At a Solemn VU Senate Meeting, the Vizbaras Brothers Were Awarded the Title of VU Patron

During a solemn meeting of the Vilnius University (VU) Senate held at the Church of St. Johns, brothers Augustinas, Kristijonas, and Dominykas Vizbaras were awarded the title of VU Patron.

In June of this year, scientists and entrepreneurs, brothers Augustinas, Kristijonas, and Dominykas Vizbaras, have donated €0.5 million to the VU Endowment Fund. This philanthropic contribution increased the VU Foundation‘s unrestricted capital, whose investment returns are used to fund talented early-career researchers at VU. Representing his brothers, A. Vizbaras received the patron's diploma and statuette from the Rector.

VU Rector Prof. Rimvydas Petrauskas and Augustinas Vizbaras (Photo by Tomas Laurinavičius / VU)

“The Vizbaras brothers are connected to Vilnius University through various activities. Their message is especially important, highlighting the value of intellectual and financial support for the Alma Mater. As VU approaches its 450th anniversary, we aim to continue bringing together active individuals around the university to promote further progress for the state and society,” said VU Rector Prof. Rimvydas Petrauskas in June.

Augustinas, Kristijonas, and Dominykas Vizbaras are among the most prominent creators of Lithuania’s high-tech and defense industries. They have founded internationally recognized groups of companies, “Brolis Defence Group” and “Brolis Group,” which specialize in the development and production of advanced electro-optical military systems and spectroscopic laser sensors, respectively.

Philanthropists Augustinas Vizbaras, Kristijonas Vizbaras, VU Rector Prof. Rimvydas Petrauskas, philanthropist Dominykas Vizbaras, and VU Foundation CEO Justinas Noreika (photo by Ugnius Bagdonavičius)

Their products are used by armed forces in more than 40 countries. The group has become an important supplier to European armies and NATO allies, offering laser targeting systems, thermal imaging devices, night vision, and short-wave infrared (SWIR) technologies.

Laser spectroscopic sensors developed by “Brolis Sensor Technology” were the first in the world to receive laboratory-grade accuracy recognition and are now deployed in some of the most advanced dairy farms globally—from Lithuania to the United States.

In 2017, the Vizbaras brothers were awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Order “For Merits to Lithuania.” The family actively supports Lithuania’s science, technology, and defense ecosystem through investments in talent, laboratories, engineering education, and the creation of high value-added jobs.

During the solemn VU Senate meeting, Prof. Saulius Juodkazis and Dr. Remigijus Gaška were also awarded the titles of Honorary Doctorates.