Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VGTU) starts fundamental renewal of its study programmes: the new study programmes will provide not only qualification, but also will help in taking the first steps towards starting own business. This spring the first programme to be renewed is Master in Aeronautical Engineering at VGTU’s Antanas Gustaitis Aviation Institute (AGAI). 

Graduates from various bachelor programmes in technology studies are invited to join their forces, use their specific knowledge and implement their ideas in a start-up culture by working in teams on new product prototypes. Students of the renewed programme will get assistance from both the experienced academics and business experts. 

“We have designed a study programme where we will nourish students’ engineering curiosity, a drive to design and build things, and will provide them with a freedom to implement their ideas by giving full support to launch a start-up. This programme is a unique source of future skills and could be compared to a two-year hackathon where prototypes are designed and built based on scientific research,” Justas Nugaras, the Dean of AGAI, describes the new programme.   

Previously, this programme was called Aviation Mechanics and, according to the authors of the programme, it became too narrow for the modern world. The new programme has entirely new goals. It will focus not only on knowledge, but also on building the foundations for successful future start-ups in aeronautics. 

Will solve problems of the future

Students of the programme will get assistance from experienced professionals and academics in four areas: unmanned aerial vehicles, nanosatellites, 3D printing for aeronautic systems, and innovations in military aeronautics. 

“The programme provides competences needed to solve problems of the future, because aeronautical business will keep on developing in the world and, of course, in Lithuania as well. In addition, the increasing use of drones changes the way we understand aviation. A very important aspect of the renewed programme is that in addition to fundamental knowledge and skills in aeronautical engineering the programme focuses on students’ entrepreneurship and provides mentorship programme that will lead towards a new start-up. The students will build the prototypes of new products and will get all the assistance to start their own business,” says J. Nugaras.

According to the Dean, master students in Aeronautical Engineering will have more freedom to choose courses as compared to other study programmes. The programme will focus on the development of an engineering mindset. What’s more, students will be able to choose prototype manufacturing courses, learn about quality control and how research is carried out. The programme will have an integrated course on management, marketing, start-up launch and project management. 

During the whole process, students will have weekly consultations with research supervisors on aeronautical solutions, and development of a start-up will be supported by mentors and “Futurepreneurs” programme.  

“It is very important that the final result of the programme is a real functioning prototype. I must say, we have so many ideas, but proof of concept is very rare. When you have both, the world of business incubators is more welcoming, and there are more opportunities to receive funding. We are here to help our students to seize those opportunities,” emphasises J. Nugaras. 

The programme is open to graduates from various bachelor programmes

According to the Dean, this programme may serve as a springboard towards a very promising new world for students who have creative technological potential, but lack knowledge in aviation. 

“This programme is open to all students who have a degree in engineering. Usually, these students already have basic knowledge that we require. Additionally, they will have to take three courses in aviation. These courses will be offered via online platforms of the top universities in the world.

The online courses can be completed, depending on the chosen intensity of studies, within several months from anywhere in the world; thus, if students are admitted to the programme in the end of June or in July, they have enough time to complete the required courses before September,” explained the Dean of AGAI.

He emphasised that the authors of the programme are particularly interested in having people with very diverse pool of competences on the programme, future professionals who previously might not have had such opportunities in Lithuania.  Graduates from various programmes in engineering will work in teams, and will be encouraged to apply their knowledge. This way there will be a broader pool of ideas.

“We expect to see here students from other departments of engineering: electronics, mechanics, informatics or transport. The prototypes will be built in teams. We believe that the convergence of knowledge will be our strength,” sais  J. Nugaras.