The largest portion—€1,028,900—was allocated for the salaries of Lithuanian and foreign scientists returning from abroad. €530,000 was dedicated to scholarships for studying at the world’s best foreign universities. Over six years, the foundation has allocated €295,000 toward promoting entrepreneurship in schools, the Microloans fund program, and investments in EdTech startups. Out of these funds allocated across the foundation’s core pillars, €248,000 was dedicated to supporting the people of Ukraine: female scientists, pupils, doctors, and students.

“We are delighted that the grants, scholarships, and microloans provided by the foundation have already reached 100 scientists, young professionals, and entrepreneurs. Investing in the people who build Lithuania is our goal and our distinguishing feature,” says Kotryna Stankutė-Jaščemskienė, head of the MJJ Foundation.

The director notes that the impact is already visible. According to her, scientists who returned to Lithuania have already attracted over €5 million in European Union project funding (€7 million including project grants won from the Research Council of Lithuania). They have established 10 laboratories here, started innovation-based businesses, co-authored more than 100 scientific articles, and taught over two thousand students.

“We created the MJJ Foundation so that talented people would have the opportunity to grow, create, and return to Lithuania with their knowledge. I believe that long-term changes stem from community—when we share knowledge, ideas, and experience. We help you so that you can create for Lithuania. To achieve this, it is essential to constantly expand and strengthen your network, because it is through strong connections that opportunities and changes are born,” said Marius Jakulis Jason, founder of the MJJ Foundation, during the gathering.

More photos from the MJJ Foundation birthday event can be found here: