Public Institution “ Science and Technology Park of Institute of Physics“ with partner completed the project „Establishment of Optoelectronic Components Research and Technology Adaptation and Incubation Center (OC) infrastructure“

Public Institution “ Science and Technology Park of Institute of Physics“ with partner completed the project „Establishment of Optoelectronic Components Research and Technology Adaptation and Incubation Center (OC) infrastructure“

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On August 17th, 2012 Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Lithuania and  Public Institution Lithuanian Business Support Agency signed an agreement with Public Institution “ Science and Technology Park of Institute of Physics ” to provide support to the project “Establishment of Optoelectronic Components Research and Technology Adaptation and Incubation Center (OC) infrastructure” under Priority 1 „Research and technological development for economic competitiveness and growth.Inogeb LT-2“. The European Union (EU) Structural Funds support for the project from the EU European Regional Development Fund reached more than 2,655 million euros.

The project was implemented in cooperation with a partner, the State Research Institute  Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC). The aim of the project is to improve the infrastructure for the dissemination of knowledge and technology in the laser-engineering sector by promoting business and scientific cooperation in R&D. Despite the potential and joint initiatives, the business and scientific community recognize that research commercialization processes and the start-up segment in the laser (including engineering) technology sector are still developing too slowly. This situation is largely due to the lack of specialized infrastructure suitable for the sector (including in terms of convenient localization) and insufficient availability of support services for start-ups.

After the implementation of the project 1067 sq.m. OC has an open-access center with state-of-the-art scientific and technological equipment and clean-area laboratories, while the Sunrise Valley Technology and Innovation Center (3.14 ha) has been equipped with engineering infrastructure, communications, and a well-maintained environment. This created preconditions for the establishment of the Laser and Engineering Technologies Cluster (LITEK) and opened new opportunities for the creation of other technological centers in this area in the future.

1Fig. The building of Optoelectronic Components Research and Technology Adaptation and Incubation Center (OC), 2015

Already, 7 technology companies are developing their activities in OC, and more than 10 are planned for the future. The R&D activities in the park are mainly used by companies in the fields of lasers, optoelectronics, engineering, and nano-engineering. “Companies have access to open access centers and specialist supervision when needed (companies do not need to purchase specialized equipment that is used on a case-by-case basis, nor do they need to purchase services from overseas laboratories, which are more expensive and time-consuming). At the same time, there is an indirect benefit – continuous access to knowledge, practical advice, reviews of technology improvements through communication with park consultants, as well as with laboratory researchers and students, ” – said director Julius Paužolis about opportunities offered by the Park.