A new phase in Pentasweet’s €65 million investment – foundations laid for Europe’s first sweet protein production facility
One of the largest biotechnology investments in Lithuania in recent years is gaining momentum – the construction of Pentasweet’s €65 million brazzein sweet protein factory. This major national investment project has entered a new stage: a symbolic capsule has been placed into the foundations of the future factory at the Vilnius City Innovation Industrial Park. The factory is expected to begin operations in the first half of 2027.One of the largest biotechnology investments in Lithuania in recent years is gaining momentum – the construction of Pentasweet’s €65 million brazzein sweet protein factory. This major national investment project has entered a new stage: a symbolic capsule has been placed into the foundations of the future factory at the Vilnius City Innovation Industrial Park. The factory is expected to begin operations in the first half of 2027.
“Lithuania is consistently strengthening its high value-added economy and is capable not only of creating innovation but also of turning it into real projects. The Pentasweet factory is the first brazzein production center of its kind in Europe, demonstrating that Lithuania can be among global leaders in life sciences. This is a meaningful investment not only in the economy but also in people’s health. Solutions that enable reduced sugar consumption have great potential to transform the food industry and everyday habits,” commented Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė.
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Originally published on 22 Apr
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During the WindEurope Offshore Helsinki conference last week, Euroports presented the development of the port of Koverhar, located in the Port of Hanko area, Finland, as the next-generation industrial hub for Finland, Sweden and across the Baltic Sea.
The port of Koverhar is designed to address a key structural gap in the market: the lack of integrated, industrial-scale port infrastructure capable of supporting both fabrication and marshalling activities.
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Originally published on 8 Apr
To reach net zero emissions by 2045, Sweden must electrify its transport sector. In the Spring Amending Budget, the Government and the Sweden Democrats intend to allocate more funding to expand the electric vehicle premium and to increase government agencies’ purchasing of fossil-free alternatives.
“Electrification is the future. These are two proposals aimed at furthering the transition by electrifying our transportation and thereby making society less sensitive to, for example, oil price surges,” says Acting Minister for Climate and the Environment Johan Britz.
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Originally published on 7 Apr
Estonian biotechnology company ÄIO and natural cosmetics brand tilk! announce the launch of their first commercial product together: Skin Booster Bio‑Fermented Serum with ÄIO RedOil.
The product is a significant step for ÄIO, marking its evolution from research and ingredient development to market-ready, consumer-facing applications. Developed by tilk!, the serum combines ÄIO’s RedOil with marine and plant-based actives to deliver a high-performance skincare solution grounded in both science and nature. The partnership marks a breakthrough for Estonia’s rising biotech and cosmetics sectors, demonstrating how local innovation can shape the future of clean, high‑performance beauty.
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Originally published on 7 Apr
Lithuanian space and defence technology company Astrolight has launched its ATLAS-1 laser communication devices into orbit, in what the company says is the first Lithuanian laser communications system to reach space.
The devices were launched on 30 March 2026 aboard a Falcon 9 rocket during SpaceX’s Transporter-16 mission in California. According to Astrolight, the ATLAS-1 units will be used in three separate customer missions led by a French deep-tech company, the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
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Originally published on 7 Apr
VTT has published its key results from the national Towards Fossil‑Free Steel (FFS2) project as part of the consortium final report. VTT’s work in FFS2 focused on solutions that help steel producers replace fossil fuels and make full use of industrial side streams in a future fossil‑free value chain.
The transition to fossil free steel requires not only new energy sources, but also system level solutions that work on an industrial scale. In the FFS2 project, VTT has addressed this challenge by developing and validating technologies that integrate electrification, hydrogen and circular material flows into existing and future steelmaking processes. The results strengthen the technological basis for industrial decision making and support a faster, lower risk transition towards fossil-free steel production
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Originally published on 7 Apr
AS “SAF Tehnika,” a manufacturer of wireless data transmission equipment, has acquired a 50.5% stake in the newly established drone manufacturer SIA “AeroVictory Baltic”.
“AeroVictory Baltic” has a paid-in share capital of 20,200 euros. As a result of the transaction, “SAF Tehnika” has acquired 102 shares out of a total of 202 shares, representing 50.5% of the share capital and voting rights.
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Originally published on 8 Apr
The Rail Baltica Design Division of LTG Infra, the infrastructure company of the LTG Group, has officially begun design work on the Kaunas Node section. This is one of the most complex sections of the Poland–Latvia corridor due to its surrounding urbanized and natural areas.
Last year, LTG Infra took the initiative to establish a centre of excellence for high-speed rail design, which will complement and strengthen market capabilities. In the long term, this division — having accumulated experience in the design of high-speed railways and modern infrastructure – will be able to offer its expertise beyond Lithuania, as well as contribute to the further expansion of the European standard gauge network.
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Originally published on 7 Apr
Latvia on accelerating the development of high-growth business sectors. Through this new cooperation with the Ministry of Economics and the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), the EIB will help the country create the conditions for more competitive and scalable companies.
EIB experts will assess how Latvian businesses, research institutions and emerging technologies are supported and identify where policies and financing can be strengthened. The work, due to take place until the end of this year, will also explore opportunities for deeper Latvian alignment with neighbouring Estonia and Lithuania to foster strategic Baltic-wide initiatives.
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Originally published on 7 Apr
Insta is modernizing the overhead cranes in the production hall at the Meyer Turku shipyard as part of the shipyard’s extensive renewal program. The modernization of two 2 × 25 ton overhead cranes will improve crane usability and support the shipyard’s competitiveness.
Insta has signed a significant agreement with Meyer Turku shipyard covering the electrical modernization of two hall cranes. In the project, the technology of the two 2 × 25‑ton overhead cranes—largely in its original condition—will be upgraded to meet today’s requirements and production expectations. The modernization will enhance both the usability and operational reliability of the cranes.
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Originally published on 7 Apr
On February 13, Baltic Workboats welcomed representatives of the Estonian Parliament’s Defence Industry Support Group to out shipyard in Nasva, Saaremaa. The visit formed part of a broader programme focused on strengthening cooperation between the public sector and domestic defence industry.
The delegation included members of the Defence, Finance and Foreign Affairs Committees: Raimond Kaljulaid, Kalev Stoicescu, Leo Kunnas, Henn Põlluaas and Riina Sikkut. They were received by Baltic Workboats’ CEO Margus Vanaselja, Board Member Ahto Pärl, Sales Representative Jüri Taal and EUROGUARD Project Manager Jüri Saska.
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Originally published on 6 Apr