The HiLASE Centre recently hosted the kick-off meeting for the LASER-PRO project, an ambitious initiative designed to propel Europe’s high-tech industry forward through cutting-edge laser technologies. Held on March 3–4, 2025, the event marked the official launch of a collaboration uniting 18 partners from Czechia, Lithuania, and Ukraine, dedicated to advancing research, fostering innovation, and strengthening industry ties.
The kick-off meeting was attended by key stakeholders from the scientific community, industry, and government. The public session featured opening remarks from notable figures, including:
- Michael Prouza, Director of the Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences
- Petra Pecková, Governor of Central Bohemia
- Jana Havliková, Deputy Minister for Science, Research, and Innovation of the Czech Republic
- Radek Špicar, Vice-President of the Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic
- Helena Schulzová, Deputy Director of the Department of Economic and Science Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Rolandas Kačinskas, Ambassador of Lithuania to the Czech Republic
- Helena Jelínková, Professor in Applied Physics at the Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague
- Petr Očko, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic
The LASER-PRO initiative underscores the significance of collaboration among research institutions, industry leaders, and policymakers. The strong support from local government bodies and the European Union is instrumental in driving this initiative forward. By funding and fostering innovation, the EU and national authorities play a crucial role in strengthening Europe’s position as a global leader in photonics and laser technologies.
Within the session, Anca-Adriana Cucu, Project Officer from the European Research Executive Agency (REA), emphasized the European Union’s commitment to fostering research excellence and sustainable industrial growth through strategic investments in laser technology.
“LASER-PRO is not just another EU-funded project – it is a strategic movement reshaping Europe’s laser technology landscape. By driving cross-border collaboration and accelerating the commercialization of laser technologies, we will establish a European Powerhouse in Laser Innovation centered around Central Bohemia and Lithuania,” said Tomáš Mocek, Head of the HiLASE Centre and Coordinator of the LASER-PRO project.
Gediminas Raciukaitis from FTMC highlighted the project’s significance for cross-border collaboration: “Our consortium exemplifies how international collaboration can lead to groundbreaking innovations. Through LASER-PRO, we will not only accelerate the adoption of laser technologies across Europe but also strengthen the capabilities of our Ukrainian partners, enabling them to integrate and succeed within the European innovation ecosystem.”
By focusing on sustainable manufacturing, semiconductor technology, biomedical innovations, and advanced digital solutions, LASER-PRO is set to revolutionize industrial processes across Europe. With ongoing support from the EU and national governments, the project will not only enhance research and development but also create new business opportunities and strengthen the European high-tech sector.
As a key driver of laser innovation, the HiLASE Centre is proud to be at the forefront of this initiative, fostering a dynamic ecosystem where science and industry converge to shape Europe’s technological future.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
