Biotechnology

Building on a tradition for innovation that includes Prof. Virginijus Šikšnys’ groundbreaking work in the field of CRISPR technology, Vilnius is fast becoming a Biotechnology hub.

With extensive R&D experience, technology parks and valleys purpose built to sustain and grow businesses, Vilnius is the ideal home for Biotechnology.

Notable sector achievements

• Virginijus Šikšnys from Vilnius University − one of the founding developers of CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology was awarded Warren Alpert Prize in 2016.
• Vilnius University "Vilnius-Lithuania iGEM" team won the largest, most prestigious, international Synthetic Biology competition International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM). Vilnius University students bested more than 300 teams from leading world universities twice.
• The startup Droplet Genomics, which is commercialising droplet microfluidics technology, recently attracted €1 million worth of investments. 
• The European Laboratory of Molecular Biology (EMBL) is opening a partner institute at the LSC. This partnership will provide new opportunities for Lithuania to contribute research and innovations in the life sciences at a global scale   

Ecosystem

• The research environment in Vilnius is well-developed and features open-access R&D centres and the Sunrise Valley Science and Technology Park, which unites two prominent universities (Vilnius University and Vilnius Gediminas Technical University), 20,000 students, 5,000 researchers and numerous businesses to form a local ecosystem driving innovation and entrepreneurship. 
• Lithuanian Biotechnology Association unites 23 companies and science institutions as well as 62 personal members with the aim to promote biotechnology science and its wide applications.
• Vilnius University institute of Biotechnology has begun the history of bitechnology in Vilnius over 45 years ago and today continues to maintain the highest standards of scientific endeavour and technological advance in a broadly defined field of molecular biotechnology.
• Vilnius University Life Sciences Centre being a centre of with modern laboratory equipment and top-level scientific research services, it houses three academic branches working with in biochemistry, biotechnology and biosciences.
• Vilnius University Biotechnology Business Incubator provides access to modern infrastructure, R&D services and highest qualification professional consultations for small and medium enterprises working in life sciences or related fields.
• Life Sciences Baltics is the main international forum in the Baltics for world-class biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical devices experts from all around the globe.
• Bespoke BioTech science valley - Santara Valley is a dedicated valley for companies focused on BioTech, innovative medical technologies, molecular and bio pharmacy, and sustainable development.
• The Life Sciences Digital Innovation Hub Cluster serves as a platform for business-research partnerships and is dedicated to fostering digital innovations in the life sciences by bringing research, business and public sector institutions and organisations together.   
• Northtown Vilnius is a public institution developing modern infrastructure and providing specialised consulting services for innovative businesses. It provides specialised innovation support, incubation and acceleration services, promotes business and science partnerships, and more. 

Make the Most of Financial Incentives   

• Companies can deduct R&D-related expenses up to three times in the tax period they are incurred
• Get a reduced 5% corporate income tax rate, which can be applied to profits derived from the commercial exploitation of patented inventions.  

Some of the Companies Based in Vilnius 

If you are looking for a destination with a strong scientific community to host your next conference or event, please get in touch with our Convention Bureau to find out how our team can assist you.