EPIC (European Photonics Industry Consortium) is delighted to announce Martynas Barkauskas, CEO at Light Conversion as the recipient of the EPIC CEO Award 2026. The award recognizes outstanding leadership in the photonics industry and is selected by the EPIC CEO Award Committee, composed exclusively of previous award winners. Download the press release here.
The award honors leaders who exemplify entrepreneurship, resilience, and the ability to build a successful and sustainable photonics business through innovation, determination, and long-term vision. Since becoming CEO in 2019, he has driven significant growth, increasing the workforce to nearly 800 specialists, expanding facilities, and increasing revenues from approximately $50 million to over $130 million. This award recognizes these remarkable achievements.
Martynas Barkauskas holds a PhD, specializing in ultrafast spectroscopy and pump-probe measurements. He began his career at Light Conversion in 2009 as an engineer in the Laser Department. Later, he became head of the Laser Department’s Service Team, and in 2014, became the head of the Sales Department, until 2019, when he took the role of CEO.
His leadership reflects a strong commitment to continuous innovation, operational excellence, and long-term value creation in a highly competitive and rapidly evolving market.
“This recognition reflects the consistent work of our team over many years”, said Martynas Barkauskas.“At Light Conversion, we believe that long-term success comes from combining scientific expertise with a strong commitment to our customers and partners. Awards like this are a meaningful indication that we are moving in the right direction, and they encourage us to keep improving.”
Carlos Lee, Director General of EPIC, commented “I am very proud for Europe that Light Conversion, a university spin-off from Lithuania, has evolved into a global leader in ultrafast laser technology, expanding its global presence, and its product portfolio across both scientific and industrial markets”.
