At VILNIUS TECH, success is not just about academic excellence, it’s about creating impact. A true example of this vision is Simonas Barsteiga, Director of the Centre of Competence for Smart and Climate-Neutral Manufacturing Processes, Materials, and Technologies and EU Climate Pact Ambassador. His journey from international student experiences to academic leadership is an inspiring example of how innovation and responsibility can shape a more sustainable future.
From International Internships to Engineering Leadership
Simonas started his career with internships in Germany and Switzerland, where he gained both technical skills and a global outlook. Later, he led the Lithuanian branch of CSD Engineers, working on major infrastructure projects such as the reconstruction of Lausanne’s railway station.
Yet for him, engineering has always been more than building structures. “Engineering is a team sport,” he explains. “Success comes from collective effort, patience, and constant innovation.” This belief eventually brought him back to VILNIUS TECH: not as a student this time, but as a leader eager to give back.
A Game-Changing Centre of Competence
Today, Simonas leads one of the most ambitious projects in VILNIUS TECH’s history: the €17 million Centre of Competence for Smart and Climate-Neutral Manufacturing. More than just a research facility, it is designed as a collaborative ecosystem where students, scientists, and industry professionals work side by side.
“Our goal is not just to have the latest equipment—it’s about creating an open, decentralized network where even small contributions can spark big changes,” Simonas says.
For students, this means hands-on access to world-class labs from day one and the chance to be part of projects addressing urgent global challenges such as climate-neutral technologies, smart materials, and sustainable manufacturing.
Bridging Science and Society
Simonas is passionate about turning ideas into real-world solutions. Recently, his team submitted startup proposals focusing on innovative air and water treatment technologies, proof that research at VILNIUS TECH doesn’t stay confined to labs but actively seeks to improve everyday life.
As an EU Climate Pact Ambassador, he also champions the role of young people in driving change: “We can’t solve tomorrow’s problems with the same thinking that caused them. Your generation has the power and the tools to change the system.”
His message to students is clear: “See Earth not as a resource, but as something fragile—something we must protect. Even small steps can be turning points.”
Why VILNIUS TECH?
For those passionate about innovation, technology, and sustainability, VILNIUS TECH offers a unique platform. Students are not just learners, they become active contributors to research and innovation from the very beginning.
Located in one of Europe’s most dynamic startup hubs, the university connects its community with international partnerships, innovative projects, and opportunities to make a tangible impact. With major investments in initiatives like SmartEcoTech and DIGI-DEFENSE, VILNIUS TECH is shaping solutions for a smarter, greener future.
Be the Change
Simonas’s advice to future students is simple yet powerful: “Be proactive, consistent, and curious. Here at VILNIUS TECH, every effort is rewarded. This is a place where you can grow into a leader—someone who drives innovation and creates a better future for all.”
Ready to shape the future? Join VILNIUS TECH and build what comes next.