News from the Knowledge and Technology Transfer Centre

VILNIUS TECH students are invited to participate in the SMARCO international project, which is developing innovative short-term training modules aimed at building smarter, more sustainable, and more resilient communities across Europe. The project offers short (up to 4-hour) training modules designed to provide students and early-career professionals with practical skills in smart cities, community resilience, sustainability, procurement, and planning.   Why participate? Free of charge Only 4 hours per module Flexible learning formats: online, hybrid, or in person Self-paced learning Valuable for studies, career development, and upskilling Opportunity to contribute to shaping Europe’s future smart and resilient communities The modules are ideal for VET students (EQF level 5) and university students in engineering, planning, sustainability, public administration, and related fields. The pilot phase starts in March 2026. Interested students are invited to complete the Expression of Interest form. Join the pilot, gain relevant smart-community skills, and contribute to an international initiative shaping the future of Europe’s communities.

Imagine that to try on glasses, all you need to do is look into your phone’s camera. The system recognises your face, determines its scale, “removes” the glasses you are currently wearing, measures all the necessary parameters and instantly recommends frames and lenses that fit you perfectly. This is not a distant future but the direction in which artificial intelligence and 3D technologies are rapidly progressing, transforming our shopping habits. Virtual try-on technology for eyewear, which became popular during the pandemic, is now an integral part of modern optical retail. Global brands such as Mister Spex already use it, and its developers – for example, Fittingbox – claim that virtual try-ons can triple sales. Still, even if you find frames you like in an online shop, one question often remains: will the size actually fit? “The accuracy of virtual frame fitting completely depends on correct scale estimation,” explains Dr Artūras Serackis, a researcher involved in the SustAInLivWork project that is establishing the Artificial Intelligence Competence Centre, and a professor at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University. “For the frames to appear precisely positioned on the face in a virtual environment, the system must know not only the scale of the glasses but also the scale of the person’s face in the image. This is one of the most complex technological challenges.” According to him, the same issue arises when trying to accurately measure parameters such as pupillary distance from a photo. In such cases, a reference object with known dimensions is required. “For instance, Fittingbox uses standard-sized bank cards. The user briefly places a card next to their face, and the system determines the scale based on it. But is this practical today, when most payments are made via smartphone and many people do not carry physical cards anymore?” notes the researcher. Trying on Glasses Without Removing Your Own Dr Serackis and his colleagues are currently focusing on advanced facial-analysis technologies capable of automatically assessing image quality, facial orientation and measurement accuracy. “For example, it is crucial that the face in the photo is parallel to the camera axis – otherwise measurement errors can increase significantly,” he stresses. AI models identify key facial points and analyse their positions to determine the exact head orientation. Although many AI models can recognise up to 468 facial landmarks, the number alone does not guarantee accurate measurements. High-precision results require highly reliable methods, including assessment of lighting direction, type and intensity, as well as other factors that influence image quality. “Consider a situation where someone wants to try on glasses while already wearing a pair – which likely happens in over 98 percent of cases. It is far more convenient to use the service without taking off your own glasses. In such cases, we need another class of AI models that can detect glasses and ‘remove’ them from the image,” explains Dr Serackis. Generative AI can remove glasses from a photo, but this introduces the risk of distortions, reducing measurement accuracy. This challenge has sparked a new research direction, requiring advanced computing infrastructure and specialised AI training servers. The Biggest Challenge: Cost of Preparing 3D Models Once the system accurately estimates scale, extracts the necessary facial parameters and “removes” existing glasses, the next step is virtual try-on of different frames – including size adjustment. This requires a 3D model of each frame design. “Eyewear manufacturers do not publish their 3D models, so obtaining them directly is impossible. To have a 3D model, we must create it ourselves: either by manually modelling it in specialised software, which is time-consuming and requires skilled specialists, or by physically scanning the frame and post-processing the model. The