giants are interested
“Molded Interconnect Devices (MID) on the molded thermoplastic surface of the part allows connecting electrical conductivity tracks and installing electronic components such as contact surfaces – antennas, sensors, switches – saving materials, reducing the weight of the device, its production is shortened, – says technology inventor Dr. Karolis Ratautas – MID has great potential in the automotive, aerospace, lighting, computer or medical equipment, where fast-growing innovations require an increase in the number of electronic components on the device. ”
The biggest MID technological challenge is the production of electric conductivity tracks. Because the technology is geared towards 3D complicated plastic parts, standard techniques are not suitable for production. FMTC has developed a combined laser-chemical selective metal deposition technology to form electrical conduction paths on dielectric surfaces. The circuit diagram can be written with a laser beam directly on plastic, glass or ceramic surface by modifying it and further selectively precipitating the copper in a chemical flow to the modified sites. This technology is more cost-effective compared to the technology used by the German company LPKF Laser & Electronics.
The naming of the benefits of cluster membership
Karolis Kvietkauskas, director of engineering design and innovative production JSC „3D prototipai“, says that the easiest way for a small and unknown company to become noticed and gain market presence is to join a cluster.
According to him, it is even more important that the cluster makes it easier to go to the Structural Funds, for example, to get financing for equipment. In addition, this, often very expensive, equipment in the cluster is rationalized for all its members. It is no less important that the entire investment project is managed by the cluster, which takes time-consuming activities from each company, for which a small company would not even be able to allocate resources, especially to manage large projects. It is equally important that the cluster attracts many foreign organizations, companies and even state delegations whose visit is an opportunity to find potential partners. The cluster also participates in numerous foreign events, where it represents its affiliates and presents its activities to potential clients.
Dr. Kęstutis Juškevičius, the Head of R&D in JSC “Altechna Coatings” – the company that already produces optical coatings for laser and laser systems for 22 years, says that the greatest value of the cluster is the ability to work closely with science and business, as well as making use of Structural Fund investments with other cluster members.
Not only the common yard unites
Nikolajus Gavrilinas points out that support for young and small innovators is crucial for enabling them to go and present their inventions at exhibitions, conferences and other global events. It is thanks to agencies funded programs, that help LITEK™ attract funds for presenting inventions in the world, as well as helping to prepare various documentation for funding or participation in the exhibition. According to N. Gavrilinas, it would be an unachievable task for a number of innovators in their field without cluster assistance.
“Today I can assert that relations with LITEK™ members are multifaceted, including buyers of both our products, our suppliers, and joint project executives. The technical capabilities have also been expanded by the acquisition of various machine tools, other sophisticated and necessary equipment, which individual member would not make sense to buy,”- says Vytautas Gatelis. He also notes that the cluster has greatly increased the attention to each member because it is visited by top state delegations and business missions.
“One of the biggest challenges in cluster work is building mutual trust and fostering strong collaborative relationships despite competition. LITEK™ demonstrates by its performance that it is not only possible but also economically beneficial. Fostering and strengthening clustering in Lithuania is an important investment: EU-wide clusters are prioritized for a number of reasons, but above all for their potential for innovation, “-Kęstutis Šetkus, director of Agency for Science, Innovation and Technology (MITA), commented praising one of the 10 clusters of Lithuania LITEK™ which can be proud of the international certificate – the „Bronze Label“.
LITEK™ participates in the project “Promotion and Development of Innovation Networking (InoLink)”. InoLink is a project of the EU measure Inogeb LT, which is implemented by MITA together with the Lithuanian Innovation Center. The aim of the project is to promote the merger of companies into clusters, increase cluster maturity, promote growth and international cooperation. The project and its activities are funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
The source of the text: Verslo žinios
Photos by Vladimir Ivanov / Verslo žinios