The Baltic-American Freedom Foundation (BAFF) and the U.S. Embassy in Lithuania, together with the Innovation Agency Lithuania, jointly open the call to apply for the Lithuanian-American Innovation Award. Lithuanian businesses, academic institutions and other organisations or individuals that have developed an innovative, research-based solution in collaboration with U.S. partners are eligible to apply. The prize fund for awards is EUR 15,000.

The last day applicants can submit applications is 17 February and the winners will be announced at the award ceremony on 29 February. The Lithuanian-American Innovation Award is open not only to nominate yourself or the organisation you represent, but also to other deserving individuals, companies, institutions, and initiatives.

Technology and innovation have long underpinned the economic prosperity and military strength of the United States and our Allies. In the next decade, critical and emerging technologies are poised to retool economies, transform militaries, and reshape the world. Through cooperation with BAFF and the Innovation Agency, the U.S. Embassy is committed to a future where technologies help increase the security, prosperity, and values of the American people and like-minded democracies like Lithuania.

According to Aušrinė Armonaitė, Minister of the Economy and Innovation, “Collaboration with our US partners opens up new opportunities for Lithuanian businesses, startups and the academic community, and contributes to the growth of the Lithuanian innovation sector and the country’s economy. I invite Lithuanian businesses and organisations to actively participate and present the innovative solutions implemented together with U.S. partners.” 

According to Paulius Petrauskas, Head of the Innovation Department of the Innovation Agency Lithuania, Lithuanian and U.S. representatives have repeatedly proved that they can do a lot together and develop modern solutions to solve various problems.

“Cooperation between U.S. and Lithuanian businesses and organisations in the field of innovation covers life sciences and biotechnology, optical and laser technologies, environmental protection, and many other areas. Building on the strengths of the businesses and research institutions of both countries can lead to the creation of truly high-value products and make a significant contribution to scientific and technological progress. InnoHUB Lithuania project will soon be launched in Silicon Valley to help high-tech Lithuanian businesses enter the US market and enhance innovation,” says Mr Petrauskas.

“Continuing a longstanding American commitment to the Baltic region, the Baltic-American Freedom Foundation (BAFF) mission is to deepen the ties between and among Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and the United States through programs of education and exchange centering on economic growth and democratic values and Lithuanian-American Innovation Award relates to our mission directly” says Danguole Altman, Co-Chair of BAFF Board of Directors.”

The grand prize of EUR 10,000 will be awarded to the applicant who develops an innovative, research-based solution in collaboration with U.S. partners. The second-best initiative will be awarded EUR 5,000. And a project that contributes to solutions and positive change in a social or environmental field will be awarded for social impact. All prize money is allocated by BAFF.

Last year, the grand prize went to UAB Diabetis for developing the Feetsee device registered by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The second prize went to UAB Precizika Metrology which, in collaboration with U.S. partners, developed state-of-the-art technologies for optical encoders and their components. UAB Genomika, operating in the fields of synthetic biology, genetics, and biotechnology, was recognised for its achievements in the field of high genetic technologies, while PhD Kęstutis Jarašiūnas, Professor of Vilnius University, was given special mention for scientific cooperation with the USA.

The application form and further information about the Lithuanian-American Innovation Award is available here.