BALTIC PHOTONICS
Space & Defence
Baltic Photonics 2025 brings together experts from the photonics sector and a variety of industries to foster cross-sectoral collaboration. Over the years, the event has explored a broad range of topics, including medicine, micromachining, optical communication, space, and more.
This year, Baltic Photonics 2025 will focus on space and defence—two strategically important and rapidly advancing fields. The event will highlight the latest innovations, technologies, and opportunities emerging at the intersection of photonics and these sectors. In addition to the main theme, attendees can expect discussions on a wide spectrum of photonics applications and advancements.
Baltic Photonics 2025 is part of Photonics Days, a broader initiative in Lithuania that promotes scientific exchange and collaboration across borders.
đź“Ť Date: September 25, 2025
đź“Ť Location: Visoriai Information Technology Park (VITP), Vilnius, Lithuania
Baltic Photonics 2025 Speakers
Stela Tkatchova, Ph.D.
Topic: EIC Space Portfolio Opportunities and Innovations
Stella Tkatchova is the Programme Manager (PM) for space systems at the European Innovation Council (EIC). As a Programme Manager, Tkatchova brings critical insights and technology/market specific knowledge, performs pro-active portfolio management and supports SME’s and start-ups to achieve breakthrough innovation.
Srinath Mallikarjunan
Topic: The Building Blocks Necessary for Rapid Development of Defense Products
Srinath Mallikarjunan did his MS in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign (USA), with focus on Flight control systems and Computational Fluid dynamics. He is the author of several publications on adaptive flight control theory, state estimation and sensor fusion.
Antanas Laurutis
Topic: Optics for Space and Direct Energy Applications
Antanas Laurutis (CEO) is the CEO of Altechna since 2019. He features strong technical expertise and academic background in optics, optical coatings, lasers, and laser applications. Antanas holds a BSc of “Physics and Management of Modern Technologies” and MSc in “Laser Technologies” from Vilnius University, Lithuania.
Šarūnas Genys
How Small Countries Become Significant: International Examples and Lithuania’s Opportunities in the Field of Defense
Head of the Manufacturing Team at “Invest Lithuania” and Defense Industry Expert. Šarūnas advises international companies on business development in Lithuania and leads large-scale investment projects. He contributed to the creation of Lithuania’s value proposition for defense sector companies and now shares his experience and insights to help strengthen Lithuania’s image as a reliable and competitive country for defense and manufacturing investors.
Evaldas PabrÄ—Ĺľa
Lasers from Lab to Life
Evaldas Pabrėža is a co-founder and CEO of Integrated Optics — a Vilnius-based leader in ultra‑compact laser solutions for spectroscopy, quantum technologies, LIDAR, and more With an academic background in modern technology management and laser technologies, he has guided the company since its founding in 2012.
Karolis Žvaigždinas
Startup from Scratch: Turning 'Impossible' into Innovation — UAV-Based Underground Detection
Experienced technology leader with a strong track record across hardware, software, networking, and IT infrastructure. As CTO and co founder of BROSWARM—a Vilnius based defense tech startup—Karolis helps drive the development of advanced landmine detection system using multi sensor fusion, machine learning, and drone-based platforms. He has been instrumental in scaling BROSWARM since its inception in late 2023 alongside co founders Ernestas Žvaigždinas and Mindaugas Talaikis.
Laurence Cooper
Overcoming the challenges of using optical fiber in space communications
He studied at the Optoelectronics Research Center and received his PhD in the Fabrication of novel geometry fiber lasers for high power applications in 2005. After graduation, he worked at SPI lasers as an engineer for 6 years, involved with the fabrication of new laser fibers and improvement of production processes. In 2012 he joined Fibercore as a senior engineer responsible for new fiber development, and now heads a team developing new fibers and providing engineering support for production.
Why To Attend?
- High-level keynotes and expert presentations
- Networking with industry leaders, startups, and researchers
- Exclusive visit to selected Toolas cluster companies
- Discussions on dual-use innovation and future trends
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