Innovation Center in Alytus Opened!

Last week a small town in Lithuania called Alytus had an extraordinary event. Alytus International Innovation Centre (AIIC) was officially opened by its hosts witnessed by a large group of guests. The ribbon of the centre was cut by His Excellency Norwegian Ambassador for Lithuania Mr. Steinar Gil and one of the AIIC directors Alytus Business Angel leader Mr. Vaclovas Gostautas. Mr. Steinar Gil expressed his satisfaction that Norwegian partners play important role in a centre like this located in Lithuania. He was also happy the centre is connected with innovation because it is so important that someone takes care of implementing innovations at smaller places.

Baltic Innovation Group director Alf S. Johansen and Youth Distribution Service director Jonas Kuklys were also present. Mr. Johansen quoted a phrase by Vincent van Gogh that “big things are done when many small things are brought together”. This is all about the centre in Alytus. Several companies have joined to a centre to be stronger in working with innovation, projects for city planning and development, entrepreneurship, new political understanding. AIIC activities are international and will be expanded in the future. At the opening friends from Cesis District Council in Latvia, Suwalki City Municipality in Poland, Jonkoping County in Sweden, Notodden City Municipality in Norway, Lithuanian Ministry and a neighbor city Druskininkai Municipality congratulated and wished to go to the right direction.

Now the centre unites 3 organizations and is open for new members to join. The most important is to be a little bit innovative.

The second day hosted a seminar with a brainstorm for youth projects. More information about the seminar and its outcomes will come soon on this website.

There was a video prepared by local television of Alytus about the AIIC opening. Here is a link to watch the video (only in LT language).And an article in a local newspaper Alytaus Naujienos

Updated: 25. September 2008