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Projects
SMK has many years of experience in preparing and implementing national and international projects, feasibility studies, and business plans for private individuals and legal entities. Throughout its period of operation, SMK has implemented more than 200 projects financed by various funds.
Active project activities at SMK
30+
years of experienceInternational and local
projectsONGOING PROJECTS
IMPLEMENTED PROJECTS
Belonging Among Others: Social Integration in the Community
Project coordinator: SMK College of Applied Sciences (Lithuania)
Projects partners:
- Charity and Support Foundation “VA Caritas Social Projects”;
- Klaipėda County Ieva Simonaitytė Public Library;
- Kretinga Museum;
- Caritas of the Vilnius Archdiocese.
The aim of the project is to strengthen the social inclusion and integration of third-country national women and children living in Lithuania by encouraging their active participation in community and social life.
Description
SMK College of Applied Sciences invites third-country national women and children living in Lithuania to participate in an integration-focused project aimed at strengthening social inclusion and community engagement at the municipal level. The project offers a comprehensive set of activities, including Lithuanian language courses, individual psychosocial support, emotional well-being and mental health lectures, civic education sessions, professional skills development, and a volunteer programme. These activities are designed to support participants in overcoming social and cultural barriers, developing practical skills for everyday life, and building self-confidence. By fostering intercultural dialogue and encouraging active participation in local communities, the project contributes to long-term integration and helps participants feel like valued and active members of society.
Expected project results
- Lithuanian language courses were organised, aimed at the integration of third-country national women and children and enabling better everyday communication and more active participation in social life.
- Individual psychosocial support was provided to third-country national women and children to help address adaptation challenges and strengthen emotional well-being and psychological resilience.
- Lectures on emotional well-being and mental health promotion were organised for the target groups, increasing awareness of self-care practices and the importance of mental health.
- Outbound lectures in the form of an integrated civic education course were implemented, providing participants with knowledge about Lithuanian society, rights and obligations, and opportunities for civic participation.
- Professional skills development activities were implemented, aimed at strengthening the competences of third-country national women and children and improving their preparedness for the labour market or participation in voluntary activities.
- A volunteer programme for the integration of third-country national women and children was implemented, encouraging active engagement in community activities and strengthening social ties with local communities.
Project implementation period: 30.01.2026 – 30.07.2027
Total project value: EUR 128.330,19
More information:
Donata Dulkė, Project manager
donata.dulke@smk.lt
Development and Implementation of AI-Driven Technological Solutions for Assessing and Strengthening Cybersecurity in SMEs
Project coordinator: SMK College of Applied Sciences (Lithuania)
Project partner: Cybershield Ltd.
The aim of the project is to develop and introduce to the market an artificial intelligence–driven IT tool designed to assess and strengthen cybersecurity in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), enabling independent, effective, and continuously improving cybersecurity management.
Description
The project focuses on the development, testing, and implementation of an AI-based IT solution intended to support SMEs in systematically assessing and strengthening their cybersecurity. The AI-driven assessment platform will enable SMEs to independently evaluate their cybersecurity posture through structured tests, contextualised questions, and automated identification of vulnerabilities.
The solution will be based on machine learning and natural language processing (NLP), allowing dynamic, company-specific assessments and the generation of clear, practical cybersecurity recommendations. During the project, vulnerability detection algorithms, a recommendation engine, and a user-friendly cloud-based platform tailored to SME needs will be developed. An integrated feedback mechanism will ensure continuous improvement of the tool by learning from user interactions and evolving cybersecurity threats. The project will contribute to the adoption of innovative, automated, and accessible cybersecurity solutions in the business environment.
Expected project results
- An AI-based cybersecurity assessment tool developed and tailored to the needs of SMEs.
- Implemented vulnerability detection algorithms enabling automated identification of security gaps in SME IT infrastructures.
- A developed recommendation engine generating customised and easy-to-understand cybersecurity improvement recommendations.
- A user-friendly, cloud-based platform enabling SMEs to independently assess and improve their cybersecurity posture.
- An implemented feedback and continuous learning mechanism ensuring the relevance and ongoing improvement of the solution in response to emerging cyber threats.
