Empowering Young Entrepreneurs: Erasmus+ BIP “Management for Business Startups” at VMU Agriculture Academy

Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA) in Kaunas, Lithuania, recently hosted a dynamic and multicultural Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) titled “Management for Business Startups – 2025 Summer Course.” Taking place from June 2 to 13, 2025, the programme was designed to provide both bachelor’s and master’s students with essential entrepreneurial skills and tools to develop, plan, and present their own business ideas. The blended format combined online instruction with on-site mobility in Lithuania, enabling students to engage across borders while gaining practical insights into startup creation and business modelling. Awarding 3 ECTS credits, the course brought together a vibrant group of participants from Estonia, Greece, Germany, India, Kazakhstan, Mauritius, Poland, Romania, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and Ukraine, creating a truly global learning environment. This BIP course emphasized experiential learning, intercultural exchange, and collaborative project work, making it a valuable platform for fostering entrepreneurial thinking within a European and international framework.

Blended Format: Virtual Knowledge Meets Real-World Practice

The course followed a thoughtfully structured approach. During the first week, participants joined virtual sessions exploring the use of robotic process automation (RPA) in business, designing software automation scenarios, and tackling themes such as sustainable production, marketing strategy, and business development frameworks. These sessions laid the groundwork for the hands-on collaboration and final project preparation that followed.

Academic Engagement in an International Environment

The second week unfolded on-site in Kaunas, where students gathered for in-person workshops focused on business modeling, financial planning, budgeting, and marketing tactics. Each day introduced new elements vital to startup success. The academic sessions were led by an accomplished international teaching team, including Prof. Dr. Jan Žukovskis (VMU), Prof. Dr. Gunta Grīnberga-Zālīte (Latvia), Prof. Dr. Paula Pyplacz (Poland), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Janusz Sasak (Poland), and Mgr. Tuuli Kaasik (Estonia). Prof. Dorota Chudy-Hyski from the University of Silesia in Katowice and Karolina Hyski from the University of Economics in Katowice participated in the project evaluation process, providing professional feedback and contributing to the academic integrity and practical relevance of the student startup ideas. Alongside the educational programme, students toured Kaunas Old Town, visited Vilnius, and enjoyed excursions through VMU’s picturesque Agriculture Academy campus. Evening activities and informal gatherings deepened connections between participants and added cultural richness to the academic experience.

A Diverse and Multidisciplinary Cohort

The programme brought together thirty-six students from eleven countries and sixteen partner universities. Participants represented a wide spectrum of academic disciplines including agriculture, environmental science, economics, marketing, logistics, and digital business. Their international and interdisciplinary collaboration led to a vibrant and idea-rich learning environment where new business concepts were born and developed.

Pitching Startup Ideas with Confidence

Throughout the week, students worked in teams to refine business ideas, build budget plans, and prepare pitches. The final day featured formal presentations before a panel of lecturers and peers simulating investor discussions. These sessions not only tested participants’ ability to communicate and justify their concepts, but also celebrated their innovation, teamwork, and leadership skills. Each student was awarded a certificate recognizing their academic and collaborative achievements.

Reflections from Participants

Feedback gathered after the programme revealed a high level of satisfaction. Nearly all participants rated the course as excellent or very good. They especially appreciated the interactive format, the practical orientation of the course content, and the supportive international atmosphere. Students distinguished the academic quality of the lectures, the professionalism of the faculty, and the chance to apply theory in real-world-inspired settings. Suggestions included adding even more time for face-to-face learning and expanding future sessions to include advanced startup simulations.

Looking Ahead: A Model of Entrepreneurial Education

The 2025 Management for Business Startups BIP stands as a testament to VMU Agriculture Academy’s commitment to advancing entrepreneurship education through international cooperation and innovative teaching methods. It equipped students with essential business competencies, boosted their confidence, and built lasting cross-border connections that will carry into future professional ventures.

Erasmus BIP partner universities: Akhmet Baitursynuly Kostanay Regional University , Almaty Management University, Czestochowa University of Technology, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Military University of Technology, Reutlingen University, University of Maribor, University of Mauritius, University of Oradea, University of Siedlce, University of Silesia in Katowice, Warsaw University of Life Sciences.

Prepared by dr. Monika Medikienė (International Coordinator of VMU AA) and prof. dr. Jan Žukovskis (Faculty of Bioeconomy Development).

Co-Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

Natural Meadow Restoration Initiative at the Arboretum of VMU Agriculture Academy: Living Lab Contribution to Nature-Based Solutions

On June 27, 2025, a natural meadow restoration initiative was implemented at the Arboretum of Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy. The aim of this initiative was to promote biodiversity and integrate nature-based solutions (NBS) into education and environmental practice.

