Beyond Hiring, What Are the Initiatives Shaping the Future of Lithuania’s Tech Industry?
Vilnius is growing as a tech powerhouse, and the need for skilled IT professionals comes with it. To meet this need, the city is paying extra attention to talent development through business-led initiatives like Tech Mugė and various mentorship programs, while companies like Nortal are integrating AI into training to ensure long-term growth.
As Vilnius attracts more global tech companies and sees a steady rise in IT job growth, the demand for skilled professionals continues to climb. This challenge is not unique to Lithuania—Eurostat data reveals that more than 60% of EU enterprises that recruited or tried to recruit ICT specialists had difficulties in filling vacancies. Addressing this gap requires more than just hiring; it calls for sustained investment in education, mentorship, and workforce development.
Julija Rimšelė, CEO of Vilnius Coding School, acknowledges the ongoing talent shortage in IT but also highlights the progress made. “Better access to IT education, an influx of international talent, and stronger business-academia ties are driving change. In 2019, Lithuania had 41,900 employed ICT specialists—by 2023, that number had grown to 70,600,” she explained.
However, the demand for skilled professionals still outpaces supply. Rimšelė emphasizes the need for more practical, industry-aligned training — such as real-world projects and mentorship programs— to better prepare graduates. She also highlights the importance of attracting talent from diverse backgrounds—including career changers and those outside traditional university pathways. Companies, she adds, must take an active role in training and mentoring new professionals to ensure Lithuania’s tech sector remains competitive in the years ahead.
Tech mugė: Lithuania’s largest IT talent fair
One initiative bringing the ecosystem together is Tech Mugė, the country’s largest IT talent fair, happening in Vilnius, drawing 2,000 to 3,000 attendees annually. It is the only event of its kind in Lithuania, offering a space where IT hiring businesses, career changers, IT professionals or anyone interested in the industry, can connect beyond formal recruitment.
“Tech Mugė was created to fill a gap in Lithuania’s tech scene—a dedicated space where job seekers, career changers, and employers could connect in an IT-focused setting. More than just a job fair, it has grown to become the country’s largest tech talent event, where companies showcase opportunities, talent connects with mentors, and the community comes together in hopes of shaping the industry’s future,” said Rimšelė. “It seems to be resonating with the ecosystem, as at the last fair, we noticed that the number of seats we set aside for listening to presentations were no longer enough.”
Balancing AI tools with mentorship to develop talent
With strong government support, advanced digital infrastructure, and a collaborative tech community, Vilnius has become an attractive destination for businesses investing in talent. Nortal, a global digital solutions provider, emphasizes hands-on learning and mentorship as key to developing skilled professionals. “Lithuanian engineers are highly talented and seek purposeful work,” noted Milda Simanauskaitė, Head of Communications at Nortal. “We focus on long-term growth, ensuring employees can make a real impact.”
As AI takes over routine tasks, companies must rethink how they train new talent. Without entry-level opportunities today, the industry risks a future shortage of experienced professionals. To address this, Nortal’s Leap program integrates AI tools into early-career training, balancing technology with essential human skills.
“Talent development is a long-term investment,” said Simanauskaitė. “We introduce AI from day one but also prioritize mentorship, teamwork, and problem-solving—things no algorithm can replace. If junior roles disappear, we risk losing an entire generation of experienced professionals.”
This shift is already shaping workforce development, making it critical for companies to integrate AI into training rather than replace junior roles entirely. A balanced approach ensures a steady pipeline of skilled professionals who can think critically, collaborate, and adapt—capabilities that remain uniquely human.
Unlike larger markets dominated by global brands, Lithuania’s tech ecosystem offers a more personal, community-driven approach. “In Lithuania, talent is motivated, curious, and eager to contribute,” explained Simanauskaitė. “Without the pressure of competing against massive corporations, we can build stronger, long-term relationships with employees.”