Managing authority of the 2022–2030 Development Programme: the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport of the Republic of Lithuania. Funding source – EU funds and co-financing funds.
Project implementation period: 13.01.2026 – 13.04.2027
Total project value: EUR 120.000,00
More information:
Donata Dulkė, Project manager
donata.dulke@smk.lt
Improvement and Commercialisation of an Emotional Well‑Being Assessment Tool for Service Companies
Project coordinator: SMK College of Applied Sciences (Lithuania)
The aim of the project is to develop and introduce to the market a new, digitalised methodology/tool designed to measure the emotional well‑being level of employees and organisations, with the goal of enabling effective emotional well‑being management.
Description
The project plans to further develop the conceptual system created by researchers at SMK University of Applied Sciences (MTEP Stage 6), prepare the final prototype of the Emotional Well‑Being Assessment Tool (MTEP Stage 7), conduct final testing of the developed tool in service‑sector companies (MTEP Stage 8), and complete the final product evaluation. Based on the results, a digitalised assessment tool will be created (MTEP Stage 9) to prepare the product for market commercialisation.
Expected project results
The proposed digitalised emotional well‑being measurement tool will enable companies to systematically assess the emotional well‑being level of employees and the organisation, and to select the most effective emotional well‑being strategies/programmes that best meet employee needs and create real value for both employees and the company. This will help companies contribute more effectively to the management of employee emotional well‑being, indirectly supporting increased productivity and reduced absenteeism, the creation of a work environment that ensures employee well‑being, and targeted investments in emotional well‑being strategies within service‑sector companies.
Managing authority of the 2022–2030 Development Programme: the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport of the Republic of Lithuania. Funding source – EU funds and co-financing funds.
Project implementation period: 07.01.2026 – 07.04.2027
Total project value: EUR 119.995,54
More information:
Donata Dulkė, Project manager
donata.dulke@smk.lt
Comprehensive Audiovisual and Digital Skills Development to Boost Economic Activity in Klaipėda
Project coordinator: SMK College of Applied Sciences (Lithuania)
Project partner: VšĮ “Teorema teatras”
The aim of the project is to encourage the integration of unemployed and economically inactive residents of Klaipėda into the labour market by developing their audiovisual and digital competences oriented towards the creative economy and high value‑added activities, thereby addressing issues of social exclusion and low qualifications and increasing residents’ economic participation.
Description
The project aligns with Objective 1.2 of the Klaipėda City Local Development Strategy for 2024–2029, which aims to increase residents’ entrepreneurship and active participation in the labour market by strengthening labour‑market‑relevant competences and promoting economic self‑sufficiency. The project addresses key local challenges: a significant number of economically inactive residents, insufficiently developed high value‑added competences, and limited access to practical training that meets labour market needs. These issues stem from a lack of specialised training tailored to the needs of the modern economy and creative industries, an underdeveloped educational infrastructure for audiovisual and digital skills development, and social and motivational barriers that limit participation in learning activities.
The project will deliver audiovisual and digital skills training, practical workshops, and entrepreneurship sessions, integrating real labour market and business practices to enhance participants’ employment and self‑employment opportunities.
Expected project results
At least 35 participants will acquire practical skills in video content creation, editing, graphic design, and digital communication, thereby strengthening their opportunities to gain employment or start individual economic activities.
Project implementation period: 08.12.2025 – 31.05.2027
Total project value: EUR 44.913,03
More information:
Eimantė Šakalinė, Head of the Competence Academy
eimante.sakaline@smk.lt
SAMER: Schools’ Ability to Adapt in the Modern Educational Context: Navigating the Resilience
Project coordinator: SMK College of Applied Sciences (Lithuania)
Project partners:
- TALLINNA TEHNIKAULIKOOL (Estonia);
- American High School Skopje (The Republic of North Macedonia);
- INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH IN ENVIRONMENT, CIVIL ENGINEERING AND ENERGY (The Republic of North Macedonia);
- MESDHEU EDUCATION SHPK (Albania);
- OLEMISEN BALANSSIA RY (Finland);
- Klaipeda “Vetrunge” gymnasium (Lithuania).
