EU Startuolis: Expanding the Startup ecosystem in Lithuania
We are creating programs, offering consultations and creating opportunities for startups beyond Vilnius
Startuolis project supports startup creation and scaling in Central and Western Lithuania
Project “Skatinti Vidurio ir vakarų Lietuvos regiono giliųjų technologijų ir gyvybės mokslų startuolių vystymą taikant inovatyvias metodikas ir programas” (No. 02-025-K-0004)
The goal of the project is to strengthen the start-up ecosystem of the Central and Western Lithuania region, paying special attention to deep technology and life science start-ups.
Startups can grow not only in Vilnius
Lithuanian startup ecosystem is one of the fastest growing in Central and Eastern Europe. However, this growth is very uneven: according to StartupBlink data in 2023, about 71% of all Lithuanian startups operate in Vilnius. The capital is home to major universities and science centers, most venture capital funds and business angels. It is also home to the largest number of hackathons, incubation and acceleration programs. In other cities – Kaunas, Klaipėda, Šiauliai or Panevėžys – scientists, researchers and engineers with a good idea often lack mentors, investors and a community to help turn it into a business.
What we do
We bring startup programs to where they are most needed. Over the three years of the project, we will organize hackathons, incubation and pre-acceleration programs in Kaunas, Klaipėda, Šiauliai and Panevėžys – the largest cities in Central and Western Lithuania. These programs cover the entire early stage of a startup: from the first idea and team building at a hackathon to refining the business model and preparing to present the project to investors.
The main areas of the programs are deep tech and life sciences. We have the most experience in accelerating startups in these areas, and many scientists and specialists in these fields work in the selected cities. We will invite experts, mentors and investors to the programs so that participants do not have to look for them in the capital.
What will participants receive
Mentorship from experts with experience in Lithuania and abroad
Opportunity to meet investors and attract investments for further product development
Lectures on market analysis, identifying the ideal customer, commercialization, intellectual property, business development and presentation to investors
Practical tasks that help you develop your project step by step.
Project goal
To reduce the gap in the startup ecosystem between Vilnius and other Lithuanian cities. We aim to create conditions for deep technology and life sciences startups to develop and grow in the Central and Western Lithuanian region, as well as to discover and develop new talents.
Funding
The project is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund under the 2021–2027 European Union Funds Investment Programme. The project is administered by the Innovation Agency. The project value is EUR 656,212, of which EU funds are EUR 557,780. The project is being implemented from 2024-02-14 to 2027-02-14.
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