For International Scientific Achievements
Dr. Darius Čeburnis
For International Scientific Achievements
Dr. Čeburnis is one of Lithuania’s most internationally recognized scientists. His research advances the understanding of aerosols, clouds, and climate. He was awarded the Lithuanian Science Prize in 2012, serves on the expert panel of the Research Council of Lithuania (RCL), and played an active role in founding and supporting the activities of the Association of Lithuanian Scientists Abroad, Futura Scientia. Dr. Darius Čeburnis ranks among the top 1% of the most cited authors in the field of geological sciences worldwide.
For Empowering Ties with Lithuanian Regions
Marius Vilemaitis
For Empowering Ties with Lithuanian Regions
Marius Vilemaitis, who has been living in the United States for sixteen years, has consistently contributed to the development of the city of Kybartai. Four years ago, he began systematically working through the World Kybartai Association and later founded the public institution "Kybartų jaunimas", which provides free education for students in STEM, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. Under his initiative, projects such as children’s camps, a unified financial literacy program, and a drone club have been implemented. In recent years, he has established a traditional running event, organized STEM activities, and supported broader city initiatives, including the Kybartai Tomorrow forum and the extension of the Camino Lituano route through Kybartai. Marius also created the "Kybartadienis" tradition, strengthening students’ connections with universities and modern industries.
For Lithuanian Innovations Leading Globally
Dr. Juozas Nainys
For Lithuanian Innovations Leading Globally
Juozas Nainys is the founder and CEO of the biotechnology startup "Atrandi Biosciences" (formerly "Droplet Genomics"), contributing to the company’s expansion into international markets. Under his leadership, the company secured a $25 million investment from the U.S. venture capital fund Lux Capital, enhancing the global visibility of Lithuania’s biotechnology sector and attracting highly skilled talent. "Atrandi Biosciences" is expanding its technology team in Lithuania, plans to open a new branch in Boston, and is developing a novel capsule technology for single-cell research, which is more efficient than conventional droplet methods. This innovation creates new opportunities in biotechnology, medicine, and pharmaceuticals, accelerating scientific research and the development of new therapies.
For Creating International Business Relations
Asta Sendonaris
For Creating International Business Relations
Asta Sendonaris holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Houston and a master’s degree in Leadership and Strategy from London Business School. She has built an impressive career in the United States, teaching economics and finance at Stanford and the University of Houston and serving as Vice President at the consulting firm "Analysis Group". As a member of the board and co-chair of the Alumni Council of the Baltic-American Freedom Foundation (BAFF), Asta strengthens networks of business and innovation leaders between the Baltics and the U.S., supporting Lithuania’s ecosystem in global connections. Through her work with international startup accelerators, she connects over 3,500 companies worldwide, including Lithuanian startups, providing mentorship and funding.
For Fostering Young Lithuanian Talents
The Little Lithuanian Language Capital (Donata Simonaitienė)
For Fostering Young Lithuanian Talents
Mažoji lietuvių kalbos sostinė (The Little Lithuanian Language Capital) - an association of Lithuanian schools – brings together hundreds of children from around the world, turning the Lithuanian language into not only an academic subject but also a living tool for communication and identity. Through games, tongue twisters, video creation, and collaborative activities, children develop linguistic, creative, and social skills while strengthening their emotional connection to Lithuania and to one another. Lithuanian Language Nights not only nurture the inherited language but also cultivate a new, creative, and globally minded generation of Lithuanians. Each year, the project unites dozens of Lithuanian schools from Ireland, Norway, Iceland, the United States, Australia, and other countries, promoting international community creativity.
For Empowering Vilnius Startup Ecosystem
Thomas Plantenga (Vinted)
For Empowering Vilnius Startup Ecosystem
Tomas Plantenga, CEO of Vinted, leads Lithuania’s first “unicorn,” operating in more than 20 countries and connecting millions of users worldwide. Under his leadership, Vinted quickly transformed its business model, centralized operations in Vilnius, and implemented a new revenue structure that became the foundation for its successful growth. Vinted has become the largest second-hand goods platform in Europe, attracted international investors, and expanded into more than two dozen markets. The platform’s strategic development and innovations enhance the international prestige of Lithuania’s technology sector and create global opportunities for the country’s startups.
For Investments Attracted to Lithuania
Thermo Fisher Scientific (Justas Plankis)
For Investments Attracted to Lithuania
Thermo Fisher Scientific (Justas Plankis) – over 15 years in Lithuania, Thermo Fisher has steadily expanded its operations, invested in research and manufacturing capabilities, and grown its workforce from 300 to 1,400 employees. The company makes a significant contribution to Lithuania’s economy by developing the life sciences ecosystem, nurturing high-quality talent, and fostering scientific breakthroughs. The Vilnius branch is internationally recognized as a center of innovation and professionalism, having received the prestigious Shingo Award for efficient manufacturing processes.More than 200 scientists and researchers work at the company's Research and Experimental Development (R&D) center, making it one of the largest private research centers in Eastern Europe.
For Promoting Lithuania Globally
Edgaras Montvidas
For Promoting Lithuania Globally
Edgaras Montvidas – One of the most prominent opera soloists and a laureate of the National Culture and Art Prize, Edgaras Montvidas studied in the class of maestro Virgilijus Noreika at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre and completed a young artists’ internship at the Royal Opera House in London. He has performed around 50 roles on some of the most renowned stages across Europe, the United States, and Japan, including the Berlin State Opera, the Amsterdam and Munich State Operas, the Hamburg, Zurich, Geneva, and Paris Opéra Comique, London’s Covent Garden, Santa Fe Opera, Montreal Opera, and many others. He collaborates with many of the world’s leading orchestras and conductors — including the BBC Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, NHK (Japan), the Munich Radio Symphony Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Symphony Orchestra, and more — appearing in major concert halls across Europe. His discography is also extensive. Edgaras Montvidas is additionally the Artistic Director of the Pažaislis Music Festival. This season, he performs with the Bavarian Radio Orchestra under Sir Simon Rattle, at the Montreal Opera in Canada, the Finnish National Opera, the Toulon Opera in France, and, of course, in Lithuania.
For Empowering Lithuanian Communities Worldwide
Lithuanian community in Sydney (Jurgita Černauskaitė)
For Empowering Lithuanian Communities Worldwide
Jurgita Černauskaitė, who has been living in Australia for more than a decade, has taken on the mission of revitalizing the declining Lithuanian community in Sydney by bringing together a new team and engaging multiple generations as well as newly arrived Lithuanians. She actively organizes cultural events, language initiatives, and community gatherings, strengthening the continuity of Lithuanian identity abroad.
Jurgita’s work has reinforced Lithuania’s connection with its diaspora and contributed to the revival of one of the oldest Lithuanian communities in the world. Her efforts enhance Lithuania’s visibility in Australia, presenting the country as vibrant and culturally rich.
For Lifetime Achievements
Major General - Jonas Kronkaitis
