For International Scientific Achievements
Prof. Eugenijus Kaniušas
For International Scientific Achievements
Vienna University Professor E. Kaniušas, in cooperation with Lithuanian research institutions, conducts various scientific studies in the field of biomedicine, develops innovative methods, has authored more than 240 scientific articles and publications, and has been awarded the distinction “For the Merits of Lithuanians of the World to Lithuania.” In 2001, Prof. E. Kaniušas defended his doctoral dissertation at the Vienna University of Technology and is actively involved in the activities of the Austrian–Lithuanian Scientific Society.
Dr. Ieva Jusionytė
For International Scientific Achievements
Dr. Ieva Jusionytė is a Lithuania-born social anthropologist, Professor at Brown University, former associate professor at Harvard, and an author, internationally recognized for her research on borders, migration, and security. In 2025, she was awarded the MacArthur Foundation’s $800,000 “genius grant”, which will support her continued research on borders, justice, and violence.
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.
Marius Reklaitis
For Empowering Ties with Lithuanian Regions
Marius Reklaitis is an internationally recognized Lithuanian conductor and educator who studied in the United Kingdom, trained at the Juilliard School, and worked at prestigious festivals such as the BBC Proms and the Canterbury Festival. He actively strengthens Lithuania’s cultural ties with the world, for which he was awarded the St. George Medal and other international honors in 2024. Marius founded the Kent Philharmonic Orchestra, a professional orchestra that consists of the highest caliber musicians from England and Europe. He has also established the Marijampolė Philharmonic, and the Sūduva Youth Symphony Orchestra, providing regional talents with opportunities to grow and collaborate with international performers. For the past five years, he has also organized the international classical music festival "Kultūros Dienos" in Marijampolė alongside pianist Kamile Zaveckaite, fostering cultural development and nurturing the potential of young performers in the region.
Audrius Plioplys
For Empowering Ties with Lithuanian Regions
Audrius Plioplys, a Lithuanian living in the United States, is a neurologist, scientist, and artist whose work and research are presented in international galleries and museums. Since 2011, he has consistently strengthened ties with the Sūduva region, donating his works to Lithuanian institutions and organizing exhibitions in Marijampolė and Sasnava. He initiated the "Pasaulio sūduviečiai" project, which restores historical connections, unites communities, and promotes interest in the region’s cultural heritage. On the international stage, Plioplys consistently highlights his Sūduva roots, thereby enhancing the visibility of Lithuanian culture and maintaining the connection between the global Lithuanian community and their homeland.
For Lithuanian Innovations Leading Globally
Laura Kaziukonienė
For Lithuanian Innovations Leading Globally
Laura Kaziukonienė, founder and CEO of Super Garden. Together with her team, she created and patented a unique line of freeze-dried snacks designed for astronaut nutrition research. The company collaborates with global space agencies in developing astronaut food and applies these space-driven innovations within the defense sector. Super Garden develops distinctive products — from non-melting ice cream to fully freeze-dried ready-to-eat rations and freeze-dried cold beet soup — which are exported to more than 40 countries, including the United States, Japan, the Middle East, and various European nations. This work strengthens Lithuania’s reputation as a country of innovation and opens new opportunities for national businesses in the space sector.
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.
Evaldas Pabrėža
For Lithuanian Innovations Leading Globally
Evaldas Pabrėža is the CEO of Integrated Optics, a photonics company that has transformed miniature lasers into world-class technology by developing ultra-compact laser sources with integrated optical and electronic systems. The company’s 405 nm laser was launched into orbit, becoming the first Lithuanian-made laser to operate in space. More than 97% of the company’s production is exported to over 40 countries, and its clients include global leaders in technology and science such as NASA, the University of Cambridge, Harvard University, Google, the Fraunhofer Institute, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), ETH Zurich, Imperial College London, and KTH Royal Institute of Technology.These lasers are used in biotechnology, spectroscopy, micromachining, medical research, and space missions — strengthening Lithuania’s technological standing on the global stage.
For Creating International Business Relations
Jurgita Radzevičė, SBA Amerikos CEO
For Creating International Business Relations
Jurgita Radzevičė, CEO of SBA Home, leads global SBA Home operations, including in North Carolina, USA, marking the largest Lithuanian investment in the country to date and opening new opportunities for Lithuanian businesses on the international stage. The company not only successfully expands its operations but also serves as a de facto ambassador for Lithuania, showcasing the country’s expertise, professional experience, and business ambitions. SBA Home presence in the U.S. strengthens business ties between Lithuania and the United States, promotes international collaboration, and demonstrates how Lithuanian values—professionalism, innovation, speed and a passion for excellence—can be successfully implemented globally. The company’s strategic investments and international initiatives make it an outstanding example of building strong business relationships abroad.
Rūta Smertinienė
For Creating International Business Relations
Rūta Smertinienė, on her initiative ten years ago, established a professional club in Stockholm that has become an active organization supporting Lithuanian businesses in expanding into the Swedish market. As the club’s leader, she dedicates her personal time to the community, organizes events, and provides ongoing support to businesses both in Lithuania and Sweden. She maintains close ties with the Lithuanian Embassy and Commercial Attaché, coordinating collaborations and international projects. Rūta’s work strengthens Lithuania’s business reputation in Sweden, helps establish strategic partnerships, and promotes international cooperation. Her consistent efforts ensure that Lithuanian businesses have the guidance and resources necessary for success in foreign markets.
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
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.