third option is to use AI models capable of generating 3D frame models automatically based on product images from online shops,” he says. The main challenge here is the cost of producing 3D models. Frame collections are updated at least twice a year, and hundreds of new designs appear annually. If each model had to be created manually, virtual try-on services would become financially impractical or offer only a limited selection. “At first glance, there seem to be plenty of 3D scanning solutions available, but in practice they have significant limitations. High-resolution scanners designed for jewellery capture too small an area – glasses simply don’t fit. Meanwhile, handheld scanners designed for larger objects struggle to reproduce thin frame elements accurately,” explains the SustAInLivWork researcher. Towards a Next-Generation Measurement System According to Dr Serackis, the arrival of NVIDIA technologies such as NeRF and later advanced alternatives like One-2-3-45++ has allowed AI to predict the full shape of an object from a single image and generate 3D models. However, for eyewear, such models are not yet specialised enough – they often produce asymmetries or distorted proportions. Moreover, most are not designed to work with multiple images, though this capability is essential in this field. “That’s why we are developing alternative, original methods: step by step we analyse the classical 3D modelling process and look for ways to automate each stage using AI. Although we have not yet reached a breakthrough, we are working with leading AI and computer-vision experts in Lithuania – within the SustAInLivWork centre and partner institutions at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University. With powerful computing resources for AI training, we are confident that in the coming years we will develop a highly advanced solution for working with eyewear frames,” he says. SustAInLivWork is the first competence centre of its kind in Lithuania, systematically consolidating knowledge and skills in AI. It brings together four leading Lithuanian universities – Kaunas University of Technology, Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, and Vilnius Gediminas Technical University – in partnership with Tampere University (Finland) and Hamburg University of Technology (Germany). It is a long-term, cross-sectoral platform connecting science, business, the public sector, and society. The SustAInLivWork project is funded by the Horizon Europe programme (No. 101059903) and by the European Union funds for 2021–2027 (Project No. 10-042-P-0001).  

Registration opens for sports innovation hackathon “SportHack 2025” with the motto “Ideas in Motion!,” the sports innovation hackathon “SportHack 2025” will take place from November 11 to 15.    The event will be held in a hybrid format, with participants working both remotely and on-site, and the final day will take place in the capital city of Latvia at Riga Stradiņš University (RSU).  The goal of the hackathon is to foster the creation of new, technology-based solutions in the sports industry, with the best ideas competing for a prize fund of 5,000 euros. The event will be conducted in English. During the hackathon, participants are invited to find solutions in four main tracks: artificial intelligence in sports, enhancing the fan experience, sustainable sports, and open innovation, with challenges defined by partners such as “Decathlon”, the Latvian Olympic Committee, the “Rimi Riga Marathon” and Riga Stradiņš University. “In 2020, during the pandemic, when we organized the first sports innovation hackathon, SportHack 2020, the event's motto was ‘Let’s beat the crisis together.’ This year, after a five-year break, we are back with fresh energy, as technology is transforming every aspect of life. We invite everyone passionate about sports to create innovative solutions for an industry that engages all of society. Sports is a field with immense technological potential, and we want to unlock it,” says Kārlis Skuja, Head of the open innovation community "WindHackers", that is organizing “SportHack 2025”.  The hackathon welcomes new idea authors, teams, and early-stage startups. To encourage the development of successful solutions, participants with diverse skills—including business development, marketing, design, programming, and other fields—are especially encouraged to apply. “The SportHack 2025 hackathon is a crucial launchpad for innovation, bringing together participants from various industries and even countries to co-create ideas and solutions that are urgently needed for the industry's development. It is particularly valuable that the hackathon focuses on a wide range of topics—from the application of artificial intelligence to enriching the fan experience and open innovation. I am confident that the hackathon will result in sustainable solutions that will change not only the daily lives of sports professionals but also how each of us experiences sports every day,” says Diāna Laipniece, Director of the RSU Latvian Academy of Sport Education.   