As part of the activity, Arboretum staff prepared an experimental plot for natural meadow establishment: the existing vegetation was mowed, biomass removed, and soil scarification carried out to create suitable conditions for new plant establishment. A meadow restoration expert developed a native seed mix tailored to local conditions, distinguished by high species diversity and ecological value. The seeds were sown in designated plots within the Arboretum territory.

The activity involved the VMU Agriculture Academy Living Lab team and students from the Faculty of Forest Sciences and Ecology. It provided a unique opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in natural meadow restoration, learn about the role of native plant species in ecosystem stability, and explore the application of nature-based solutions in modern agriculture.

The restored meadows will serve as a demonstration site for the Living Lab, used in study programs, educational activities, community cooperation, and international exchanges. These natural spaces will contribute to the development of environmental competences and the integration of NBS principles into higher education.

This initiative was implemented within the framework of the international project “Education and Nature-Based Solutions: enable society to bend the curve for biodiversity” (ENABLS). The project aims to strengthen the role of education in biodiversity conservation through local initiatives, experiential learning, and collaboration between science and society.

Moments from the VMU Agriculture Academy Graduation Ceremony (photo gallery)

On June 19, a special chapter was written in the life book of graduates from Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy – on this day, diplomas were awarded to the young creators of a sustainable future, conferring Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.

Access to the photo galleries is granted only to users with a VMU email address.

VMU Achieved Impressive Results and Ranked 2nd Nationally in QS World University Rankings

In the latest QS World University Rankings published today, Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) has once again achieved significant results, further improving its high global engagement indicators and maintaining solid positions in other categories. In the overall rating, it ranked second among Lithuanian universities based on its total score.

In the overall ranking, which covers all indicators, VMU remained in the same position as last year: 741-750, preserving second place among the country‘s higher education institutions. “We are pleased and proud to see our university‘s successful results and maintained strong positions. Higher education is extremely competitive, and the number of ranked universities is increasing every year. Thus, it‘s truly noteworthy that VMU managed to not just maintain a high ranking but even greatly improved some of its already highly impressive results”, VMU Rector Prof. Juozas Augutis said.

The university performed best in the categories of International Students and their Diversity, where it ranked among the top institutions globally – 270^th and 244^th respectively – and was the highest-ranked Lithuanian university in both indicators.

VMU made its highest leap in the International Faculty indicator, rising from 520^th to 455^th globally. As in the previous year, the university led all Lithuanian higher education institutions in this category.

In the International Research Network indicator, VMU improved by nearly 50 positions, now ranking 653^rd globally – thus, overall, the university recorded strong upward movement across all internationalisation-related metrics.

“It is both gratifying and natural that we continue to uphold our reputation as the most international university in Lithuania. One of our core values is openness to languages and cultures. We are continuously expanding our extensive network of international partners, fostering exchange opportunities for faculty and students, providing the entire university community with the option to learn foreign languages, and ensuring inclusive environments for international students and staff. We have also taken on a leadership role in strengthening international collaboration between academia and business in Lithuania, by becoming the coordinators of cooperation with the leading Massachusetts Institute of Technology. We see that, as a result of these efforts, VMU is becoming an increasingly attractive member of the international academic community”, noted VMU Vice-Rector for Communication Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vilma Bijeikienė.

The university performed well in other ranking indicators. It ranked 447^th globally in Faculty/Student Ratio (2^nd in Lithuania), 658^th in Employer Reputation, and 701+ in Academic Reputation (3^rd in Lithuania in both categories).

This year’s QS World University Rankings evaluated 8,400 institutions across 106 countries. The top five universities globally were: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA), Imperial College London (UK), Stanford University (USA), University of Oxford (UK), and Harvard University (USA).

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The QS World University Rankings is widely regarded as one of the most authoritative university ranking systems. Unlike some other methodologies, it aims to provide a comprehensive view of each institution – not only assessing research output and academic performance but also considering organisational culture, innovation, openness, accessibility, and student-faculty engagement. A key factor in the rankings is the proportion of international faculty and students, which allows universities to open up to international experts and assessments.

To be included in the QS World University Rankings database, a higher education institution must do more than just submit its data. A university is only ranked if it receives a positive evaluation from a certain percentage of both the global academic and employer communities – surveyed independently by QS.

The Second Erasmus+ “Bumble-NAP” Project Meeting in Italy

On June 26–27, 2025, the second international meeting of the Erasmus+ project “Bumblebees for Natural Pollination” (BUMBLE-NAP, No. 2024-1-TR01-KA220-VET-000254015) was held in Perugia, Italy. The meeting brought together representatives from Turkey, Italy, Bulgaria, and Lithuania. Vytautas Magnus University was represented by the team from the Department of Environmental Sciences and Ecology at the Agriculture Academy.

