Brolis Semiconductors is Newcomer of the Year.
Three foreign investors have been recognized for their dedication to Flanders at the 6th consecutive Foreign Investment Trophy. This prestigious ceremony is organized by government agency Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT) to highlight the importance of foreign investment in the region.
Lithuanian photonics firm Brolis Semiconductors was presented with the Newcomer of the Year Trophy 2018 for setting up its first base in Flanders: a new R&D center in TechLane Ghent Science Park. Founders Kristijonas, Dominykas and Augustinas Vizbaras received the trophy from Marc Van Gastel, Head of Department Invest at FIT.
Claire Tillekaerts, CEO of FIT, commented: “Brolis’ R&D investment in Flanders indicates our region’s successful approach of providing support and incentives to innovative businesses. In 2017, foreign firms like Brolis invested EUR 2.08 billion and created 5,377 additional jobs in Flanders, illustrating just how crucial foreign investors are to our economy, workforce and reputation as an excellent place for business.”
Brolis Semiconductors
Founded by three brothers, Brolis Semiconductors specializes in infrared light sources for various applications—from night vision goggles to devices for the detection of gases in grain silos, for example. In 2017, the Lithuanian firm chose Ghent as the home for a new R&D office, after carrying out innovative photonics research with Ghent University. At its first base in Flanders, Brolis plans to hire 5 to 10 local engineers in the next 3 years.
The Lithuanian company will rely on its new R&D division in Ghent to make its photonics technology as tiny as possible and integrate it into miniscule silicon-based chips. “Winning the Newcomer of the Year Trophy 2018 only adds to the warm welcome we have received in Flanders,” says co-founder Augustinas Vizbaras. “It’s both an honor and a recognition of the hard work of our motivated workforce back home. We couldn’t have made it here without them.”
To watch a film about Brolis, check out Brolis Film.
