Lithuania’s Biotech Industry
- Key areas of focus
- Why Lithuania
- Already here
- Reports & Publications
- News & Events
- Key areas of focus
- Why Lithuania
- Already here
- Reports & Publications
- News & Events
Lithuania stands at the forefront of biotechnology innovation with a rich 50-year history and cutting-edge advancements in precision medicine, biomanufacturing, and more. The country’s integrated network of science valleys and educational institutions fuels a rapidly growing ecosystem, making Lithuania a strategic location for biotech investments.
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3rdamong OECD countries for biotechnology R&D spending intensity (as % of value added)Source: Labiotech, 2024 -
92%of all pharmaceutical and healthcare products manufactured in Lithuania are exported, with products going to over 100 countriesSource: Innovation Agency Lithuania, 2023 -
~2.7%of Lithuania‘s GDP is generated by the Life Sciences sectorSource: LithuaniaBIO, 2023
Key Areas of Focus
in Lithuanian Biotechnology
Personalized Medicine
Cell and Gene Therapies
Lithuania is a recognized leader in cell and gene therapies, with significant contributions to global scientific research, including partnerships with the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and achievements such as the Kavli Prize in the CRISPR-Cas9 field. The country’s robust R&D environment supports the next generation of advanced therapeutics.
Health Data
Lithuania’s burgeoning tech sector is propelling forward AI-driven healthcare solutions, backed by a remarkable ICT talent pool and comprehensive, readily available health data for research and industry applications. As one of the first countries to establish a one-stop-shop data agency, Lithuania offers private companies streamlined access to centralized, high-quality health data for secondary use. Electronic health records system was developed 20 years ago and is aligned with European Health Data Space (EHDS) framework, adhering to the HL7 FHIR and SNOMED CT standards.
Biomanufacturing
Biologics
Home to leading biotech companies, including global giants like Thermo Fisher Scientific and Teva, Lithuania excels in biologics and personalized medicine. The upcoming BioCity campus, Europe’s largest biotech hub with a planned investment of 7 billion euros, is set to revolutionize the sector with state-of-the-art facilities, including those for cell and gene manufacturing and 3D bioprinting.
AgTech and Novel Food
Building on a strong agricultural heritage, Lithuania is pioneering sustainable and innovative farming and novel food production techniques. The rise of alternative protein sources, vertical farming, and functional food underscores the country’s commitment to eco-friendly and efficient food supply chains.
Industrial Biotechnology
Lithuania holds a unique position in synthetic biology, driving transformative advancements in the industrial manufacturing sector. This expertise facilitates the production of diverse biomaterials, including enzymes and amino acids, catering to industries such as chemicals, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), cosmetics, and materials. By prioritizing advanced fermentation technologies, Lithuania lays a strong foundation for businesses eager to leverage biological science for sustainable progress. For companies like Roquette, the availability of diverse raw materials has enabled significant expansion of their product range and business growth.
Why Invest in Lithuania’s
Biotechnology Industry?
Skilled and Innovative Workforce
Lithuania boasts one of the highest rates of STEM graduates in Europe, with a significant focus on biotechnology and biomedical sciences. The country’s education system is closely aligned with industry needs, ensuring a steady supply of highly skilled professionals. Lithuanian teams have excelled in the iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine) competition, achieving 2 Grand Prixs and securing all gold medals since their first participation in 2015.
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1st in the EUThe most educated population in the EU, with the highest percentage having completed at least upper secondary educationSource: Eurostat, 2023 -
1st in the EUThe largest share of women in science and tech in the EUSource: Eurostat, 2022 -
13Higher education institutions offering Life Sciences-related programmesSource: National Agency for Education, 2024
Lithuanian Government Support and Strategic Initiatives
Recognized as a priority industry, biotechnology benefits from significant government support, including incentives for R&D and streamlined regulatory processes. Lithuania’s national biotechnology strategy aims to double the sector’s contribution to the GDP by 2030.
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European Medicines Agency regulations apply -
Mutual Recognition Agreement with the US FDA -
Hospital exemptions for administering ATMPs in clinical trials (in case of high unmet medical need)
Integrated Value Chain
Lithuania offers comprehensive support across the entire biotech value chain.
10 Science Valleys to initiate R&D processes and pilot your ideas.
Lithuania is one of the few countries in the EU, whose national regulation allows private companies to access patient data for secondary use via a streamlined process, combined with centralized population and other data.
5 clinical hospitals facilitate extensive clinical trials, ranging from pre-clinical to Phase III.
From small-scale brownfield solutions in industry-focused innovation parks to free economic zones, there is a dynamic spectrum of tailored environments for industrial growth and biomanufacturing.
Upon reaching commercial states, biotech products benefit from the country’s efficient logistics network. Over 90% of all life sciences products are exported to major markets like the USA, Germany, Asia.
Cost-Effective European Hub
Offering competitive costs compared to Western Europe, Lithuania provides a cost-effective base with access to high-quality talent and advanced technologies, making it an attractive location for biotechnology firms.
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Annual labour costs at a Biotech facility in Europe
Source: fDi Benchmark by FT, 2024 -
Annual labour costs at a Biotech facility Worldwide
Source: fDi Benchmark by FT, 2024
Biotechnology Companies in Lithuania
Local innovators:
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Founded by Professor V. Šikšnys, winner of the Kavli Prize, Caszyme provides CRISPR-Cas9 applications for various companies in the US and Asia.
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Biomatter work at the intersection of synthetic biology and AI, developing technologies for generative protein design and experimental tools for the collection of biological data.
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Droplet Genomics designs microfluidic instruments, consumables, and data analysis tools, which allow biological samples to be analyzed at the granularity of single cells.
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Focused on AgTech, Nando is developing high-value microbiological products and chemical additives, offering sustainable alternatives to traditional products.
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With extensive expertise in drug substance and drug product development, as well as GMP-compliant manufacturing, Northway is well-versed in all aspects of the biopharmaceutical value chain.
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A one-stop-shop clinical research organization operating in Europe, CIS, EAEU, MENA, LATAM and the US, Biomapas caters to biopharmaceutical and medical device companies.
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Auga Group specializes in sustainable agriculture, from organic produce and feedstock to innovative agriculture machinery.
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Committed to circularity, and sustainable processes, Divaks creates high-quality insect-derived ingredients, primarily proteins and oils.
Related materials
to download
What’s happening
in the sector
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Life SciencesIntersurgical expands in Lithuania, plans to invest €10 million in advanced manufacturingMar 19, 2024 -
Life SciencesBoutique Life Sciences advisory Avance opens office in VilniusFeb 20, 2024 -
New investmentsHollister Lietuva increases production capacity and launches new incentive programmeDec 05, 2023