Before the hackathon, on October 22 and 29, online informative events will be held to help better understand how startups are already changing the sports industry using technological solutions. Latvian sports technology startups—Hackmotion, Blue Shock Race, and Tournated—will share their success stories. Meanwhile, representatives from RSU, Tilde, and the Latvian Olympic Committee will discuss current topics and trends in sports education, research, and technology. The goal of these events is to educate and inspire new ideas, encouraging those who have not yet decided to participate to join the hackathon.   Meanwhile, on November 13 and 14, the laboratories of RSU, RTU, and the University of Latvia will open their doors to hackathon participants, offering on-site insights into prototyping opportunities, meetings with experts, and feedback on their ideas and solutions. The event is supported by a wide range of partners and supporters: “Decathlon,” Latvian Olympic Committee (LOK), Riga Stradiņš University (RSU), “HackMotion,” “Workland,” “Rimi Riga Marathon,” the City of Riga, “Tele2,” “Lovable,” “Tilde,” “Emergn,” “HackTribe,” “Unilab,” University of Latvia (LU), Riga Technical University (RTU), Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU), Tallinn University of Technology (TALTECH), Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH), TV3 Group, the City of Liepāja, “Tournated,” Latvian Sports Federation Council (LSFP), “SportTech Latvia”, “PwC Legal”  and “Blue Shock Race”. The event is organized by the open innovation community “WindHackers,” which aims to promote interdisciplinary cooperation and foster the development of innovative, technology-based business ideas. For more information and to register for the event, please visit www.sporthack.co. Registration is open until November 6. Contact Information:  Kārlis Skuja Head of “WindHackers” Tālr.: + 371 29 345 995  E-pasts: sporthack@windhackers.com SportHack Media kit (Logo, Images)

The Contemporary Art Centre (CAC) invites students from various disciplines and levels to participate in the educational programme Loaded Silence. Now in its fifth year, the programme combines the disciplines of political science and art. As usual, it will consist of both public and private meetings, discussions, and workshops. This year’s programme focuses on the relationship culture and social sciences have with war and militarisation. The exhibition Bells and Cannons, which opens at the Contemporary Art Centre on 16 October, will serve as a starting point for dialogue. Through artworks, discussions and texts, the exhibition aims to explore how militarisation affects contemporary life, what circumstances have led to the current situation, and what we can expect in the future. The programme will not seek definitive answers. Instead, participants are invited to engage in uncomfortable reflections on current tensions and what it means to live in loaded silence. We will consider how these changes affect not only the geopolitical and security situation but also the cultural field in a broader sense. Rather than a straightforward occurrence, militarisation will be examined as a process that has direct ties to both the role of the artist and power structures. How are we to talk about these issues when they are no longer just theoretical, and the current security situation is forcing us to face them head-on? Participants are welcome to visit exhibitions and join discussions, readings, video and film screenings, and meetings with representatives from the fields of art and politics. The participants will be working together with the programme’s curators and mentors Jogilė Ulinskaitė (VU TSPMI) and Vytenis Burokas (VAA). PROGRAMME DURATION: October 2025 – January 2026 MEETING SCHEDULE: 17/10 12:30 pm – first meeting at the CAC 29/10 12:30 pm 12/11 12:30 pm 26/11 12:30 pm 10/12 12:30 pm 07/01/2026 – final meeting (6 meetings/seminars, each lasting 1.5–2 hours. The schedule may be adjusted to suit the participant group.) GROUP: 20 participants LANGUAGE: If necessary, the sessions may be conducted in English Participation is free of charge. We invite you to register by 14 October 2025, by sending a motivational letter (up to 1,500 characters) at edukacija@cac.lt with the subject line ‘PROGRAMME FOR STUDENTS _ Name Surname’. Selected participants will be notified by 15 October. We trust that those selected will make every effort to attend the sessions. PROGRAMME CREATORS AND MENTORS JOGILĖ ULINSKAITĖ is an Associate Professor at the Institute of International Relations and Political Sciences, Vilnius University (VU TSPMI). Her research is currently focused on the discourse of populist parties and the memory of post-communist transformation. VYTENIS BUROKAS is an artist, curator, and lecturer. Burokas completed his Master’s studies n Contemporary Sculpture and Art Education at the Vilnius Academy of Arts (VAA). He has worked as an education and exhibition curator at the LNMA National Gallery of Art and currently teaches in the Sculpture Department of the VAA. PROJECT CURATOR MARGARITA ŽIGUTYTĖ is the curator of the CAC education programme. Her current interests lie in radical rest.  

