Linkedin
Linkedin

Jonas Ignatavičius

I am taking the role of Head of Innovations. Nando is a biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialisation of microbial-based products for agriculture. My role involves R&D team management, project development, coordination of international collaborations, and preparation of funding proposals, particularly within Horizon Europe and related programmes.

University of Primorska

Host institution

UAB NANDO

Home institution

 Head of Innovations at Nando in Lithuania

Researchgate Linkedin

Mobility information

Profile & Interests

I have a diverse background, including business consulting, startup acceleration, R&D projects management, and IT companies development. In the last 10 years, I have been fully focused on agrobiotech as a manager.

I am particularly interested in translating scientific research into practical, scalable solutions, including biological crop protection, biostimulants, and circular bioeconomy approaches.

Current Role

I am taking the role of Head of Innovations. Nando is a biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of microbial-based products for agriculture. My role involves R&D team management, the projects development, coordination of international collaborations, and preparation of funding proposals, particularly within Horizon Europe and related programmes.

Mobility Objectives

The main objective of the mobility was to strengthen competencies in R&D project management and Horizon Europe proposal development. Additionally, the mobility aimed to establish new international collaborations, identify joint research opportunities, and explore the integration of advanced microbial technologies into innovative agri-food solutions.

Mobility Title

R&D Project Management

Jonas Ignatavičius

Why LETSGROW

I chose this mobility because it offered a unique combination of practical exposure to Horizon Europe project management and direct interaction with both researchers and industry partners. The opportunity to work closely with CBQF, which has strong expertise in biotechnology and agri-food systems, made it especially attractive. It allowed me not only to learn how projects are managed but also to actively contribute to shaping new project ideas.

About expectations

My main expectation was to gain a deeper, hands-on understanding of how international R&D projects are structured and implemented, especially within Horizon Europe. I also aimed to expand my professional network and identify concrete collaboration opportunities that could lead to joint proposals and long-term partnerships.

Interests and motivations

What fascinates me most about my work is the potential of microorganisms to transform agriculture and make it more sustainable. Microbial systems are incredibly versatilethey can improve plant growth, protect crops, and help utilize waste streams in a circular way. What motivates me is bridging the gap between science and application. It is not only about discovering new biological solutions, but also about making them work in real conditionsat scale, in industry, and in the field.