Light is becoming an increasingly important part of Europe’s semiconductor future. But where does Lithuania fit into this transformation? The “Lasers. Science and Technology 2026” conference, organized by the Lithuanian Laser Association on August 28, demonstrated that more than 60 years of accumulated expertise in laser technologies could take on a new role today – becoming a bridge towards a more advanced semiconductor industry.
Europe Is Embracing Photonics
Europe’s approach to semiconductors is changing. Photonics is no longer viewed simply as a standalone high-tech field – it is becoming an important part of Europe’s semiconductor strategy.
In June 2026, the European Commission presented the European Chips Act 2.0, identifying integrated photonics as a strategic semiconductor technology. The reason is clear: an increasing number of technologies require not only computing power, but also speed, precision and the ability to transmit information using light – from artificial intelligence and telecommunications to space, quantum technologies and defence.
This shift is particularly relevant for Lithuania. More than 60 years of expertise in laser technologies could now become a bridge into a new semiconductor value chain. Lithuania is home to more than 60 companies in the laser sector and more than 2,250 specialists. Over 90% of the sector’s production is exported, while annual turnover has reached approximately €345 million and continues to grow.
“Lasers can be not only Lithuania’s strength, but also an opportunity to revive the country’s semiconductor industry,” says Dr Gediminas Račiukaitis, President of the Lithuanian Laser Association and Coordinator of the Lithuanian Chips Competence Centre, ChipsC²-LT.
When Light Moves onto the Chip
One of the clearest examples of this transformation is the development of optical frequency combs. These highly precise tools for measuring light frequencies have traditionally relied on complex and relatively large laser systems.
Today, the technology is moving in a different direction – from large laboratory setups towards solutions integrated directly onto microchips. This opens the door to smaller, scalable devices suitable for mass production and applications ranging from highly precise clocks and telecommunications to space and quantum technologies.
In other words, what until recently required a sophisticated laboratory system is increasingly becoming a technology that can fit onto a chip.
Another important direction highlighted at the conference was the integration of III-V semiconductors with photonics. This approach makes it possible to combine a laser, waveguide, photodetector and other optical functions on a single chip – an important step towards next-generation optical communication technologies.
Lithuania already has strong capabilities in this field. Its photonics companies are developing lasers, optical components and manufacturing technologies, while investments in new production capacity demonstrate the sector’s shift from scientific expertise towards higher-value products and industrial-scale manufacturing.
Talent Alone Is Not Enough – Infrastructure Matters
For technologies to move from laboratories to the market, scientific expertise and strong companies are not enough. Advanced infrastructure is needed to connect different capabilities into a continuous development and manufacturing chain.
This is where ChipsC²-LT, Lithuania’s Chips Competence Centre, plays an important role. The centre connects Lithuania’s strengths in lasers and photonics with the growing semiconductor ecosystem and advanced technological infrastructure.
Its capabilities cover areas including chip design, heterogeneous integration, power electronics, and the development and manufacturing of photonic integrated circuits. This gives Lithuania the opportunity not only to develop individual technological components, but also to combine different competencies into new products and solutions.
A New Direction for Lithuania’s Technological Transformation
Lithuania has a long-standing tradition in photonics, a strong export-oriented laser industry, scientific expertise and developing infrastructure that can bring the country closer to advanced semiconductor technologies.
The key question is therefore no longer whether Lithuania can be part of this transformation, but how quickly it can turn its existing strengths into next-generation chip and photonics solutions.
This is where one of the most important opportunities for ChipsC²-LT lies: connecting what Lithuania already does best with what Europe increasingly needs.
From lasers to chips – this could be more than a technological transformation. It could become a new pathway for the growth of Lithuania’s high-tech industry.