Atrandi partners in "Implementation of mission-driven science and innovation programmes" project

Project coordinator: VšĮ Innovation Agency

Project partners:

• Kaunas University of Technology consortium (Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Mykolas Romeris University, Association Infobalt, UAB Devslate Group, UAB Novian pro, Lithuanian Cybercrime Competence and Research Centre, UAB Transcendent Group Baltics, UAB Getweb, UAB Acrux cyber services, UAB NRD CS, Baltic Institute of Advanced Technologies)

• Vilnius Gediminas Technical University Consortium (Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists, Lithuanian Innovation Centre, Saulėtekis Valley Science and Technology Park, Kaunas Science and Technology Park, UAB SG dujos Auto, UAB Arginta, UAB 3D Creative, UAB Ekobaze, UAB Provectus Redivivus, AB Kelių priežiūra, UAB Soli Tek R&D, UAB Nanoversa).

• Vilnius University Consortium (Vilnius University, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, State Research Institute of Physical Sciences and Technology, UAB Femtika, UAB Droplet Genomics, UAB Caszyme, UAB Cureline Baltic, UAB Vugene).

Project description:

The project "Implementation of Mission-Based Science and Innovation Programmes" is implemented in three priority mission themes under the smart specialisation priorities:

• „Secure and Inclusive e-Society" - implemented by the Kaunas University of Technology consortium;

• "Smart and Climate Neutral Lithuania" - implemented by the Vilnius Gediminas Technical University consortium;

• "Innovations for Health" - implemented by the Vilnius University Consortium.

Missions in different themes promote joint science-business cooperation projects, develop and commercialise business and scientific ideas through start-ups/ spin-offs, conduct basic or early-stage research, fill existing gaps in services and infrastructure for research and experimental development (R&D) activities at high levels of technological readiness. The project will address the lack of incubators for spin-offs/startups, prototyping spaces, pilot production lines.

The project activities will be implemented by April 2026. During this period, 3 Centres of Excellence will be set up (one per theme), 23 R&D projects will be implemented, 41 prototypes and 32 unique products will be developed, 19 international patent applications will be filed, 55 scientific publications will be published, and 21 start-ups/spinoffs will be established.

Under the theme "Innovations for Health", the Vilnius University consortium aims to establish a Gene Technology Centre of Excellence, which will bring together clusters of state-of-the-art scientific equipment (next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics, cytometry and cell sorting, microscopy and imaging, cell cultures, microbiology, bioengineering, and mass spectrometry) and the expertise of multidisciplinary scientists. This will ensure the efficient pursuit of new biomedical applications and the improvement of existing treatment strategies, with a particular focus on age-related diseases and cancers. Together with an advanced infrastructure and a business-like governance structure, the consortium will aim to have a positive impact on national R&D progress, healthcare and the economy.

The consortium's 7 mission R&D projects are designed to strengthen the multidisciplinary expertise of researchers, to develop and bring to market the most relevant R&D products and new scientific knowledge in these areas:

• U-LAVS - Ultra-fast laser-induced in vitro DNA fragment synthesis.
• ONCOINTEGRA - Development of a clinical multi-omics platform for oncology diagnostics and advanced therapeutics.
• GET-TOOLS - Advancing genome editing through the development of TnpB and miniaturized RNA-guided tools.
• HEMATO - Developing a collection of universal immunocompatible cells for cell therapies.
• IMMUNO - Innovative cellular immunotherapy tools for the treatment of cancerous tumours.
• SECURE - Safer and smaller gene editing tools for the in vivo treatment of genetic eye diseases.
• SINGLET - Single cell multiomics and microfluidics for biomedical applications.

Project objectives:

• "Secure and Inclusive e-Society" - to increase cyber resilience and reduce the risks of privacy breaches and personal data leakage, which will contribute to improving Lithuania's cybersecurity situation and ensure a safer and more inclusive digital society.

• "Smart and Climate Neutral Lithuania - to improve the quality of the environment and reduce air pollution by contributing to the reduction of Lithuania's greenhouse gas emissions and promoting the use of sustainable solutions in the construction sector and accelerating the transformation of the construction market towards sustainability and zero waste.

• "Innovations for Health - setting up a competence centre for gene technology.

Project activities:

• Investments in Centres of Excellence - Establishment of 3 Centres of Excellence (construction and acquisition of R&D equipment);
• Joint Mission Programmes - implementation of 23 R&D projects;
• Innovation support and advisory services.

Project value: €94.728 million

Project funding: €88.530 million (financed by the Economic Recovery and Resilience Plan "Next Generation Lithuania" and the State Budget of the Republic of Lithuania)