As part of the project’s activities, the aim is to promote the use of bumblebees in greenhouse farming as a natural alternative for pollination, reducing the use of chemical substances and hormones in agriculture. The project is coordinated by the Municipality of Serik in Antalya (Turkey), with partners including Aydin Adnan Menderes University (Turkey), the Farmers’ Confederation of the Umbria Region (Italy), the Institute of Agriculture of Stara Zagora (Bulgaria), and Vytautas Magnus University (Department of Environmental Sciences and Ecology, Agriculture Academy, Lithuania). The project runs for two years, with completion scheduled for November 30, 2026.

The main objective of the project is not only to support environmentally friendly pollinators like bumblebees in greenhouse agriculture but also to strengthen the vocational education and training (VET) system in the agricultural sector by developing practical learning tools and methodological materials.

On the first day of the meeting, held at the CIA Umbria office in Perugia, partners presented project coordination and management progress and discussed national research results from Turkey, Bulgaria, Italy, and Lithuania. The VMU Agriculture Academy team shared the outcomes of the Lithuanian study, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement in the practical use of bumblebees in agriculture.

Additionally, the development of an e-learning platform and the structure of upcoming interactive training modules were presented. Partners discussed future dissemination tools, including educational videos, a methodological handbook, and a practical training course aimed at greenhouse workers and VET institutions. The meeting concluded with a discussion on financial and management issues, as well as planning for the third partner meeting.

The second day was dedicated to an educational visit to the Augusto Ciuffelli Agricultural College – the oldest agricultural education institution in Italy, operating since 1864. The college is located in Todi, within the historic 12th-century Montecristo Monastery complex, and is recognized for its strong infrastructure for practical training.

Partners visited modern hydroponic cultivation systems – highly relevant to the topic of greenhouse pollination – and explored the college’s educational farm, which includes olive groves, vineyards, and precision agriculture experiments.

A highlight of the visit was the ceroplastic collection of wax fruit models, reflecting ancient fruit varieties. These meticulously crafted models are used for educational purposes and help foster understanding of regional plant diversity and its conservation.

Participation in this meeting strengthened international collaboration, encouraged the exchange of knowledge on bumblebees as a sustainable pollination method, and supported further development of the project’s educational tools. The contribution of the VMU Agriculture Academy team to research analysis and learning content development is a vital part of the project’s overall progress.

Strengthening the Partnership between VMU Agriculture Academy, Estonian University of Life Sciences, and Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies – Shared Visions for the Future

A delegation of leaders from the Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) Agriculture Academy, led by Chancellor Prof. Dr. Astrida Miceikienė, along with Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Aušra Blinstrubienė, Head of the Administrative Group Dr. Laima Skauronė, Dean of the Faculty of Agronomy Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aida Adamavičienė, Dean of the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development Prof. Dr. Bernardas Vaznonis, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rolandas Domeika, and Dean of the Faculty of Forest Sciences and Ecology Prof. Dr. Vitas Marozas, visited two strategic partner universities in June – the Estonian University of Life Sciences (EMÜ) in Tartu and the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU) in Jelgava.

The aim of this visit was to strengthen the partnership between the three Baltic life sciences institutions by discussing the expansion of joint projects, enhancing the international dimension of studies, developing academic and student exchange programs, and participating in international academic initiatives. Throughout the visit, intensive discussions were held on double degree opportunities, collaborative research initiatives, and inter-institutional cooperation.

At the Estonian University of Life Sciences, particular attention was given to science policy and strengthening project-based activities. The open, professional, and warm communication with EMÜ representatives not only encouraged new ideas but also reaffirmed the importance of shared values in shaping long-term collaboration. Meanwhile, the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies left a strong impression with its state-of-the-art research infrastructure – ranging from plant protection and forestry to alternative fuels and interdisciplinary science laboratories. During the visit, significant personal contacts were established with LBTU researchers and administrators, and further cooperation within the BOVA network, blended intensive programs (BIP), and academic conferences was discussed.

The VMU Agriculture Academy sincerely thanks Rector Ülle Jaakma of EMÜ and Rector Irina Arhipova of LBTU and their teams for their warm hospitality, professional dialogue, and genuine openness to collaboration. This visit further strengthened the commitment of all three institutions to shaping a sustainable and innovative future in the field of life sciences across the Baltic region.

During the visit, the delegation also had the opportunity to explore the historic Old Town of Tallinn, while free time in Tartu and Jelgava offered a chance to experience the unique cultural and historical atmosphere of both cities.

