For Worldwide Recognition of Global Lithuanian Professionals
Jonas Andrulis
Founder and CEO of Aleph Alpha | Germany
For achieving a global breakthrough in the artificial intelligence market
Jonas Andrulis is a technology and artificial intelligence expert, who has lived in Germany for several years. His experience in international technology companies led him to found Aleph Alpha four years ago, attracting a 500 million dollar investment this year. Currently, the business founded by Jonas is called the most valuable artificial intelligence company in Europe, and he is named among the global leaders of artificial intelligence. Jonas is interviewed and quoted by German and international media and artificial intelligence experts.
Julija Jegorova
Founder and CEO of Black Unicorn PR | United Kingdom
For advancing Lithuania's position in the global technology market
Julija Jegorova is the founder of Black Unicorn PR, an international technology public relations agency based in London. Having studied and worked in the UK for over a decade, she started her professional journey by collaborating with globally recognized brands like TomTom, ASUS, and VISA. Transitioning her focus to the startup world in 2018, Julija established Black Unicorn PR and started to promote awareness about the Lithuanian startup ecosystem abroad. Leveraging her extensive network and partnerships, she strategically positions Lithuania in technology and business media through articles, contributing to the visibility of numerous Lithuanian startups in international markets. Julija was selected as one of the top women-led PR agencies in London, empowering tech startups. She is a regular speaker at various conferences across Europe about the role and importance of PR and communications.
Kristina Sabaliauskaitė
Author and Doctor of Art History | United Kingdom
For global recognition in literature and significant social initiatives
Kristina Sabaliauskaitė currently stands as Lithuania's most internationally read contemporary writer. Based in London since 2002, she did her post-graduate studies in Warburg Institute (University of London) and was awarded her PhD in history of Art from Vilnius Academy of Fine Arts, which has bestowed her also the honorary doctorate in 2019. Her literary debut, a historical novel ‘Silva Rerum’ in four volumes (2008-2016) became a literary sensation in Lithuania, with twenty-two reprints of the first part only, whereas the dilogy ‘Peter’s Empress’ is currently an international bestseller in Europe, with multiple reprints and the unprecedented visibility and acclaim for a Lithuanian book. The author is also an internationally active supporter of the Ukrainian and the liberal democracy cause commenting in the media in the media of the USA, Great Britain, Holland, Poland and other countries; for her input into the cultural dialogue between Lithuania and Poland she became the first woman awarded The Prize of Two Nations. Her charitable activism focusses on education issues and ranges from the support for libraries to the encouragement of the budding literary talents in the form of her eponymous annual literary competition for senior school pupils.
For International Achievements of Young Lithuanian Scientific Talents
Laurynas Karpus
Co-Founder and CEO of Biomatter | Lithuania
For biotechnology breakthrough created with the help of artificial intelligence
Laurynas Karpus is the co-founder and CEO of the synthetic biology company Biomatter. Biomatter (www.biomatter.ai) has developed an AI-driven platform that transforms the way new proteins and enzymes are designed. The platform removes the existing limitations of protein development and enables the creation of new breakthrough products and technologies in the field of biotechnology. Biomatter enables the ability to efficiently build biological solutions for critical global challenges and accelerates the transition to a sustainable and healthy world for humans and the planet. Recognizing this innovative work, the business magazine Forbes featured Laurynas and co-founders (Donatas Repečka, Irmantas Rokaitis, Vykintas Jauniškis) in the ‘30 Under 30’ list, acknowledging their potential to bring transformation to the fields of science and healthcare.
Emilė Radytė
Neuroscientist, Co-founder of Samphire Neuroscience | United Kingdom
For scientific innovation aimed at helping women around the world
Emilė Radytė is a neuroscientist and entrepreneur. She earned a neuroscience degree at Harvard University and later pursued a graduate diploma at Oxford, specializing in the application of brain stimulation for depression treatment. Currently, Emilė and her team are developing a new product - a brain-stimulating headband that alleviates menstrual pain and premenstrual symptoms. This pioneering medical device provides a safe, clinically researched alternative to pain medication. Emilė's startup Samphire Neuroscience received a 200,000 Euro investment for product development, established a branch in Lithuania and holds immense potential to emerge as a trailblazing Lithuanian startup in the medical field.
Meda Surdokaitė
Student of Kaunas University of Technology, laureate of international competitions | Lithuania
For international accomplishments in the early stages of a scientific career
Meda Surdokaitė is a young and already famous scientist, a student at Kaunas University of Technology. She conducted synthesis optimizations to meet the new European Union requirements for chemical substances. Her proposal introduces a less toxic method for synthesizing the Nile Red dye. While still in school, she started synthesis optimization work in the laboratories of Kaunas VII Fortress, and conducted various measurements at cooperating companies and universities. In 2022, she won the highest award at the European Young Scientists Competition, becoming the first female in Lithuanian to achieve first place. As a result, Meda was nominated for the "Future of the Year" award by LRT and was invited to participate in the Stockholm International Youth Science Seminar. Also, she became the first Lithuanian woman to receive an invitation to compete in the prestigious "Regeneron ISEF 2023" competition in Texas, USA, where she won the third place award in the field of organic chemistry as a representative of Europe.
For Investments Attracted to Lithuania
Mariano Andrade Gonzalez
Director of the Johnson Matthey Lithuania division | Mexico, United Kingdom, Lithuania
For being Lithuania’s ambassador in international companies
In 2023, Mariano became the Director of the Lithuanian division of the UK-based sustainable technology firm Johnson Matthey. Over the next three years, the service center headed by him plans to employ almost 200 tech professionals and to provide internships for young talents. Previously, he headed the Lithuanian region for Moody's, and also actively contributed to initiatives at Barclays Group Operations Lithuania. Mariano not only managed the rapid growth of business centers in Lithuania, but also ensured the attraction of investments. Through diverse initiatives, Mariano actively sought positive changes, fostering the growth of the global Lithuanian economy.
Saulius Bitinas
General Manager of Hollister Lithuania | Lithuania
For record investments in the production of medical products in Lithuania
Drawing on his extensive experience and exceptional skills, Saulius Bitinas actively enhances the success of global manufacturing businesses in Lithuania. Since mid-year, Saulius Bitinas has been at the helm of "Hollister Lietuva," an American capital medical devices production company employing over 600 specialists. The company has plans to invest an additional $25 million USD in its development over the next four years. Saulius' conscientious approach to overseeing the company's operations and his consistent advocacy for increased investments in Lithuania play a vital role in fostering the country's economic growth.
Dan Marostica
Vice President, Consumer Protection Operations, Western Union Lithuania Site Leader | United States of America, Lithuania
For global leadership in driving business development in Lithuania
Dan Marostica brings extensive international experience, having worked in diverse locations such as Barbados, Belgium, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Lithuania. His leadership philosophy, rooted in principles of transparency, empowerment, and accountability, acts as a guiding force in all his endeavours. In 2010, Dan played a pivotal role as a key decision-maker in shaping Western Union's expansion strategy. He was highly influential in recommending Lithuania as an optimal location for Western Union's growth. Upon becoming Head of the Western Union Lithuania branch in October 2023, Dan moved with his family to Lithuania to continue his direct involvement in the development of the branch.
For Lithuanian Innovations Leading Globally
Andrius Bartminas
Co-founder and CEO of Super How? | Lithuania
For the success of Lithuanian innovative solutions in the world of technology
Andrius Bartminas is the co-founder and CEO of the private research and innovation lab SUPER HOW?. Leading the company, Andrius collaborates with global enterprises such as Ripple, Bank of England, BIS, and similar organizations, contributing to projects that elevate Lithuania's reputation on the world stage. Under his leadership, along with co-founders Vytautas Kašėta and Linas Būtėnas, the SUPER HOW? team has established itself as the leading private research and development laboratory in Lithuania, with a primary focus on emerging technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. In 2022, SUPER HOW? was recognized as the "Fintech Innovator of the Year" at the Lithuanian Fintech Awards. They were also nominated for "Startup of the Year" and "Best Web3.0 Startup" at the Global Startup Awards (Central European Startup Awards) in 2023.
