Baltic Biotech ecosystem news and events

In this newsletter, we are delighted to share information on upcoming events, celebrate recent achievements, and announce exciting new openings within the Baltic biotechnology ecosystem. Highlights include inaugurations of new museums, technology parks, and science centers that will foster innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth in the region.

Key updates cover the BIOCONNECT project, which seeks to enhance connectivity within the Baltic biotech network. We look forward to engaging with our community in driving forward these significant developments in biotechnology.

Estonia

ÄIO: Pioneering Estonia’s First Sustainable Oils Demo Plant with €6.1 Million Investment

Link: ÄIO

Event Overview:

Biotech startup ÄIO has secured €6.1 million from investors, including Voima Ventures and Nordic Foodtech VC, to build Estonia’s first demo plant producing eco-friendly oils from wood and agricultural by-products. This facility aims to replace conventional palm and animal oils used in food, cosmetics, and household products.

Founded in 2022 as a TalTech spin-off, ÄIO has developed a fast, resource-efficient fermentation method using specialized yeast to transform wood and agricultural waste into food-grade oils. With previous funding, ÄIO created three products—encapsulated oil, red oil, and butter fats—already gaining interest from over 120 industry partners.

The demo plant is planned for completion by 2026 and will partner with Estonian and Finnish companies for raw materials. In addition to this funding, ÄIO received a €1.8 million grant from the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency and joined a €7.5 million European Circular Bioeconomy project.

Co-founder Nemailla Bonturi highlights that ÄIO’s process reduces land use by up to 97% and water use by ten times compared to traditional oils. The team, led by TalTech bioengineers, continues to innovate sustainable fats at their new “Good Fat Wörks” lab.

TalTech and Fibenol Collaborate on Award-Nominated Project for Sustainable Feed and Food Supplements

Link: Biotechnological Processing of Wood and Food Waste into Feed and Food Supplements

Event Overview:

The TalTech Bioengineering team, in partnership with Fibenol, launched an innovative project to convert wood and food waste into sustainable feed and food additives. This project, titled Biotechnological Processing of Wood and Food Waste into Feed and Food Supplements, was one of three nominees for Tallinn’s Entrepreneurial Awards.

Running from June 2022 to June 2024, this project demonstrates a new biotechnological process that converts pre-processed sawdust and other wood industry by-products into nutrient-rich additives. In addition, the team is conducting a life cycle analysis to quantify the environmental benefits of this circular approach, creating a framework to advance industrial biotech solutions for sustainable raw materials, including agricultural and food industry by-products.

Project Details:

• Principal Investigator: Petri-Jaan Lahtvee;
• Institutions Involved: Tallinn University of Technology, School of Science, Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology;
• Funding: €279,600, provided by the Environmental Investment Center.

Bright Starter 2024 at Tallinn Entrepreneurship Day: Recognizing Innovation, Growth, and Sustainability with ÄIO

Link: ÄIO Wins “Bright Starter 2024”

Event Overview:

The ÄIO team celebrated a major achievement by winning the “Bright Starter 2024” award at Tallinn Entrepreneurship Day, in recognition of their innovative work in sustainable food production. This award highlights ÄIO’s unique approach to transforming industrial by-products into eco-friendly, food-grade fats and oils, positioning the company as a promising player in sustainable biotech.

By developing new methods for converting by-products into valuable resources, ÄIO is advancing solutions that reduce the environmental impact of food production. The Bright Starter award, which honors startups with high growth potential, acknowledges ÄIO’s dedication to driving meaningful change in the industry and its potential to shape a more sustainable future for food.

Latvia

Biocatalyst Foundation Launches the First Community Biotech Lab in the Baltics

Link: Biotech incubation program

Event Overview:

Biocatalyst Foundation launches the Baltics’ first shared community lab space, a dedicated hub for biotech innovation, collaboration, and peer support in Riga. This new lab space will serve as a central point for Latvia’s biotech community, bringing together diverse talents to drive advances in biotechnology.

