Excellence Hub LASER-PRO

Project website: https://www.laserpro-eh.eu/

Partners: https://www.laserpro-eh.eu/partners (FTMC is listed as a partner)

Open Call: https://www.laserpro-eh.eu/open-call

FTMC Budget: €1,020,975.00

Other country project No.: 101186838

FTMC Project Manager: Gediminas Račiukaitis

The Central Bohemian Region (Czech Republic) and Lithuania represent European regions where researchers in photonics and laser technologies are internationally recognised, and where business activities generate high added value. The interaction between science and industry is strong and supports innovation, creating significant potential for the establishment of new companies. There are growing opportunities to build a new generation of industry based on laser technologies, as well as to develop more integrated and application-oriented solutions.

The inclusion of laser technologies among the smart specialisation priorities of both regions demonstrates the strong potential of this sector for further development and technological advancement. However, a key challenge remains the transformation of the photonics and laser technology sector towards higher value-added products with exceptional functionality produced by operating companies.

In this context, the Excellence Hubs initiative represents a unique opportunity to connect two laser-based innovation ecosystems and to establish a truly place-based innovation culture in both the Czech Republic and Lithuania. Through activities such as the development of a joint R&I strategy, implementation of joint research projects, preparation of action and investment plans, and mutual learning and skills development, the links between academia, industry, government and society will be significantly strengthened, leading to the creation of a sustainable R&I ecosystem in the cutting-edge field of lasers and their applications.

The LASER-PRO Excellence Hub is centred around two key academic institutions: the HiLASE Laser Centre in the Central Bohemian Region and the Centre for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC) in Lithuania. Additional stakeholders include innovation centres, research clusters and industry associations. Ukrainian partners are also involved through a dedicated mentoring scheme aimed at enhancing international collaboration and innovation capacity.