The HiLASE Centre team joined partners from Czechia, Lithuania and Ukraine in Vilnius, on 5–7 November 2025 for the LASER-PRO consortium meeting and the Photonics Frontiers conference.
Hosted by the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC) and the Lithuanian Laser Association (LLA), the three-day event marked a milestone for the project, combining internal discussions on progress and strategy with a public conference focused on Europe’s photonics future.
Photonics Frontiers: Building Stronger Ecosystems Together
The Photonics Frontiers conference brought together researchers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and innovation leaders to explore how to strengthen Europe’s photonics ecosystem. Opening the conference, Czech Ambassador to Lithuania Aleš Opata underlined the strategic importance of international cooperation for innovation and economic growth. Tomáš Mocek, Head of the HiLASE Centre and LASER-PRO Coordinator, continued with his remarks:
“In Europe, we are very good at science — we publish a lot of excellent papers — but compared to other regions, we still struggle to turn this scientific excellence into industrial strength. That’s exactly what the LASER-PRO project is about: bridging the gap between research and the real market, and helping Europe move from discoveries to impact.”
Lithuania’s Photonics Leadership
A key focus of the event was Lithuania’s strong photonics ecosystem, presented by Gediminas Račiukaitis (LLA/FTMC), Darius Pauleitis (Innovation Agency Lithuania) and Rokas Klioštoraitis (Invest Lithuania). Photonics is recognised as a national priority, and Lithuania has built a globally competitive sector supported by effective public policy, strong research infrastructure, and an entrepreneurial mindset that drives innovation and international growth.
The conference also featured several success stories from Lithuania’s laser industry, including Light Conversion, the Department of Laser Technologies at FTMC, and Astrolight, illustrating how innovation and collaboration can turn cutting-edge research into global success.
Deepening Cross-Border Cooperation
A symbolic highlight of the meeting was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Lithuanian Laser Association and the Czech Optical Cluster, paving the way for closer industrial cooperation and new European initiatives.
The Czech delegation including HiLASE Centre, ELI Beamlines, Czech Optical Cluster, STAR Cluster, and the Central Bohemian Innovation Centre (SIC) showcased Czech expertise in high-power laser technologies, industrial applications, and innovation and education support programmes.
Ukrainian partners from Lviv Polytechnic National University, SID City, NoviNano, and Junior Achievement Ukraine played an active role throughout the meeting, sharing progress in research, innovation, and mentoring. Despite the current challenges, they continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience and scientific excellence, actively contributing to a stronger and more inclusive European photonics community.
Looking Forward
For the HiLASE team, the meeting in Vilnius was both a working session and a source of inspiration. Lithuania’s approach — treating photonics as a strategic national priority, aligning innovation policy, fostering collaboration between research and business, and promoting an entrepreneurial mindset — clearly shows how much impact a well-supported ecosystem can have.
Throughout the meeting, the consortium also benefited from the clear coordination and reliable project management provided by AMIRES, with Lenka Bajarová ensuring that discussions stayed focused, efficient, and forward-looking. Equally, the Lithuanian Laser Association (LLA), with Kristina Ananičienė actively supporting the programme and partner connections, helped ensure that discussions were meaningful and that Lithuanian strengths and opportunities were fully reflected throughout the meeting. Their contribution added clarity, structure, and continuity to the entire event.
At HiLASE, we aim to build on this inspiration as we continue strengthening Czechia’s photonics landscape and advancing European cooperation. Together with our Lithuanian and Ukrainian partners, we are working towards a connected photonics ecosystem that unites discovery, innovation, and industry driving Europe’s technological leadership forward.
More information about the LASER-PRO project, its goals, partners, and activities can be found on the official project website or LiN profile.