The aim of the project is to strengthen schools’ resilience to changes by equipping them with effective strategies and tools to navigate systemic changes while ensuring the well-being of students, teachers and administrative staff. By fostering a dynamic and responsive learning environment, the project ensures that educational institutions can maintain quality education while adapting to new challenges and opportunities.
Description
Implementation of the project is based on:
- Developing self-assessment tool for students, teachers and administrative staff to identifying most changes-sensitive areas.
- Enhancing resilience building approaches by developing best practice recommendations, guidelines and training materials such as storyboards for students, teachers and administrative staff.
- Digital platform creation with incorporated self-assessment tool combined with good practice recommendations, also guidelines and storyboards.
- Dissemination activities.
Expected project results
- Developed a comprehensive self-assessment tool for students, teachers and administrative staff that empowers schools to identify the areas most vulnerable to changes.
- Good practice guidelines for students, teachers and administrative staff.
- Interactive storyboards for students, teachers and administrative staff.
- Resilience assessment system.
- Open access to a comprehensive self-assessment tool that empowers schools to identify the areas most vulnerable to changes.
Project implementation period: 01.09.2025 – 31.10.2027
Project grant: EUR 250.000,00
More information:
Reda Mikalauskaitė, Head of International relations and project office
reda.mikalauskaite@smk.lt
ENA: Empowering Neurodiversity in Academia
Project coordinator: SMK College of Applied Sciences (Lithuania)
Project partners:
- FACHHOCHSCHULE DES MITTELSTANDES (FHM) GMBH – UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCE (Germany);
- Lubelska Akademia WSE (Poland);
- Universidad del Atlántico Medio (Spain);
- University of Nicosia (Cyprus);
- INSTITUTO POLITECNICO DE SANTAREM (Portugal);
- SIA BIZNESA AUGSTSKOLA TURIBA (Latvia).
The aim of the project is to create a sustainable and inclusive higher education environment that effectively supports and enhances the educational experiences of neurodiverse students and students with hidden disabilities.
Description
The methodology of the project is structured around three core pillars: the advancement of neuro‑affirming teaching practices, the strengthening of faculty capacity to engage with neurodiversity, and the promotion of awareness and community involvement. Complementing these pillars are cross‑cutting elements focused on effective project management and ensuring long‑term dissemination and sustainability, together forming a comprehensive framework for meaningful and lasting impact.
Expected project results
ENA will develop neuro-affirming pedagogical strategies, including teaching resources, assessment guidelines, and an inclusive learning toolkit. Faculty development will be supported through training modules, a handbook, and case studies. Awareness campaigns and a Neurodiversity Resource Hub will engage faculty, students, and the academic community. The project will train 210 staff, reach 1400+ users, and engage 700+ students, ensuring long-term impact in higher education.
Project implementation period: 01.09.2025 – 31.10.2027
Project grant: EUR 400.000,00
More information:
Reda Mikalauskaitė, Head of International relations and project office
reda.mikalauskaite@smk.lt
Empowering Higher Education through Artificial Intelligence Integration – EHEAII
Project coordinator: SIA Biznesa augstskola Turība (Latvija)
Project partners:
- SMK College of Applied Sciences (Lithuania);
- Univerza v Mariboru (Slovenia);
- Università degli Studi di Genova (Italy);
- Fundació Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (Spain);
- Fachhochschule Aachen (Germany).
The aim of the project is to help universities ensure that AI enhances learning rather than replaces essential human skills such as critical thinking, analysis, and creativity. Through research, collaboration, and training, the project will provide practical tools and clear guidance for integrating AI into teaching, research, and administration.
Description
Over the three-year project period, the international team will produce a comprehensive AI Usage Report, develop an interactive AI Maturity Test to help universities evaluate their readiness, and prepare guidelines for risk mitigation to ensure the responsible and ethical use of AI. In addition, the project will compile examples of best practices and practical teaching tasks that demonstrate how AI can support learning in fields such as business, communication, law, and information technology.
Expected project results
One of the project’s major outcomes will be the creation of a new online course for teachers, designed to help educators explore and apply AI tools in their classrooms. Accompanied by a Trainer’s Handbook, this course will support long-term professional development and ensure that the project’s results continue to benefit universities across Europe even after its completion.
