09-10-2024

EIMIN contributes to the next generation of entrepreneurs

In order to promote the development of the high-tech sector, the Ministry of the Economy and Innovation will contribute to the development of a new generation of entrepreneurs capable of commercialising and developing innovative technologies by financing the studies of some of the students who have chosen this year's Master's programme in DeepTech Entrepreneurship at the Business School of Vilnius University. The programme was developed in cooperation with CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, scientists from various fields and innovative companies.

"The synergy between science and business is one of the most important prerequisites for the growth of the high-tech sector and its global competitiveness. This requires not only advanced research, but also leaders with innovation development skills to build bridges between scientific ideas and business opportunities. That's why we're funding a programme that will give students the multifaceted knowledge they need to develop technology start-ups in advanced fields, such as artificial intelligence and quantum technologies. This will contribute to our goal of making Lithuania an innovation hub and stimulate the development of breakthrough technologies in the country," said Aušrinė Armonaitė, Minister of the Economy and Innovation.

On 2 October, Vice-Minister of the Economy and Innovation Neringa Morozaitė-Rasmussen signed a tripartite funding agreement between the Ministry of the Economy and Innovation, Vilnius University and the students. The Ministry will provide 46,000 euros to fund these studies.  

"Around the world, the main difficulties in the development of innovation are in the areas of cooperation between business and science and the commercialisation of scientific products. Participants in the Lithuanian innovation ecosystem also emphasise the need for scientific entrepreneurship, and the need to strengthen the process of transferring science to business. Therefore, it is important that the sector has as many next generation entrepreneurs as possible, who have the technological know-how and the ability to commercialise advanced products and services and innovate in global markets. The mission of these next-generation entrepreneurs is crucial for fostering closer cooperation between science and business and promoting a culture of innovation in the country," said Vice-Minister Neringa Morozaitė-Rasmussen.

The DeepTech Entrepreneurship study programme, developed by Business School in cooperation with CERN, the VU Faculties of Mathematics and Informatics and Physics, will provide students with the opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills in innovation management, the development of technologically advanced products and services, and the creation of technology start-ups. Students who develop their own startups during their studies will also have the opportunity to undertake a study visit to CERN, one of the world's most advanced scientific research centres.