Artificial intelligence, climate change, enhancement of Lithuania’s defense, digitalization, and livable cities – these are just a few of today’s most pressing topics both in Lithuania and globally. These topics will be explored by experts from Lithuania and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) at a conference this autumn titled Human and More-Than-Human Futures: Innovating Technologies for Coexistence. The event will be broadcast live by Lithuanian National Radio and Television.   The conference, which will be held on 9–10 October in Vilnius and Kaunas, is organized by the Consortium of 12 major Lithuanian universities, research centers, and companies, coordinated by Vytautas Magnus University (VMU). The event has been made possible by an agreement with MIT’s Center for International Studies and MIT International Science and Technology Initiatives (MISTI).   The conference will bring together Lithuanian and MIT scientists, as well as representatives from Lithuanian business and industry, to discuss the challenges of technological transformations. The discussions will cover today’s most relevant issues associated with quantum technologies, resilient cities, energy, biotechnology, education, and other fields.   “This conference will bring together scientists, the academic community, and leaders from politics and industry. We hope that this conference marks the beginning of a long-term partnership that will strengthen Lithuania’s research, promote innovation, and open up new spaces for our talents to collaborate with U.S. scientists”, notes Dr. Gintaras Valinčius, Chairman of the Research Council of Lithuania.   MIT is a recognized leader in science and innovation. The university is affiliated with over 100 Nobel Prize Laureates and has more than 80 MacArthur Fellows, about 20 Turing Award winners, and many other award recipients. In fiscal year 2024, MIT researchers filed over 600 new U.S. patents and formed over 20 companies using MIT intellectual property. Focus on New Ideas   This interdisciplinary conference aims to understand complex technologies by discussing the prerequisites of justice and well-being necessary for coexistence. Participants will share knowledge and explore ways to create a better future in which people, technology, and nature coexist harmoniously. The main focus will be on new ideas for transitioning from merely “smart” technologies to systems that are sensory and self-learning. In other words, methods will be sought on how to develop technologies that not only follow commands but also adapt to humans and consider their environment, with humans still remaining the key creators and users. The delegation from MIT will be led by Prof. Duane Boning, Vice Provost for International Activities, and include about ten faculty and researchers.   The first day of the conference, October 9th, will take place at Vilnius University. Among the speakers will be Prof. Jessika Trancik from MIT Institute for Data, Systems, and Society, and Director of the Sociotechnical Systems Research Center who analyzes innovations and technologies designed to tackle major climate and energy challenges. Her research helps determine which technologies – from electric vehicles and solar power to energy storage – are the most effective. Lithuanian presenters in the same session, which is dedicated to livable cities, will include architects Prof. Gintaras Stauskis from Vilnius Gediminas Technical University and Prof. Kęstutis Zaleckis from Vilnius Academy of Arts.    The session on the Factories of the Future — exploring the intersection of manufacturing and data science — as well as on quantum technologies and other cutting-edge innovations, will feature insights from one of the world’s leading Industry 4.0 experts: Brian W. Anthony, Director of MIT’s Smart Manufacturing Leadership Program, Associate Director of MIT.nano, and Emmy Award winner.  His presentation will be complemented by Prof. Kevin P. O’Brien of MIT’s Research Laboratory of Electronics, whose work is helping to unlock the promises of the quantum revolution, accelerating the pace at which new drugs and technological solutions can be developed. The session will conclude with contributions from Prof. Gediminas Juzeliūnas, physicist at Vilnius University, and Dr. Artiom Magomedov, chemist at Kaunas University of Technology, who will share perspectives from their research.   The conference will also focus on biology and genetics, including the application of genomics to address climate change and human health issues. Speakers in the session dedicated to this subject will include MIT’s chemical engineering and biotechnology expert Prof. Hadley Sikes, biochemist Dr. Mindaugas Zaremba from Vilnius University, and Director of Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry Dr. Gintaras Brazauskas. The first day will conclude with a closing discussion on the impact of innovation, societal shifts, and polarization.   