On 28 August, the annual conference “Lasers. Science and Technology 2026” brought together Lithuania’s laser and photonics community, representatives of science, industry and the public sector, as well as experts from other high-tech industries.
This year’s conference took place at a special moment for Lithuania’s laser sector, marking 60 years since the first laser was fired in Lithuania. Over six decades, the country has developed from its first scientific research and experiments into an internationally competitive laser ecosystem. The conference therefore provided an opportunity not only to reflect on the journey and achievements of the sector, but also to discuss what is needed for the next stage of Lithuania’s technological growth.
The programme looked at the current state and future prospects of Lithuania’s laser sector within the broader Lithuanian and European technology landscape. Discussions covered Europe’s strategic priorities in photonics and their relevance to Lithuania, opportunities for the development of Lithuania’s high-tech industry, perspectives from the semiconductor and defence sectors, talent development, and the conditions needed for further growth of the technology sector.
An important focus of the conference was not only the potential of individual industries, but also the areas where their interests converge and the broader technological ambition of Lithuania. Following the presentation of the Lithuanian Engineering Technologies Roadmap, the panel discussion addressed a central question: Are the priorities and measures currently in place sufficient to achieve a real technological breakthrough in Lithuania?
The question was explored from several perspectives by Martynas Barkauskas, CEO of Light Conversion, representing the laser industry; Ernestas Zdaniauskis, CEO of Semikona / AGP Investments Group, representing the semiconductor sector; Vincas Jurgutis, Senior Adviser at the Lithuanian Defence and Security Industry Association, representing the defence industry; and Tomas Garuolis, Head of the Industrial Policy Division at the Ministry of the Economy and Innovation of the Republic of Lithuania.
The discussion explored what is still missing for Lithuania’s high-tech sectors to grow, where the interests of lasers, semiconductors, defence and other engineering technology industries overlap, and what could be achieved by pooling competencies and resources. The panellists also considered what concrete decisions by government, industry and the technology community are needed today so that, in the future, Lithuania can speak not only about the potential for a technological breakthrough, but about its tangible results.
Celebrating the achievements and people of our community
As part of the conference, the Lithuanian laser community traditionally recognised some of its notable achievements.
The “Breakthrough of the Year 2026” award was presented to the Department of Laser Technologies at the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC) for a breakthrough in the application of laser microfabrication technologies for a hybrid energy harvesting device.
Another “Breakthrough of the Year 2026” award went to Light Conversion for ViPalace – a project that will create 200 new jobs in Lithuania’s laser sector.
These two achievements represent different but equally important dimensions of the growth of Lithuania’s laser ecosystem: the development and application of new technologies, and the expansion of the industry through the creation of new highly skilled jobs in Lithuania.
Talent development and inspiring the younger generation to pursue physics, technology and engineering remain a continuous priority for the Lithuanian Laser Association and the wider community. During the conference, teachers A. Storta (Trakai Vytautas Magnus Gymnasium), I. Jančionytė (Molėtai Gymnasium) and S. Traigienė (Vilnius Jesuit High School) were recognised for their contribution to nurturing young talent and encouraging students’ interest in science.
Teachers play an important role in the growth of the entire ecosystem – the journey of future scientists, engineers and technology creators often begins at school.
60 years of history – and a look ahead
The 60th anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on the journey of Lithuania’s laser sector while also considering the environment in which we operate today. The history of Lithuania’s laser industry demonstrates that technological breakthroughs do not happen overnight. They are built through long-term investment in science and people, business ambition, collaboration between science and industry, and the ability to identify areas in which Lithuania can compete internationally.
This is why this year’s conference focused not only on what has already been achieved, but also on the decisions we need to make today to ensure that the success story of Lithuania’s laser and other high-tech sectors continues for decades to come.
As every year, “Lasers. Science and Technology” was more than a venue for presentations and discussions. The conference brought the community together for conversations, new connections, ideas and collaboration – the very elements that have been an integral part of Lithuania’s laser ecosystem throughout its six decades of development.
We thank all speakers, panellists, partners, teachers and the entire Lithuanian laser community for their engagement, insights and for being part of this year’s conference.