Tomas Okmanas and Eimantas Sabaliauskas
Co-founders of Tesonet and Nord Security | Lithuania
For the worldwide recognition of Lithuanian technology business
Tomas Okmanas and Eimantas Sabaliauskas, the visionary founders of Tesonet and Nord Security, have been instrumental in positioning Lithuania at the forefront of innovation and cyber security. In 2012, they founded Nord Security, which became the second Lithuanian unicorn and whose products are used globally by individuals and various international companies, such as Calendly, Adobe, Shutterstock and many more. This year, Tomas and Eimantas announced their second external funding milestone—securing a substantial 100 million US dollar investment from the US private equity firm Warburg Pincus and elevating the company's value to an impressive 3 billion US dollars. Tesonet group companies also carry out an important mission of attracting and hiring talents from the Lithuanian diaspora, who are living abroad, encouraging them to return to Lithuania.
Gediminas Pekšys
Co-founder and CEO of Oxipit | United Kingdom, Lithuania
For Developing the First Autonomous AI Product in Medical Imaging
Gediminas Peksys is one of the leading figures in the Lithuanian Artificial Intelligence Association and a co-founded of an AI medical imaging startup Oxipit. Oxipit develops AI solutions for medical imaging and their products help to improve diagnostic quality and address the global shortage of radiology specialists. Oxipit team are the authors of the first certified autonomous AI product in the field of medical imaging. The application produces final patient diagnostic reports without any involvement from a human radiologist. To this day it is the only AI medical imaging product capable of autonomous performance. A milestone in AI diagnostics, the certification of Oxipit’s autonomous application received global media attention and huge interest in the medical community. In addition to deployments at healthcare institutions all over the world, the autonomous Oxipit AI application is currently being deployed in the largest NHS trust in the UK.
For Creating International Business Relations
Rasa Apostol
Founder of Lituanica UK Ltd., entrepreneur | United Kingdom
For fostering business relations in exporting the flavour of Lithuania worldwide
For more than twenty years, Rasa Apostol has been a driving force in promoting and facilitating the export of Lithuanian food products to the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the USA. In 2003, she founded Lituanica UK Ltd., a pioneering venture that introduced Lithuanian cuisine to Western Europe, annually importing millions of fast-moving consumer goods from over 304 Lithuanian manufacturers. Rasa actively supports various events, consistently showcases Lithuanian food products at international exhibitions and builds connections between Lithuanian and worldwide businesses. While developing a responsible business, Rasa has been closely collaborating with various institutions and public organizations for many years.
Ingrida Gertrūda Bublys
Honorary General Consul of Lithuania, President at IBInternational Inc. | United States of America
For fostering the growth of Lithuanian businesses and opening doors to the world's largest market
Ingrida Bublys is the first Honorary Consul of independent Lithuania in the USA and has been awarded by various Lithuanian and US institutions for her proactive efforts. Devoting most of her life to strengthening US-Lithuania relations in business, trade, science, and culture, she tirelessly promotes Lithuania globally. Ingrida constantly makes every effort to open the US market to companies exporting Lithuanian products. Her activities and relations with international, business and political organizations contribute to attracting US investments to Lithuania. In 2023, she played a key role in ensuring the success of the North American and Lithuanian Business Forum in Chicago.
Lina Gallagher
Electronic commerce and digital marketing specialist, CEO of Emerce Consulting | United Arab Emirates
For providing support and mentorship to Lithuanian businesses aiming to establish a presence in the Persian Gulf region
Lina Gallagher is an entrepreneur, investor, and advisor in diverse industries, focusing her efforts in the Middle East. In 2016, she established Emerce Consulting in Dubai, a consultancy specializing in e-commerce and digital marketing, aiding retailers, brands, companies, and manufacturers in digitalization. As one of the leading Lithuanian experts in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf region, Lina actively participates as a speaker or participant in major digital marketing and business events. She offers free consultations to Lithuanian businesses seeking to explore the Persian Gulf market and to strategize market entry.