Project implementation period: 01.09.2025 – 31.08.2028
Project grant: EUR 400.000,00
More information:
Akvilė Gerulskytė, Project manager
akvile.gerulskyte@smk.lt
Lithuanian language and culture courses 2025-2027
The aim of the project is to offer Lithuanian language and culture courses for students, lecturers, researchers from all foreign countries (except citizens of Russia and Belarus), and foreigners of Lithuanian origin from all foreign countries.
Description
SMK College of Applied Sciences invites you to study one of the oldest languages in the world – the Lithuanian language! Students, lecturers or researchers of higher education/research institutions of foreign countries and foreigners of Lithuanian origin are invited to participate in the Lithuanian Language and Culture Summer Course 2025, funded by the Education Exchanges Support Foundation. The programme combines four weeks of intensive Lithuanian language classes and workshops with a diverse range of cultural events, sightseeing tours and excursions to get acquainted with the history, culture and lifestyle in Lithuania.
Expected project results
- Summer Lithuanian language and culture courses will be organized in 2025–2026.
- Each year, at least 21 participants will take part, including 18 foreign participants (excluding citizens of Russia and Belarus) and 3 persons of Lithuanian origin living abroad.
- Participants will acquire and improve Lithuanian language communication skills and become familiar with Lithuanian culture and history.
Project implementation period: 2025-2027
Project grant: EUR 36.300,00
More information:
Donata Dulkė, Project manager
donata.dulke@smk.lt
EQAVET 4.0 for quality in outcome-oriented VET
Project coordinator: STIFTELSEN KURSVERKSAMHETEN VID U-AUNIVERSITET (Sweden)
Project partners:
- SUSTAINABILITY INNOCENTER EKONOMISKFORENING (Sweden);
- Trim Tab AB (Sweden);
- MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND SCIENCE OF UKRAINE (Ukraine);
- Interregional High Vocational School Of Automobile Trans (Ukraine);
- NGO Mentor: Center for professional education and pers (Ukraine);
- M.M.C MANAGEMENT CENTER LIMITED (Cyprus);
- KYPRIAKON EMBORIKON KAI BIOMICHANIKON EPIMELITIR (Cyprus);
- VIEŠOJI ĮSTAIGA KAUNO MOKSLO IR TECHNOLOGIJŲ PARKAS (Lithuania);
- VŠĮ SMK College of Applied Sciences (Lithuania);
- DIMITRA EKPAIDEFTIKI SYMVOULEFTIKI – DIMITRA EDUCAT (Greece);
- BEE GROUP SA (Greece);
- MITROPOLITIKO COLLEGE ANOYMI EKPAIDEYTIKI ETAIRIA (Greece);
- SYNDESMOS VIOMICHANON NOMOU LARISIS (Greece);
- CAMARA OFICIAL DE COMERCIO E INDUSTRIA DE ZARAGO (Spain);
- RINOVA MALAGA SL (Spain);
- CPIFP Alan Turing (Spain);
- Ufficio Scolastico Regionale Abruzzo (Italy);
- IIS LUIGI DI SAVOIA (Italy);
- WALTER TOSTO SPA (Italy);
- EUROPAISCHER VERBAND BERUFLICHER BILDUNGSTRAGE (Germany);
- BGT CONSULTING GROUP (Belgium).
The aim of the project is to strengthen the quality of vocational education and training by increasing the alignment of vocational training programs with the real needs of the labor market.
Description
The project EQAVET 4.0 aims to enhance the quality of vocational education and training at the European level by developing advanced, holistic, and systemic methods for planning, implementing, and evaluating vocational training programs. Based on the European Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training framework (EQAVET), the project will further develop the LOOP quality assurance system, which is grounded in sectoral labor market analysis and a qualifications map. This system will help vocational training providers to better align training content with labor market expectations and to assess learning outcomes according to a task‑based qualifications model.
Expected project results
- Creation and expansion of the LOOP quality assurance system.
- Preparation of sectoral labor market analysis.
- Development of a task‑based qualifications map.
- Preparation of guidelines for adapting vocational training programs.