Another session will focus on the future of defense, security, and resilience. Presentations will be delivered by MIT’s Gene R. Keselman, Lecturer at MIT Sloan School of Management and Managing Director of MIT's Venture Studio, Proto Ventures, and Dr. Una-May O’Reilly, MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), Leader of the ALFA Group, expert on Adversarial Intelligence and the intersection of Artificial Intelligence with cybersecurity. As well as Šarūnas Grigaliūnas, cybersecurity expert from Kaunas University of Technology, and Paulius Vaitkevičius, Head of Innovations at Novian Pro.   Artificial Intelligence in Education   On October 10, when the conference moves to Vytautas Magnus University (VMU), speakers will invite participants to reflect on AI in various contexts. The first session will explore how new pedagogical methods are transforming lifelong learning: AI and other innovations in education will be examined by associate professors Dr. Aušrinė Pasvenskienė and Dr. Tomas Berkmanas from Vytautas Magnus University, Prof. Dr. Simona Ramanauskaitė from Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, and other participants. The session on the nature of intelligence in the age of digitization will be brought underway by Prof. Andreea Bobu from the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics and CSAIL at MIT. As the lead of Collaborative Learning and Autonomy Research Lab (CLEAR Lab), she works on the development of autonomous agents that learn to do tasks for, with, and around people. The same session will also feature presentations by Dr. Vaidotas Zemlys-Balevičius from Euromonitor International and Assoc. Prof. Jurga Bučaitė-Vilkė together with Prof. Eran Vigoda-Gadot from Vytautas Magnus University The day’s keynote will be delivered by Dr. Drew Story, Managing Director of MIT’s Policy Lab, who guides MIT researchers through strategic policy engagement to increase the societal benefits and impact of their work.   In four group sessions, conference participants will be able to join one of the four discussion groups to address strategically important topics as well as aspirations for a longer-term and expanded collaboration between MIT and Lithuania. The discussions aim to prepare recommendations for policymakers and contribute to the bolstering of Lithuania’s strategic goals.   Agreement with a Global Leader in Science and Innovation   This event follows the signing of an agreement between the MIT Center for International Studies, MIT International Science and Technology Initiatives (MISTI), and twelve Lithuanian science and business partners earlier this year. Planned forms of cooperation currently include MIT student internships in Lithuania, Lithuanian student internships at MIT, and early-stage research grants.   It is expected that these ties could open many opportunities – participation in the MIT MISTI program will strengthen Lithuania’s reputation and visibility as an innovation and technology hub, contribute to creating high-skilled jobs, and modernize the country’s education system by introducing innovative teaching methods. According to artist and MIT professor Gediminas Urbonas, MIT’s engagement with Lithuania connects world-class expertise with a vibrant local research culture and gives Lithuanian innovation a global stage. “By linking MIT scholars with Lithuanian partners, we co-create knowledge, accelerate breakthroughs, and cultivate talent for the world’s hardest problems. As an artist, I see this as a shared laboratory of diverse intelligences – where science, technology, the arts, and the humanities meet as equals to shape values, deepen democratic life, and imagine practical paths toward more just and livable futures”, explains Prof. Urbonas.   A Game for Solving Ecological Challenges   During the conference, students in Lithuania will have the opportunity to try a unique tool – a game designed to develop sustainability knowledge. Internationally recognized Lithuanian artists and MIT researchers Nomeda and Gediminas Urbonas, in collaboration with French scientists, have created the role-playing game Wetland.games, aimed at fostering ecosystem awareness and promoting sustainability. Taking on various roles, the players explore the wetlands as a system of collective intelligence and look for common solutions while navigating ecological, social, and other interdependencies.   The conference Human and More-Than-Human Futures: Innovating Technologies for Coexistence is organized by the Lithuanian Consortium and supported by the Research Council of Lithuania and Northway Biotech. Registration is required Conference program   Members of the Lithuanian Consortium for collaboration with MIT: coordinator Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas University of Technology, Klaipėda University, Vilnius University, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Vilnius Academy of Arts, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, Lithuanian Energy Institute, AB Ignitis Group, LTG Group, UAB Euromonitor International – Eastern Europe, and UAB Novian. The main informational sponsor is Lrt.lt.  

