A new photonics, laser processing and space technology centre was opened at Vilnius’ Visoriai Information Technology Park on January 19.
Its founders plan to develop a European-level ecosystem of space and optical technologies in the Lithuanian capital’s Visoriai neighbourhood, the Economy and Innovation Ministry said in a press release.
“At least two startups in defence and security technologies and photonics for space research have been born here in the last few months alone,” said Economy and Innovation Minister Ausrini Armonaite.
“Also, the European Space Agency’s Business Incubation Centre will be set up here this year, which will help at least 25 space start-ups to establish themselves over five years,” she added.
The new centre is home to the space technology company Kongsberg NanoAvionics, the laser micromachining companies Optogama and Optonas, the laser system developers Akoneer and Direct Machining Control, the defence and security technology companies Ados-Tech and Ados Pro, and the materials processing company Protogama. It will also host a digital innovation centre.
The value of the project totals 8.5 million euros, including 6.25 million euros in private investments and 2.25 million euros from the European Regional Development Fund. (LRT/Business World Magazine)