In times of rapid technological transformation, events that create space for meaningful collaboration between countries, industries, and expert communities become especially important. This is exactly what the North American Lithuanian Business Forum, held from June 9–11 in Boston, became this year, with a focus on the practical integration of innovation into global economic contexts.
The event brought together technology companies, investors, diplomatic institutions, scientific organizations, and entrepreneurs from Lithuania, the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Founded in 2019, the forum has grown around a shared economic vision and has become one of the most dynamic formats for transatlantic cooperation.
In 2025, the NALBF gathered approximately 300 participants to discuss the potential of public-private partnerships in biotechnology, dual-use solutions, digital industries, and the creative economy. The event was supported by the President of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda, and the Governor of Massachusetts, Maura Healey.
One of the central elements of this year’s program was the panel discussion “The Race to Lead: Shaping Tomorrow’s Technology Landscape”, held at MIT Media Lab — a place that embodies engineering openness, interdisciplinary thinking, and the transformation of innovative ideas into practical solutions.
Ukraine was represented by Oleksandra Afanasieva, Strategic Advisor at DroneUA/Futurology and CEO of BEETLESS. In her speech, she presented Ukraine’s vision as an environment where engineering expertise, agricultural technologies, and entrepreneurial initiative drive the creation of flexible, scalable solutions with strong potential for cross-sector application.
“We work with solutions that are traditionally developed for use in the agricultural sector, but in practice their potential is much broader. That is why they are increasingly being integrated into other industries where autonomy, flexibility, and resilience are required,” said Oleksandra Afanasieva during her speech.
Moderated by Tony Maciulis, the discussion also featured:
- Tadas Vizgirda — Country Head, Shift4 Lithuania; Chairman of the Board, American Chamber of Commerce in Lithuania.
- Greg Autry — Associate Provost for Space Commercialization and Strategy, University of Central Florida.
- Simonas Černiauskas — CEO, INFOBALT Association.
The discussion covered the development of artificial intelligence, frontier technologies, regulatory challenges, digital security, and the role of international cooperation. Ukraine’s experience attracted strong interest from participants, as domestic solutions demonstrate a high degree of practical adaptability and the ability to scale rapidly.
“Ukraine and Lithuania are already speaking the same technological language. This creates a strong foundation for deeper cooperation and joint initiatives with practical value and long-term potential,” emphasized Afanasieva.
The presentation of Ukraine’s technology ecosystem and engineering expertise at MIT Media Lab held special symbolic significance for Futurology, a company with Ukrainian roots.
The research center is one of the world’s most renowned environments for pioneering research, emerging concepts, and working prototypes. Futurology’s participation in the event provides further evidence that Ukrainian expertise is becoming an increasingly important part of the global technology dialogue.
Futurology extends its gratitude to the organizers of the North American Lithuanian Business Forum 2025:
- Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania to the United States of America.
- Consulate General of the Republic of Lithuania in Los Angeles.
- Consulate General of the Republic of Lithuania in Chicago.
- Consulate General of the Republic of Lithuania in New York.
- Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania to Canada.
- Innovation Agency Lithuania.
- Baltic American Chamber of Commerce.
- Lithuanian Honorary Consuls in the United States.
- Global Lithuanian Leaders.
- Lithuanian American Community.
- Lithuanian American Business Association in Los Angeles.
- Innovation Hub Lithuania.
Futurology thanks all partners for creating a space for strategic dialogue, technological partnership, and international cooperation.
Futurology is also deeply grateful to Jurate Useviciute-Peralta, a diplomat at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, for the invitation to participate in the forum and for her continued support in integrating Ukrainian technologies into the global landscape.