Quantum technologies are no longer the future – they’re ready to transform security, medicine, finance, energy, and communication. The Nordic-Baltic region has brilliant minds across science and industry. Quantum Boost is about bringing them together to solve real challenges and build a community that drives impact. This is where you come in – we want you on board! What will you gain? Work with top scientists, innovators, and quantum technology leaders. Join a community that combines academia and business. Get hands-on experience tackling real-world quantum cases – not just theory. Put your organization on the international quantum map. Build a value proposition that can attract partners, investors, or collaborators. Why join now? This isn’t a typical academic conference. For the first time in Lithuania, a quantum hackathon gives you the chance to connect, create, and compete at the heart of Nordic-Baltic quantum innovation. If you want to move from theory to practice in quantum, you don’t want to miss this. Quantathon schedule & final day program Virtual kick-off (October 16, online) 13:00–15:00 CET - Opening event & team check-In Finals in Vilnius (November 14, FTMC) 09:30 – Registration & welcome coffee 10:00 – Keynote presentations 12:00 – Networking lunch 13:30 – Panel discussion: "From Theory to Application: Bridging Quantum Research and Real-World Impact" 15:00 – Team presentations & jury evaluation 17:30 – Award ceremony 18:00 – Quantum Social Contacts Mantas Skaržinskas Innovation Manager, FTMC Board Member, Quantum Lithuania Phone: +370 671 66621 Email: mantas.skarzinskas@ftmc.lt Where? Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC) Saulėtekio al. 3, LT-10257 Vilnius

Women TechEU is a two-year EU-funded project funding and supporting women leading deep tech startup companies from Europe. Across the two years, the consortium will launch a total of four calls for applications. Applicant startups will undergo a rigorous evaluation and a total of 160 winner startups will receive €75k in non-dilutive grants as well as a personalised business development programme including mentoring, coaching and training.   HERE you will find application links (when open) and full details relating to active, past, and upcoming calls for applications (for both startup companies and evaluators) and the corresponding runs of the programme. Apply now! Call #4 – Deadline: 4 August 2025 17:00 CET – OPEN

The SustAInLivWork Centre of Excellence is seeking a highly qualified and experienced Director to lead its operations, strategy, and development. The Centre is focused on advancing research and innovation based on artificial intelligence (AI) to support sustainable living and working across key sectors – manufacturing, energy, health, and transport.   The Director will provide strategic and operational leadership, oversee interdisciplinary teams, and represent the Centre nationally and internationally. This position offers the opportunity to play a critical role in the success of a collaborative national and international initiative with wide-reaching societal impact.   The official announcement has been published on the website of Kaunas University of Technology, the coordinating institution of the SustAInLivWork. MORE INFORMATION

The Top Female Founders Summer School equips you to tackle healthcare's toughest challenges. This intensive European program combines online learning (13 June – 4 July) with in-person workshops in Vienna (14 – 18 July).   Develop your entrepreneurial mindset and gain the skills to build a successful healthcare startup. Learn from industry experts, network with inspiring leaders, and earn valuable ECTS credits. More information available at: https://eithealth.eu/programmes/top-female-founders/   Here's what you get: ·       Develop your entrepreneurial skills in healthcare: action-packed online modules to explore healthcare challenges, business model innovation, design thinking, and startup founding. ·       In-person collaboration in Vienna: refine your ideas with expert guidance and teamwork. ·       Learn from the best: gain insights from successful female founders and women leaders at Boehringer Ingelheim. ·       Earn academic credit (ECTS) from University of Heidelberg.   Ideal candidates: university and PhD students in medicine, engineering, life sciences, or economics. This program is specifically tailored for female talents.   Cost: €250 training fee (includes 4 nights Vienna hotel accommodation, thanks to EU co-funding). Travel costs are to be covered by the participant.   Applications close soon! Get your CV ready, apply now and take your healthcare vision to the next level: https://eithealth.eu/programmes/top-female-founders/

As final-year high school students prepare intensively for their exams, many are already thinking about their future studies, which they will be able to choose from June 1. However, some of them are still unaware of another great opportunity—early admission. This option can serve as a guarantee of fulfilling their dream, a backup plan, or even a safety net in case things do not go as planned. Students Are Held Back by Myths Early admission is a great opportunity for both this year’s high school graduates and those who obtained their diplomas earlier. Although interest in early admission is growing each year, many students are still unaware of it or have been misled by various myths. According to Dr. Justė Rožėnė, Director of the Admissions and Information Center at VILNIUS TECH, the term "early admission" often sounds to students like a binding commitment that limits their options and takes away their right to change their minds. They frequently ask how it is possible to get admitted to a university before even graduating from high school. "In reality, early admission is not a formal admission process—signing a contract with the university signifies only your intention to study a selected program. It is a myth that you are obligated to enroll at that university or that you will face penalties or other commitments if you decide not to proceed. In fact, you are free to change your mind without any