Turning Science into Business: Highlights from the Lithuanian BSR DeepTech Launch Workshop Series

In November 2024, a group of ambitious PhD students embarked on a transformative journey to bridge the gap between research and entrepreneurship. Organized by RTO Lithuania (FTMC, LAMMC, LEI) in collaboration with the Lithuanian Innovation Center and Baltic Sandbox Ventures, this series of  three intensive training workshops under the BSR DeepTech Launch project provided participants with the tools to translate scientific knowledge into business opportunities. Held at FTMC, the course followed a structured approach, guiding doctoral students through the essential steps of building a startup—from idea generation to securing venture capital.

Empowering Science with Entrepreneurship
The first Workshop set the foundation, introducing key concepts such as innovation, R&D commercialization, and venture capital. Led by industry experts, participants explored the mindset required to turn research into a viable business. A standout moment was Artūras Jakubavičius’ thought-provoking presentation on the symbiotic relationship between science and entrepreneurship, emphasizing that “Research transforms money into knowledge, while innovation transforms knowledge into money.”

From Market Research to Investment Readiness
The second Workshop took a deep dive into market analysis, customer profiling, and the art of pitching. Eglė Jašinskaitė from BSV Ventures demystified the process of defining target audiences, crafting unique value propositions, and understanding market potential. Participants honed their ability to present research-based business ideas with clarity and confidence.

Final Pitching and Industry Insights
The culminating event on November 29 provided a platform for PhD students to pitch their startup ideas before an expert panel. Inspirational talks by industry leaders, including Kotryna Stankutė-Jaščemskienė (MJJ Fund) and Aušra Baradokė (Deep Scientific), showcased real-world examples of scientific breakthroughs becoming successful enterprises. The highlight was the participants’ final presentations—where scientific innovation met entrepreneurial vision, supported by constructive feedback from investors and mentors.

A Step Towards Deep-Tech Innovation
Beyond theoretical knowledge, this workshop-series equipped PhD students with a startup-oriented mindset, strategic insights, and hands-on experience in business development. With support from seasoned investors and innovation experts, participants are now better prepared to navigate the challenges of launching a deep-tech venture.

This initiative marks a crucial step in fostering Lithuania’s innovation ecosystem—where cutting-edge research evolves into impactful business solutions.

Programme Manual Online

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