Andrius Geležauskas
Founder of Baltic Vision Co. Ltd. and Japanese translator | Japan
For the development of Lithuanian business relations with Japan
For over two decades, Andrius Geležinskas has played a vital role in enhancing economic and cultural ties between Lithuania and Japan, fostering a strong and strategic partnership. Having completed master's and doctoral studies at Waseda University, he spent five years working for Hitachi Ltd as the head of the representative office in the Baltic countries and actively contributed to fostering economic relations between the two countries. In 2017, he returned to Japan, founding Baltic Vision Co. Ltd., a company that specializes in importing Lithuanian products to the Japanese market. Andrius consistently supports Lithuanian companies, provides free consultations to government institutions, and serves as an interpreter in high-level political meetings, including those during visits by the President and numerous ministers to Japan.
For Promoting Lithuania Globally
Dominika Banevič (BGirl Nicka)
Break dancer | Lithuania
For promoting the name of Lithuania through the achievements in break dancing on a global scale
Dominika Banevič, better known as Bgirl Nicka, is a 16-year-old breakdancer who became the world breakdance champion this year and won a ticket to the Paris Olympics. Having started breakdancing at the age of eight, she has competed worldwide for the past two years, from Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, to various European cities, to South Korea and Japan. BGirl Nicka is currently ranked first in the world, sharing the top spot with a Chinese dancer.
Marija Kavtaradzė
Film director and screenwriter | Lithuania
For the breakthrough of Lithuanian films and victories at international film festivals
Marija Kavtaradzė is a young Lithuanian film director and screenwriter. In 2014, Marija graduated from the Lithuanian Music and Theater Academy, and in 2018, her first feature film "Surviving the Summer" was presented at the Toronto Film Festival and traveled to many international festivals. This year, Marija presented her second feature film "Slow" at the prestigious Sundance Festival (USA) and won the award for best directing. This film is also a Lithuanian contender for the Oscar, and the European Film Academy selected it as one of the works competing for the European list of film award nominations.
Gabrielė Kupšytė
Opera singer / London Royal Opera House | United Kingdom
For promoting the name of Lithuania on the international opera stage
Gabrielė Kupšytė is an opera soloist of the younger generation, currently singing at the Royal Opera House in London. After obtaining a master's degree at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theater in 2018, Gabrielė entered one of the most prestigious music schools in the world - the Royal Academy of Music in London, and continued her studies in Florence. Last year, Gabrielė was selected for the prestigious Jette Parker program, and as "Opera's Hope" at the awards of the Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theater. This year she was shortlisted in the Young Singer category at the International Opera Awards.
Kazimieras Gediminas Prapuolenis
Illustrator, animator and writer | United States of America
For promoting the name of Lithuania in the world of animation
Kazimieras Gediminas Prapuolenis, better known as Kaz, is an American illustrator, animator and writer of Lithuanian origin. While studying at the New York School of Visual Arts, his work was published in the influential American publications The New York Times, The Village Voice, The New Yorker. Having won an Emmy award and been nominated for four more, currently, to the surprise of Lithuanian public, Kaz is one of the creators of the popular animated "SpongeBob SquarePants".
Lithuanian Opera of Chicago
United States of America
For long-term nurturing of a unique Lithuanian opera project
The Lithuanian Opera of Chicago is the only nationally founded opera in the United States of America, operating since 1956. The choir and soloists have sung with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in the massive McCormick Hall, have prepared a magnificent concert in the Vatican, and have also participated in almost all Lithuanian song festivals in the United States and Canada. During its more than 60 years of existence, this unique choir has sung more than 30 different world-famous operas and operettas, all of which are sung exclusively in the Lithuanian language, performed by Lithuanian and non-Lithuanian soloists.