The GAEA Challenge reached Lithuania with its Regional Innovation Competition, held online via MS Teams. 63 participants formed 21 teams, each pitching bold ideas aimed at tackling sustainability challenges.
⚡ Fast, inspiring, and full of energy — Lithuania’s innovators brought solutions that combine creativity and impact.
63 Participants
21 Teams
Meet the Jury
The Lithuanian teams presented their ideas to a panel of industry and sustainability experts:
- Vasilis Athanasiadis – Business Creation & Strategy Manager, Mantis Beyond Innovation
- Harris Stamatopoulos – Innovation & Strategic Collaboration Lead, Uppsala University; Director, Sustainability InnoCenter
- Angelos Vasileiou – Tech Lead, Mantis Beyond Innovation
💡 Jury focus: Innovation potential, feasibility, and measurable impact
Top Teams to Watch
| 1st | Solarise |
| 2nd | MossHub |
| 3rd | UniWattAI |
These teams stood out for combining entrepreneurial vision with real-world sustainability solutions.
Lithuania’s Innovation Pulse
Lithuania is rapidly emerging as a green-tech hub. The country’s ecosystem includes:
- Universities and research centers driving sustainable innovation
- Start-ups focusing on renewable energy and smart environmental tech
- Incubators supporting circular economy projects
Moreover, competitions like GAEA Challenge connect local innovators to European networks, offering mentoring, exposure, and collaboration opportunities.
Looking Ahead
The Lithuanian participants now move to Phase 2 – Interregional Innovation Competition, where they will compete with Europe’s top regional teams.
- Focus: Cross-border collaboration
- Outcome: Refined solutions with greater sustainability impact
- Opportunity: Scale innovations at a continental level
Why It Matters
The GAEA Challenge is not just a contest. It’s a launchpad for solutions that address pressing environmental and resource challenges. By linking local talent with European networks, the program drives real, scalable impact in sustainability.
