On 8–9 October, Lithuanian technology transfer experts joined their Baltic and Nordic counterparts in Tallinn for the Baltic Technology Transfer Network Annual Conference 2026, titled “Navigating the Next Era of Knowledge Transfer: AI, Commercialisation and Beyond.” Held at the historic Estonian Statehood House, the two-day event brought together professionals to explore how artificial intelligence (AI), intellectual property (IP) management and evolving regulatory frameworks are shaping the future of research commercialisation.
Lithuania was represented by members of the Lithuanian Knowledge and Technology Transfer Network (TTO Lithuania), including Justina Adomaitytė, Research and Innovation Expert at VILNIUS TECH, alongside experts from Kaunas University of Technology (KTU), Vilnius University, the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences and Vytautas Magnus University.
Artificial Intelligence in Technology Transfer: Opportunities and Challenges
One of the conference’s central themes was the growing role of AI in technology transfer. Experts explored how AI-powered tools can help technology transfer offices (TTOs) identify the commercial potential of research more efficiently, while also addressing legal, intellectual property and data protection challenges associated with their adoption.
The discussion featured Dr Florian Kirschenhofer, Head of Start-ups and Investments at Max Planck Innovation (Germany); Rene Väli, AI expert at AIRE/TalTech; and Tea Park, legal and data protection expert at Walless.
The session was moderated by Renato Calzone, Head of the Technology Transfer Office at Eindhoven University of Technology (the Netherlands), who also shared practical insights into transforming research outcomes into commercial value.
Strengthening the Baltic Spin-off Ecosystem
Another highlight was the panel discussion “What Does It Take to Build a Successful University Spin-off in the Baltics?”, moderated by Anu Honkalinna from Aalto University (Finland).
Representing Lithuania, Greta Žėkienė, Intellectual Property Management Project Manager at KTU, shared the university’s experience in establishing and developing academic spin-offs. Together with representatives from TalTech (Estonia) and the Institute of Solid State Physics (Latvia), she discussed common challenges in research commercialisation, investor engagement and the development of supportive innovation infrastructure.
“Although the Baltic countries have strong research potential, bringing technologies successfully to market requires more than a clear legal framework. Technology transfer offices need to think and act like start-ups themselves — responding quickly, exploring innovative approaches and finding the most suitable commercialisation pathways. Sharing experiences with our Baltic colleagues helps us address common challenges and develop practical solutions,” emphasised Žėkienė.
From Intellectual Property Strategy to Hands-on Experience
The conference also addressed the complexities of State Aid regulations in technology transfer agreements, with Dr Florian Kirschenhofer examining their practical implications for research commercialisation.
A particularly engaging part of the programme was an interactive strategy game in which technology transfer professionals worked through realistic commercialisation scenarios. Participants analysed intellectual property, negotiated strategic decisions and explored ways to protect and bring research-based innovations to market.
The hands-on format encouraged knowledge sharing and offered fresh perspectives on navigating the challenges of technology transfer.
Building a Stronger Baltic Technology Transfer Network
The Tallinn conference continued the tradition of annual Baltic technology transfer meetings launched in Vilnius in 2025. These gatherings provide an important opportunity to strengthen regional cooperation, exchange expertise and develop shared approaches to turning scientific discoveries into market-ready technologies and successful businesses.
As AI continues to transform the innovation landscape, collaboration between universities, research institutions and industry remains essential to unlocking the commercial potential of Baltic research.
The conference was organised by TTO Estonia in cooperation with the Estonian Patent Office, Enterprise Estonia and the Estonian Research Council, with co-funding from the European Union.
Galerija