- Creation of a methodology for assessing VET outcomes according to labor market needs.
- Implementation of pilot testing in selected sectors and countries.
Project website: https://eqavet40.eu/
Project implementation period: 01.02.2025 – 31.01.2029
Project grant: EUR 3.726,451,00
More information:
Reda Mikalauskaitė, Head of International relations and project office
reda.mikalauskaite@smk.lt
Advanced Perspective on the Generative AI Integration into Educational Systems (AP-GAIED)
Project coordinator: Élet és Érték Egyesület (Hungary)
- Project partners:
- NGO NEST BERLIN EV (Germany);
- Lubelska Akademia WSE (Poland);
- DIETHNES PANEPISTIMIO ELLADOS (Greece);
- SMK College of Applied Sciences (Lithuania).
The aim of the project is to explore and define the potential of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in education, ensuring its ethical and effective integration aligned with educational objectives.
Description
The project is designed to investigate and identify the possibilities of applying generative AI in education. It will include an analysis of existing use cases of generative AI across different countries, aiming to determine best practices and challenges encountered when implementing these technologies in higher education. A systematic literature review will also be conducted to identify legal, ethical, and practical issues related to the integration of generative AI into educational systems. Based on the collected information, the project will develop a comprehensive training program tailored to the integration of generative AI in higher education institutions, covering theoretical foundations, practical applications, ethical considerations, and case studies of implementation.
Expected project results
- Preparation of a comprehensive report on the application of generative AI in education, analyzing specific use cases and their impact on teaching and learning processes.
- Identification of legal, ethical, and practical issues related to the implementation and use of AI in educational environments, based on the literature review.
- Development of a training program on AI literacy and ethics, aimed at providing students and faculty with essential skills and knowledge to prepare them for the effective use of AI tools in education.
Project implementation period: 01.02.2025 – 31.01.2027
Project grant: EUR 250.000,00
More information:
Akvilė Gerulskytė, Project manager
akvile.gerulskyte@smk.lt
AI Integration Framework for Higher Education: Ensuring HEIs’ Readiness for Inescapable Transformation (AI-ERIT)
Project coordinator: SMK College of Applied Sciences (Lithuania)
Project partners:
- LUBELSKA AKADEMIA WSEI (Poland);
- VELEUČILIŠTE ASPIRA (Croatia);
- FACHHOCHSCHULE DES MITTELSTANDES (FHM) GMBH – UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCE (Germany);
- MAIEUTICA COOPERATIVA DE ENSINO SUPERIOR CRL (Portugal);
- SIA BIZNESA AUGSTSKOLA TURIBA (Latvia);
- BATMAN UNIVERSITESI (Turkey).
The aim of the project is to create a system for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into higher education institutions, with particular attention to ethical aspects, the development of staff capacities, and adaptation to the use of AI‑based tools.
Description
The project aims to promote awareness and understanding among higher education institutions about current and future issues related to artificial intelligence and ways to address them. During the project, comprehensive recommendations will be developed for integrating AI into universities, while also enhancing the competencies of researchers, lecturers, and administrative staff to ensure effective use of tools and technologies. In addition, a study course will be prepared to foster students’ AI literacy and ethics, emphasizing critical thinking and responsible use of artificial intelligence.
Expected project results
- Recommendations for the implementation of AI tools in line with ethical principles.
- Policy and recommendations for the use of AI tools in studies, aligned with ethical principles.
- Policy and recommendations for the use of AI tools in scientific research.
- A toolkit for the application of AI tools in higher education administrative activities/processes.
- Guidelines for the AI audit process for universities.
- Three training manuals (for researchers, lecturers, and non‑academic staff).
- Online training sessions for academic and non‑academic staff to provide the knowledge and skills needed for effective application of AI tools and technologies in their respective fields.
- A 3 ECTS credit study module “AI Literacy and Ethics”.