Located in central Riga, the lab offers a fully equipped laboratory, coworking areas, and event spaces, all designed to meet the needs of a growing community of biotech innovators. Members will have a collaborative environment for brainstorming, prototyping, and developing ideas.

The space will also provide mentorship programs, networking events, and partnerships with leading research institutions, helping to foster the next generation of biotech talent. As a first-of-its-kind resource in the region, Biocatalyst Foundation aims to strengthen scientific collaboration and innovation throughout the Baltics.

Doors open to members on January 1, 2025, with an inaugural event planned in Q1 2025 to highlight the lab’s facilities and potential for collaboration. Biotech innovators, students, and professionals are invited to celebrate this exciting addition to the Baltic innovation ecosystem.

Lithuania

Vilnius City Innovation Industrial Park: A Leading Hub for High-Tech Business

Link: VCIIP

Event Overview:

The Vilnius City Innovation Industrial Park (VCIIP) is Lithuania’s first industrial park focused solely on innovative business. Recognized as a project of national importance in 2015, VCIIP covers 24 hectares of fully developed land, surrounded by national forests and close to major universities and research centers in Vilnius. This prime location fosters strong collaboration between science and business.

The park supports both local and international companies looking to build research centers, labs, and production facilities, with a focus on fields like biotechnology, life sciences, and advanced materials. In December 2022, VCIIP signed contracts to expand from 23.92 to 38 hectares by 2037, allowing more room for growth and innovation.

Central to VCIIP’s future is the new Life Sciences Technology Development Center, designed to provide specialized labs and spaces for research and development. With its advanced infrastructure, strong academic connections, and a supportive environment for new ideas, VCIIP is set to become a major hub for sustainable high-tech growth in Lithuania.

BIO CITY: Northway Biotech Advances Gene Therapy Center in Vilnius

Link: BIO CITY

Event Overview:

Northway Group’s BIO CITY in Vilnius represents a transformative biotechnology campus aimed at advancing gene therapy, biologics, and life sciences in Europe. With a projected investment of €7 billion, BIO CITY will house six biotech complexes, including GMP manufacturing plants and research centers, fostering interdisciplinary innovation. The flagship Gene Therapy Centre, opening in 2024, will enable novel treatments for genetic disorders. By 2030, this biotech hub expects to generate over 2,000 specialized jobs, positioning Lithuania as a leader in the global biotech industry.

Aleksotas Innovation Park in Kaunas: A New Hub for Biotechnology and High-Value Industry

Link: Aleksotas Innovation Park

Event Overview:

The Aleksotas Innovation Industrial Park (AIIP) in Kaunas, also known as the Aleksotas Economic Zone, is a significant development aimed at fostering high-value industries in fields like biotechnology, healthcare, ICT, and advanced materials. Located on a 30-hectare site formerly used by the military, AIIP is expected to attract around €90 million in private investment over 20 years and generate approximately 1,100 well-paid jobs. The park is designed as an integrated part of the city, offering research and experimental facilities, and it will feature both public green spaces and advanced infrastructure, including bike paths, district heating, and connections for gas and electricity​.

The zone emphasizes sustainable growth and innovation, encouraging companies focused on research, development, and experimental production. With facilities like a revamped 10,000-square-meter hangar for prototyping and experimental manufacturing, and dedicated laboratories for life sciences, AIIP aims to provide businesses with flexible spaces to foster innovation. The park is distinct from Kaunas’ Free Economic Zone (LEZ), as it will incorporate educational and cultural events, linking industry with community life.

Science Island: Kaunas’ New Hub for Innovation and Exploration

Link: Mokslo sala/Science island 

Event Overview:

The Mokslo Sala (Science Island) is a new science and innovation center in Kaunas, designed to engage the public with scientific and technological exploration through interactive exhibits and advanced facilities. Located on Nemunas Island, this 11,500-square-meter center will host a variety of permanent and rotating exhibits, including a modern planetarium with 8K resolution, STEAM laboratories, and spaces for cultural and educational activities. The center’s mission is to spark curiosity and foster an appreciation for science across all age groups, making scientific exploration accessible and engaging.

Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) has been closely involved in developing Science Island, contributing expertise to create specialized labs such as the “Smart City” lab. This collaboration aligns with KTU’s broader goals of fostering skills in engineering and technology and making complex scientific concepts understandable through practical experience. The initiative reflects a commitment to strengthening the city’s educational infrastructure while inspiring future generations in fields like urban planning, technology, and sustainability.

Vilnius STEAM Center: Inspiring Student Breakthroughs and Teacher Engagement 

Link: Vilnius STEAM Center    

Event Overview:

The new Vilnius STEAM Center, set to open in 2024 at the former Planetarium location, will be Lithuania’s largest and most advanced STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) facility. Developed through a collaboration between Vilnius University and the Vilnius city municipality, the center will offer eight distinct laboratories, including specialized labs for digital manufacturing and laser-light technology. Its purpose is to support hands-on scientific exploration for students in grades 7-12, enhancing skills in fields like chemistry, life sciences, and robotics.

This STEAM center aims to make science accessible and engaging, encouraging students to pursue careers in high-tech fields. Alongside serving students, the center will provide professional development for teachers and host a range of community outreach programs, linking STEM education with real-world applications

Lithuanian Biotechnology Museum in Trakai: A Tribute to Four Decades of Innovation

Link: Lithuanian Biotechnology Museum

Event Overview:

The Lietuvos Biotechnologijų Muziejus (Lithuanian Biotechnology Museum), opened by Professor Vladas Algirdas Bumelis on September 10, 2024, commemorates 40 years of Lithuania’s advancements in the biopharmaceutical industry and celebrates the nation’s achievements in biotechnology, bioengineering, and biopharmacy. Located in Trakai, it showcases decades of equipment used in significant biotech developments, from fermentation technology to advanced spectrophotometers. The museum highlights pioneering work in recombinant protein technology, essential for producing products like insulin and human growth hormone, and illustrates the technological shift from analog to digital processes.

New Cyclotron Facility at LSMU Enhances Diagnostic and Research Capabilities in Lithuania

Link: Nuclear Medicine Research Center

Event Overview:

The cyclotron at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU) in Kaunas, located within the newly established Nuclear Medicine Research Center, plays a critical role in advancing medical research and diagnostics. Opened on June 21, 2024, the cyclotron generates radiopharmaceuticals for positron emission tomography (PET) scans, enabling precise diagnostics for oncology, cardiology, neurology, and other fields. Prior to its installation, Lithuania depended on imported radioisotopes, which are costly and logistically challenging due to their short half-lives.

This facility enhances patient care by supporting more accessible and advanced diagnostic options. It also strengthens the infrastructure for translational medicine by facilitating direct production of isotopes for immediate clinical use, helping bridge basic research with clinical applications in personalized and precision medicine. Alongside the cyclotron, a biobank was established at the Kaunas Clinics campus to support advanced disease research, further positioning LSMU as a hub for cutting-edge medical studies in the Baltic regionunity to connect with industry experts and learn about the forefront of photonics innovation.

Life Sciences Baltics 2025 in Vilnius: Connect, Innovate, and Lead in Life Sciences

Date: September 17-18, 2025
Location: Vilnius, Lithuania
Link: Life Sciences Baltics 2025

Event Overview:

Experience the premier life sciences forum in the Baltics at Life Sciences Baltics 2025, where industry leaders, innovators, and experts gather to shape the future of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare. The event offers an exclusive opportunity to foster valuable connections, gain industry insights, and explore groundbreaking advancements in life sciences.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Global Hub – Network with over 1,000 experts worldwide in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and healthcare sectors.
• Dynamic Networking – Engage directly with leading industry figures, secure impactful partnerships, and make lasting connections in a focused setting.
• Cutting-edge Exhibition – Discover the latest trends and innovations from 60+ international exhibitors, bringing the forefront of life sciences to you.
• Expert Perspectives – Learn from 50 top speakers offering invaluable insights on the future of life sciences, from research advancements to market trends.