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Lithuania is quickly gaining recognition as one of Europe’s most dynamic and fast-growing life sciences hub. With world-class research talent, a thriving biotech ecosystem, and a government committed to accelerating innovation, the country is positioning itself at the forefront of the global life sciences industry.
The most compelling proof? A landmark €7 billion investment into BIO CITY, turning Vilnius into the said major biotech hub and sending a clear signal to global players that Lithuania is ready to lead in life sciences.
A €7 billion investment is reshaping Lithuania’s biotechnology landscape. Northway Biotech is developing BIO CITY, a Life Sciences Hub in Vilnius over the next decade. The first facility, a Gene Therapy Center, opened in 2024 as the first of its kind in the Baltics. The complex will also include a 200M EUR molecular biotechnology center, which is being developed in partnership with a major US pharma company. In total, the hub will span an area of 10 football fields, and feature six biotechnology complexes including four manufacturing plants and two research centers, creating 2,100 jobs by 2030.
BIO CITY project map. Image source: biocity.lt.
This private sector momentum reflects the broader boom in Lithuania’s Life Sciences sector. Since the government set an ambitious goal of having the sector account for 5% of GDP by 2030, it has been instrumental in supporting not only research but the establishment of laboratories and science valleys. And these endeavours are already bearing fruit.
The European Molecular Biology Laboratory Partnership Institute (EMBL), established at Vilnius University, has already received three prestigious European Research Council grants in four years. Here international teams of scientists, under the guidance of such globally recognised specialists as Neuroscientist Dr. Urte Neniskyte and CRISPR researcher Dr. Stephen Knox Jones Jr., are conducting cutting edge research on subjects in the areas of neuroplasticity and gene editing. Meanwhile, Vilnius University’s scientific community continues to gain global recognition, with FTMC researcher and PhD professor Ieva Plikusiene becoming the first Lithuanian scientist appointed to the Scientific Advisory Board of UNESCO’s International Basic Sciences Programme (IBSP). Together, these achievements highlight Lithuania’s growing prominence as a hub for world-class scientific research and innovation.
When it comes to the business side of Life Sciences, there is a proven track record spanning several decades with companies like Thermo Fisher Scientific and Teva conducting both R&D and manufacturing activities. In fact, leading global biomanufacturing companies operating in Lithuania report profit margins and returns on equity that are 20-30 percentage points higher than their worldwide averages.
Explore more success stories from the companies thriving in Lithuania.
Moreover, the recently introduced Investment Highway, a comprehensive support package for large-scale investments will help drive more ambitious investment into the sector. It offers same-day construction permits, 12x faster pre-construction timelines, 0% corporate tax for 20 years, dedicated case management, and streamlined procedures for ambitious businesses seeking EU market advantage.
Investment Highway support package fast-tracks large-scale investment projects with 0% corporate tax for 20 years, streamlined planning, and faster decision-making from public authorities, ensuring smoother setup and long-term success.
The future is looking bright for Life Sciences in Lithuania. With private sector momentum, world-class research institutions, and proactive government support, the country is well on its way to achieving its target of having life sciences contribute 5% of GDP by 2030. From pioneering gene therapy to establishing one of Europe’s most ambitious biotech hubs, Lithuania is transforming potential into progress.
For investors and biotech leaders, Lithuania represents one of the most dynamic growth opportunities in Europe’s life sciences sector. Whether you’re looking to scale R&D, establish manufacturing capabilities, or tap into a pool of top-tier scientific talent, Lithuania offers the infrastructure, incentives, and innovation ecosystem to support your long-term ambitions. Now is the time to be part of a biotech success story in the making.
Invest Lithuania is here to keep you informed about the latest news, opportunities, and developments shaping Lithuania’s business landscape. If you have any questions or would like more details, feel free to contact us—we’re here to provide the insights you need.
