"Investing in young talent is an investment in the growth of the country. The supply of highly skilled engineering and technology professionals is crucial for industrial transformation, as well as for high-tech companies and other high value-added sectors. The need for these professionals is also consistently recognised by foreign investors. That is why we are continuing the scholarship initiative for study programmes in demand by business - we are doing everything to increase the number of such talents in Lithuania," said Aušrinė Armonaitė, Minister of the Economy and Innovation.
Currently, more than 1,000 students who have chosen STEM studies at regional higher education institutions in Alytus, Panevėžys, Klaipėda, Marijampolė, Šiauliai and Utena districts receive monthly scholarships. They are paid for all four years of the bachelor's programme. Students can still apply for a scholarship this year. These scholarships also make an important contribution to increasing the supply of highly qualified engineering and technology specialists in the regions. Higher education institutions work together with the business community to help students successfully integrate into the labour market.
This year, the Ministry has also taken the initiative to attract talented young people into the high-tech field by inviting them to join the Deeptech Entrepreneurship study programme at Vilnius University Business School. EIMIN will fund 7 places for advanced students who want to study this programme in non-state funded places and who commit to work in start-ups after their studies.
The programme, developed in collaboration with the European Organisation for Nuclear Research CERN and the VU Faculties of Mathematics and Computer Science and Physics, provides a broad range of knowledge needed to develop high-tech businesses. Students acquire knowledge and skills in innovation management, the development of technologically advanced products and services, and the creation of technology start-ups. Students who develop their own start-ups during the course also have the opportunity to undertake a study visit to the CERN laboratory.
"The country's technology sector is growing rapidly and we have many strong companies and innovators creating innovations that are recognised worldwide. By investing in the talent and leaders of tomorrow and creating a culture of continuous innovation, we are driving progress in high technology and ensuring Lithuania's competitive advantage," said Neringa Morozaitė-Rasmussen, Vice-Minister of the Economy and Innovation.
The Ministry is also focusing on the promising field of biotechnology and life sciences. This year, the ministry has given doctoral students the opportunity to develop their skills in the field of alternative proteins. This is a fast-growing area where major breakthroughs are expected. Scholarships are available for doctoral students and future researchers to develop their knowledge in the fields of alternative protein sourcing, research and technology, as well as scholarships for internships abroad.