Project website: https://www.ai-erit.eu/
Project implementation period: 01.09.2024 – 31.10.2026
Project grant: EUR 400.000,00
More information:
Reda Mikalauskaitė, Head of International relations and project office
reda.mikalauskaite@smk.lt
Akvilė Gerulskytė, Project manager
akvile.gerulskyte@smk.lt
Freight Route Compatibility Automation Platform
Project coordinator UAB „NFQ Technologies“ (Lithuania)
Project partner: SMK College of Applied Sciences (Lithuania)
The aim of the project is to create an automated freight route analysis and compatibility platform for transactions of the highest commercial value and greatest probability of success, thereby reducing the coefficient of empty routes.
Description
The project implementation foresees the following activities:
- Research activities aimed at creating a freight route compatibility automation platform;
- Experimental development aimed at creating a freight route compatibility automation platform.
Expected project results
A platform will be created whose main task is to analyze the matching of freight service invitations available on the market with the freight routes served by a specific company, and to calculate the best offer for concluding a transaction. The primary objective of the platform is to provide scenarios for transactions with prices high enough to ensure profitable freight service, yet low enough to outcompete rival offers.
Project implementation period: 10.06.2024 – 10.06.2026
Total project value: EUR 3,534,285.87 Eur, including EUR 1,994,999.54 Eur funded by the EU and EUR 1,539,286.33 Eur funded by Project coordinator and Project partner.
More information:
Reda Mikalauskaitė, Head of International relations and project office
reda.mikalauskaite@smk.lt
Escape Rooms for Digital Entrepreneurship
Project coordinator: SMK College of Applied Sciences (Lithuania)
Project partners:
- Logopsycom (Belgium);
- „YuzuPulse“ (France);
- Fondas Korenyak (Bulgaria);
- EDInet CZ (Czech Republic).
The aim of the project is to improve young adults’ digital skills to develop their participation in the workplace and reduce the digital divide creating social and economic exclusion for youngsters.
Description
This project aims to make youngsters aware of the importance of digital literacy for the workplace, providing a better understanding of digital jobs or jobs related to the digital world. It is necessary for youngsters to know what skills are relevant to develop and what their role could be in a team. That is where using escape games comes into play.
By encouraging youngsters to collaborate towards a common goal and solve enigmas together, tapping into the variety of skills in the group, educators can help them unlock a better knowledge of the workplace and, ultimately, of the many opportunities they can have in digital entrepreneurship.
Expected project results
- A guide to understanding how we can use escape rooms to develop digital and entrepreneurial skills
- A seminar programme for educators about the creation of escape rooms
- 15 activity sheets for educators about the development of the youngsters’ digital skills, understanding of digital work and entrepreneurship skills
- 12 escape room scenarios for the development of the youngsters’ entrepreneurship skills
- A self-study workbook for youngsters to train job-search related skills
- A piloting report to share with external organizations and to encourage other youth organizations to use the results of the project.
Project website: https://er4de.eu/
Project implementation period: 01.05.2024 – 30.04.2026
Project grant: EUR 250.000,00
More information:
Donata Dulkė, Project manager
donata.dulke@smk.lt
Participation in the International Network EIT CCSI
Project coordinator: SMK College of Applied Sciences (Lithuania)
The aim of the project is to join the EIT Culture & Creativity association as a core partner and participate in the activities of the association’s governing bodies.
Description
SMK University of Applied Sciences plans to join the EIT Culture & Creativity association as a core partner. Participation as a core partner will provide opportunities to take part in the governance structure of the EIT Culture & Creativity association, hold voting rights in the General Assembly, and contribute to shaping the agenda of the Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC). Membership in the EIT CCSI network will enable cooperation with partners representing the cultural and creative industries across Europe, provide access to insights and knowledge from various KIC programmes, support the formation of consortia and partnerships for participation in international projects, and allow proposing and leading content initiatives related to future EIT CCSI priorities, strategies, and thematic areas.
Expected project results
Submission of at least two applications under the Horizon Europe programme calls. The focus is on submitting proposals under Cluster 2 “Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society”
Project implementation period: 13.02.2024 – 01.03.2026
Total project value: EUR 77.250,00 of which EUR 69.525,00 is funded by the Recovery and Resilience Facility under the “New Generation Lithuania” plan and the State Budget of the Republic of Lithuania.
More information:
Reda Mikalauskaitė, Head of International relations and project office
reda.mikalauskaite@smk.lt
