Vilnius Emerges as a Hub for Scientists Transitioning from Academia to Startups
Vilnius is emerging as a center of talent in the life sciences sector. With a dynamic ecosystem that supports the transition from academia to entrepreneurship, the city has all the credentials to become a hub for scientific innovation and commercialisation.
Lithuania, with its capital Vilnius, has one of the highest rates of STEM graduates in Europe, with a strong focus on biotechnology and biomedical sciences. The country leads the EU in the share of women in science and technology, who make up 52% of all STEM professionals. The Lithuanian government has also recognized life sciences as a priority sector, implementing strategic initiatives aimed at doubling the sector’s contribution to GDP by 2030, up from the current 2.7%.
In line with this growing recognition, the third annual Researchers’ Grand Prix will take place on October 16 at Vilnius Town Hall, showcasing ten four-minute thesis presentations by young researchers. Topics will range from the effects of hormonal contraception on emotional well-being to how fashion influences identity and values. Supported by partners including the Lithuanian Science Council and Go Vilnius, the event aims to make science accessible and disseminate knowledge throughout society.
From academia to startups
One of the critical challenges in the life sciences sector globally is the commercialization of research. The story of Raimonda Bogužaitė, a young chemist and the winner of the Researchers’ Grand Prix 2023 reveals the possibilities within Lithuania’s life sciences ecosystem. She is currently studying at the Nanotechnology Department of the Physical and Technological Sciences Centre (FTSC) at the University of Vilnius, where she and her team are developing sensors for detecting various analytes, including diseases, allergens, and pollutants.
“I always want more,” Raimonda says. “I love innovation, and I enjoy helping to promote science, proving that science makes our lives better. I believe science inventions need to be publicized and put into practice for the benefit of all.”
Raimonda’s story shows the importance of a tight knit ecosystem, where academia and businesses collaborate: after winning the Researchers’ Grand Prix, she was invited to join the Baltic Sandbox Ventures program, a startup incubator for young entrepreneurs.
A collaborative ecosystem
The continued growth of Lithuania’s life sciences sector is a result of collaboration among academia, industry, and government. This helps to ensure that scientific discoveries do not remain confined to laboratories but reach the market where they can make a tangible impact.
Moreover, the country’s export market for pharmaceutical and healthcare products—92% of which are exported to over 100 countries—demonstrates the global reach and potential of Lithuanian innovations.
The future of life sciences in Lithuania
As Vilnius continues to build on its strengths, the future of its life sciences sector looks promising. The combination of a highly educated workforce, supportive government policies, and a vibrant startup ecosystem creates a fertile ground for scientific and commercial breakthroughs.
For young scientists like Raimonda, Vilnius offers opportunities to not only achieve academic excellence but also to become successful entrepreneurs. Her ambition to start a business is more than a personal dream—it represents a growing trend among Lithuanian researchers who are eager to take their innovations beyond the lab.
“Winning first place in the Researchers’ Grand Prix was a very motivating award, an important achievement that not only gave me more recognition and knowledge of the environment but also increased my confidence. The competition opened up other opportunities and avenues. I met a lot of interesting people who are interested in science and the application of science in business,” says Raimonda.
Despite the challenges she faces, Raimonda’s motivations remain undiminished. “The road to self-knowledge, motivation, learning, and development is a rocky one and requires a lot of effort,” she acknowledges. Her vision extends beyond personal success; she actively contributes to her community through initiatives like “Jaunimas YRA,” an organization she founded to support youth employment and development in her hometown of Marijampolė.
As Raimonda sums up her aspirations, she says, “I have a lot of new ideas in my head at the moment, which are likely to strengthen me as a person but also to contribute to the progress of science and innovation in Lithuania.”
Get your tickets to this year’s Researcher’s Grand Prix here: https://www.tyrejugrandprix.com/
