Ignitis Group has signed a Letter of Intent with partners from various sectors and academic institutions at the Lithuanian Research Council (LMT) to initiate the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) International Science and Technology Initiatives (MISTI) program in Lithuania. This exceptional agreement provides Lithuania with an opportunity to become part of a global technology and innovation ecosystem, while also transforming STEAM education.

“MIT is a world-class engineering university, so we are thrilled to sign this extraordinary agreement and see vast opportunities for collaboration. ‘Ignitis Group’ is working to attract new talent to the energy sector and create a future energy training hub in Lithuania. Through the #EnergySmartSTART program, we organise various initiatives such as school trips, expert meetings, school visits, and remote lessons for students. Collaboration with MIT is a unique opportunity to strengthen engineering education in Lithuania,” said Dr. Živilė Skibarkienė, board member of Ignitis Group.

Participants in the MISTI program will gain access to resources offered by MIT’s MISTI center. Through the “Global Teaching Labs” program, MIT students will teach STEAM and entrepreneurship classes in Lithuanian schools, sharing the latest knowledge and MIT’s innovative teaching methods. In addition, MIT students will have the opportunity to intern at Lithuanian companies and organisations. The “Global Seed Funds” initiative will encourage joint research projects and innovation between MIT, Lithuanian universities, and businesses. Lithuania, together with MIT, could also establish sub-programs tailored to specific national needs, such as energy, biotechnology, or laser technologies.

For many years, engineering specialisations in Lithuania have been less popular than social sciences or humanities. However, the energy sector faces a shortage of specialists, and it is predicted that by 2030, Lithuania will need at least 2,500 additional energy professionals, including 1,500 in offshore wind. Currently, around 100 professions are represented in the energy sector, making it a promising career path for graduates of electrical and energy engineering fields.

“One of the key points of today’s agreement is the establishment of a consortium between Lithuanian organisations, universities, businesses, and other research and development institutions, which will participate in the MISTI program. This is a historic event for Lithuania, as all sectors have united for the signing of this agreement. The opportunity for Lithuania to become a full-fledged member of MIT’s MISTI program would grant us access to world-class scientific, technological, and innovation resources and strengthen our country’s position in the transatlantic space,” emphasised LMT Chairman Gintaras Valinčius.

In addition to Ignitis Group, the Letter of Intent was signed by LMT, the Ministry of Economy and Innovation, the Vilnius Academy of Arts, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas Science and Technology Park, the INFOBALT Association, the Lithuanian Railways Group, the Lithuanian Energy Institute, and the Lithuanian Museum of Ethnocosmology.

“Ignitis Group’s” #EnergySmartSTART program is aimed at students and all those interested in the energy sector. The program brings together various energy industry initiatives, including school trips, expert meetings, scholarships, and information about career opportunities in energy. More information about the program is available at www.energysmartstart.lt.

Source: Ignitis Group