Gintarė Verbickaitė (Unicorns Association)
For Empowering Vilnius Startup Ecosystem
Unicorns Association is a startup organization uniting over 130 innovative companies, including “unicorns” and fast-growing startups, as well as investors and partners. The association’s activities are significantly shaped by its leader, Gintarė Verbickaitė, whose voice is frequently heard and cited in international media when presenting the innovation and startup ecosystem. She actively enhances Vilnius’s international reputation by helping startups establish connections with global investors and partners. In recent years, Unicorns Lithuania, guided by Gintarė’s insights, has made a substantial contribution to the global recognition of Vilnius’s startup ecosystem.
Dr. Monika Paulė (Caszyme)
For Empowering Vilnius Startup Ecosystem
Dr. Monika Paulė, holds a PhD in Management, has completed executive programs in Barcelona, Kenya, and Heidelberg, is an entrepreneur and innovations expert, and has over 20 years of leadership experience in high-tech business and academic sectors. She is the co-founder and was a long-term CEO of the internationally operating biotechnology company Caszyme. Under her leadership, Caszyme has put Vilnius on the global biotechnology map, strengthened the reputation of the city’s startup ecosystem, and attracted attention and investment to Lithuanian innovations. As a result of these achievements, Vilnius is increasingly recognized as a significant center for high-added value life sciences innovations.
For Investments Attracted to Lithuania
Nasdaq Vilnius Services (Arminta Saladžienė)
For Investments Attracted to Lithuania
Nasdaq Vilnius Services (Arminta Saladžienė) is one of the leading figures in Lithuania’s Business Services & ICT ecosystem, consistently raising professional standards and enhancing Lithuania’s reputation in the international market. The company stands out for its high workplace culture and commitment to diversity and equality, as recognized by the "Equal Pay Award". It demonstrates strong technological expertise and makes a significant contribution to global Nasdaq projects. The Vilnius center has become one of Nasdaq’s key competence hubs, further strengthening Lithuania’s reputation as a location for high-value technology.
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.
CAST AI (Co-founder & Director of Operations Vilius Žukauskas)
For Investments Attracted to Lithuania
CAST AI (Co-founder & Director of Operations Vilius Žukauskas) – CAST AI in Lithuania consistently develops high-value R&D activities, creating advanced solutions in cloud optimization. The company is rapidly expanding its engineering and data science teams in Vilnius while attracting international investment. This work strengthens Lithuania’s reputation as a hub for cutting-edge technology development. Due to its significant contributions to technological solutions and investment attraction, CAST AI is considered one of the most important modern tech companies in Lithuania.
For Promoting Lithuania Globally
Benediktas Gylys
For Promoting Lithuania Globally
Benediktas Gylys, a Lithuanian artist, investor, and philanthropist, created the unique global network of Portal sculptures.
The first Portals, connecting Lithuania and Poland, were launched in 2021. Today Portals exist in Lithuania, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Poland, and the United States — connecting all countries one to another and inviting humanity to meet above borders, algorithms and differences. With three new countries from Asia and South America joining the network with their sculptures next year, the artwork continues to expand.
Portals have already reached more than two billion people worldwide and were repeatedly featured by the BBC, The New York Times, NBC News, The Guardian, and National Geographic, presenting Lithuania in international media as an innovative leader in technology and art.
His foundation, active since 2013, has supported the Lithuanian Pavilion at the Venice Biennale and other important projects dedicated to culture and peace.
Aurimas Valujavičius
For Promoting Lithuania Globally
Aurimas Valujavičius, a Lithuanian endurance athlete, traveler, and content creator, is known for extreme expeditions around the world. In 2022–2023, he rowed solo across the Atlantic in the kayak "Lituanica" over 120 days, becoming the first Lithuanian and only the third person in the world to complete the journey solo. In May 2025, Aurimas became the youngest Lithuanian to reach the summit of Mount Everest and took part in a record-breaking Lithuanian expedition. His achievements have received international attention, and his active presence on social media inspires youth and enhances Lithuania’s visibility worldwide.
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
The project Šaknys (Roots) (Vilius Žalpis) and LISS (Romena Čiūtienė)
For Empowering Lithuanian Communities Worldwide
The project Šaknys (Roots), similar to Misija Sibiras, began as a Talka-based program for Students to clean up neglected and abandoned Lithuanian cemeteries and other Lithuanian Heritage sites. Saknys encourages young people to explore their origins, learn about the history of the Lithuanian diaspora, and strengthen ties among communities in the United States, Lithuania, and the Punskas-Seinai region.
LISS is a five-week program in Lithuania that provides Lithuanian students living in the United States and Canada with professional experience in their field of study, while also improving their Lithuanian language skills and deepening their cultural connection. Under the leadership of Romena Čiūtienė since 2019, the program has already hosted more than 75 participants. These initiatives foster young diaspora members’ connection to Lithuania and promote long-term community cooperation.
Lithuanian community in Sydney
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.
Civil Resistance Forum organized by the Lithuanian community of Cyprus (president Rūta Pečkytė)
For Empowering Lithuanian Communities Worldwide
By organizing the Civil Resistance Forum for two consecutive years, the Lithuanian community of Cyprus has become an important platform for discussions on strengthening modern civic resilience and democracy. Drawing on Lithuania’s historical experience and Ukraine’s example of resistance, the event promoted community awareness and engaged experts from various fields in dialogue on the challenges of information security. This initiative has enhanced the participation of Lithuanians in Cyprus in European-level discussions and established strong cooperation with Lithuanian institutions in the areas of civic education and disinformation prevention.