consequences," says Dr. Rožėnė. Nearly All Early Admission Students Study for Free Another common myth concerns university scholarships for those who apply through early admission, meet the necessary requirements, but do not secure a state-funded place. Many students mistakenly believe they will have to repay the scholarship money. At VILNIUS TECH, students can receive scholarships covering their full tuition fees if their competitive score is above 7 for social sciences, business, and public administration programs, or above 6 for arts, engineering, IT, and mathematics programs. "We fully cover tuition fees for the first year. If your academic performance remains at a standard or excellent level, we continue financing your studies until you secure a state-funded position or complete your degree. So, nearly all students who apply through early admission end up studying for free, and there is no need to repay the scholarship after graduation," Dr. Rožėnė reassures. Early Admission as a Form of Insurance for the Future According to specialists, not considering early admission is one of the biggest mistakes applicants make. Since this process does not bind students to a university, they do not even have to list the chosen program in the LAMA BPO system. By signing this contract, students have everything to gain and nothing to lose. This is especially beneficial for those who are certain about their desired study program and institution, even if they only secure a non-state-funded place. "For example, if you are 100% sure that your dream program is Creative Industries and you do not want to risk losing your chance to study it, you should submit an early admission application, sign an Intent to Study agreement, and, when filling out your LAMA BPO application, prioritize a state-funded spot first and a non-funded spot second. If you fail to secure a state-funded place after two admission rounds but are admitted to a non-funded place, we will provide you with a scholarship covering your tuition fees," explains the VILNIUS TECH Admissions Director. Early admission is also recommended for students who are unsure about their chances, as it acts as a form of insurance that can help in unexpected situations. "It sometimes happens that a student performs well in school but does not do as well on their exams, putting their chances of securing a state-funded place at risk. Alternatively, like last year, when many students achieved high exam scores, both state-funded and non-funded places required exceptionally high competitive scores, making admission much more difficult. However, by signing an Intent to Study agreement during early admission, the chances of securing a spot in your dream program increase significantly. Even if you are admitted to a non-funded place, you may still receive a scholarship," adds Dr. Rožėnė. Pay Attention to the Requirements Of course, to take advantage of early admission, students must first meet the conditions outlined in the Intent to Study agreement. For example, those who have already completed state-funded studies or whose competitive score does not meet the required threshold are not eligible. It is also important to note that not all study programs offer this opportunity—students cannot apply for part-time studies or programs requiring entrance exams, such as Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Aircraft Piloting, and Air Traffic Control. However, if both parties meet the requirements, applicants need to complete a free early admission application by May 30, submit a copy of their identification document, and provide a copy of their high school diploma and its supplement (if they graduated earlier). Once the Intent to Study agreement is signed, the final step during the general admission process is to prioritize the chosen study program’s state-funded position as the first choice in the LAMA BPO system, and the non-funded position as the second choice. For more information, visit the official website.

Women TechEU is a two-year EU-funded project funding and supporting women leading deep tech startup companies from Europe. Across the two years, the consortium will launch a total of four calls for applications. Applicant startups will undergo a rigorous evaluation and a total of 160 winner startups will receive €75k in non-dilutive grants as well as a personalised business development programme including mentoring, coaching and training.   HERE you will find application links (when open) and full details relating to active, past, and upcoming calls for applications (for both startup companies and evaluators) and the corresponding runs of the programme. Apply now! Call #3 – Deadline: 17 March 2025 17:00 CET – OPEN  

The Digital Response to Unemployment Problems in Western Balkans (DRUPWB) project has officially launched the first version of its online platform. Currently available as a website, the platform highlights key project activities, provides access to educational resources, and serves as a communication channel for those interested in engaging with the project and its partners. Here’s what you can find on the DRUPWB platform: News: Stay up-to-date with the latest project developments and updates from our partner organizations. Education: Access a range of educational materials, including research findings, curriculum details, and reports from our educator training sessions. Online Learning: By the end of 2024, this section will feature a variety of courses, including micro-learning modules and comprehensive programs. The asynchronous format will allow learners to progress at their own pace and convenience. Partners: Learn more about the organizations driving the DRUPWB initiative and their contributions to the project. Additionally, a Contact Form is available for anyone looking to learn more about the project, participate in activities, or access the educational resources. By late 2024, the platform will also introduce a user login feature, enabling participants to track their progress in online learning courses. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to expand and enhance the DRUPWB platform!