The VMU Agriculture Academy is pleased with this new stage of strengthened cooperation and eagerly awaits the arrival of its international colleagues in Lithuania for the international conference “Rural Development 2025,” which will take place on October 1–3 at the VMU Agriculture Academy. More information about the conference is available at https://ruraldevelopment.lt

For more information about our partner universities:
Estonian University of Life Sciences – https://www.emu.ee/en
Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies – https://www.lbtu.lv

International Workshop: measurement of N2O/H2O and CH4/CO2/H2O gases in soil

International Workshop: measurement of N₂O/H₂O and CH₄/CO₂/H₂O gases in soil

The Bioeconomy Research Centre of Excellence of the Bioeconomy Research Institute (BTI) of the Vytautas Magnus University, Agriculture Academy, invites lecturers, researchers, PhD students and graduate and post-doctoral students and other interested to take part in a international workshop on the Measurement of N₂O/H₂O and CH₄/CO₂/H₂O in Soil.

During the workshop, a product application specialist from LI-COR Environmental — the manufacturer of the instruments — based at LI-COR’s German office, will share their expertise on measuring soil gases under natural field conditions.

In addition to theoretical insights, participants will have the opportunity to practice measurements in the field and learn essential information on measurement accuracy, data interpretation, and practical applications.

Date: 3 July 2025, 09:00-16:00 (Theoretical and practical parts)

Venue: Experimental Station of VMU Agriculture Academy (Rapsų g. 7, Noreikiškės, Kaunas district)

Duration: 6 hours.

REGISTRATION

Organisers: BioTEC, Vildoma, LI-COR, VMU Agriculture Academy, Agronomy Faculty, Agroecosystems and Soil Sciences Department, Bioeconomy Research Institute, Experimental Station.

This workshop is one of the activities of the project ‘Development of the Bioeconomy Research Centre of Excellence (BioTEC)’. The project is funded by the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports of the Republic of Lithuania, and the Research Council of Lithuania Contract No S-A-UEI-23-14. The funding programme is the ‘Universities` Excellence Initiative’ (No V-940).

Master’s Studies in English – Made in Lithuania

Have you completed your Bachelor’s degree in Lithuania? Take the next step with a Master’s programme in English at Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy.

Available programmes:

Study in Kaunas at a high-ranking university and gain a future-oriented qualification in a globally relevant field.

Start: Autumn 2025.
Apply now: https://vytautasmagnus.dreamapply.com.

More information about admission: Admission to Degree Studies | VDU.

Dreaming of a quality European education? Join online seminar!

Dreaming of a quality European education? Vytautas Magnus University (VMU), located in the heart of Lithuania (campuses in Kaunas and Vilnius), is opening its doors to ambitious Ukrainians like you! We invite you to an online meeting where we will share details about admission this year.

Join us on June 11 (Wednesday), from 14:00 to 15:00. You will learn about a 50% scholarship for Ukrainians, a wide range of programmes taught in English, and other important details.

Join the meeting

The BIOEAST Community Gathers in Bucharest: A Step Forward in Shaping Future Bioeconomy Priorities

From April 7 to 9, 2025, the Annual BIOEAST Bioeconomy Conference and the BOOST4BIOEAST (B4B) Project Meeting took place at the University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine in Bucharest, Romania. The event brought together over 180 stakeholders from across Central and Eastern Europe to initiate a strategic dialogue on updating research and innovation priorities tailored to the BIOEAST macro-region.

The goal of this high-level gathering was to open discussions on aligning scientific and innovation agendas with the pressing challenges of climate change, circular economy goals, and the growing need to strengthen regional bioeconomy competencies.

During the BOOST4BIOEAST project meeting held on April 8–9, all 30 consortium partners reviewed the progress made over the past year, exchanged insights, and planned upcoming activities. One of the project’s key milestones was the launch of a multidimensional mapping exercise in all participating centers, focusing on:

macro-regional bioeconomy competencies,
biomass availability assessment,
education and capacity-building needs,
innovation systems analysis.

This mapping initiative is expected to become a valuable tool for shaping strategic recommendations at both national and regional levels.

The BIOEAST Annual Conference also featured a poster session, where 26 posters showcased best practices and project results in the field of bioeconomy across BIOEAST countries. Lithuania was represented by Junior Researcher of Bioeconomy research center (BioTEC) Dr. Jovita Balandaitė from Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA), who presented the activities of BioTEC, highlighting the center’s mission, cutting-edge research infrastructure, and ongoing scientific initiatives.

The networking opportunities with researchers from various countries laid the groundwork for meaningful collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the development of joint scientific initiatives. It is expected that these new connections will contribute to the growth of the scientific potential in the BIOEAST region and the advancement of an innovative, sustainable bioeconomy.

More information about the conference