Empowering Innovation in Czechia: A Strong Start to EIT Community RIS Hub Czechia. We are proud to be part of it!

Empowering Innovation in Czechia: A Strong Start to EIT Community RIS Hub Czechia. We are proud to be part of it!

The Czech innovation ecosystem took a bold step forward with the successful launch of the EIT Community RIS Hub Czechia. The kick-off event held on 11 October 11, 2024 by the EIT Community Officer for Czechia Eva Mejtová at Campus Hybernská highlighted the diverse initiatives within the European Institute of Innovation & Technology’s (EIT) active in the country to date, offering a clear and approachable platform for stakeholders, partners, startups, and businesses to discover the myriad opportunities available through collaboration with EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs). This event, themed „Empowering Innovation & Shaping the Future Together,“ was aimed at fostering connections and driving innovation across the Czech ecosystem of various EIT KICs. EIT Manufacturing Hub Czechia represented by Anna Tahovská brought insides from the manufacturing industry to the panel discussion.

The event commenced with Eva Mejtová, EIT Community Officer for Czechia, delivering a warm welcome and setting the stage for an inspiring program of speakers. Eva emphasized the importance of engaging the Czech innovation community with the European-level initiatives spearheaded by the EIT. This sentiment was echoed by the keynote speakers, either present or online, Márton Herczeg, Věra Jourová, European Commissioner for Values and Transparency, Dalibor Mladenka, from the Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, Miloslav Keltner, Director of the Department of Decarbonisation Strategy at the Czech Ministry of the Environment, and Michal Hlavačka, National Contact Point for financial and legal aspects in Horizon Europe, from the Technology Centre Prague. 

Two lively and insightful panel discussions were the core of the event. “Driving Innovation in Czechia with EIT Communities.” – moderated by Eva Mejtová, the panel featured leaders from several EIT KICs that are active in Czechia. Each panellist shared their experiences and insights into how their respective KIC is contributing to the local innovation landscape. Traian Urban (EIT Urban Mobility), Tina Igličar Kubalík  (EIT Health), Petra Jalšovec Palacz (EIT InnoEnergy), Monika Tomaniová (EIT Food), Anna Tahovská (EIT Manufacturing) shared their experience, success stories, but also obstacles in EIT RIS Hub implementation and operation. This panel underscored the breadth of opportunities that EIT’s KICs bring to Czechia, demonstrating that innovation spans across multiple sectors, from health and mobility to energy, manufacturing and food production.

The second panel discussion, “Innovation Start-ups – Real Success Stories in Czechia,” spotlighted Czech entrepreneurs who have successfully partnered with the EIT to turn their innovative ideas into thriving businesses. Traian Urban, from EIT Urban Mobility, moderated the discussion, which showcased the inspiring journeys of Czech startups that have made significant strides with EIT’s support. 

  • Pavel Konečný, CEO of Neuron Soundware, discussed how his startup is using artificial intelligence to detect machine failures, optimizing industrial processes and reducing costs.
  • Petra Kubálková, co-founder of CATS2CATS – EWA, spoke about her journey in advancing women-led innovation in agriculture through the EWA (Empowering Women in Agrifood) program.
  • Martin Ullmann, founder of Ullmanna.ai, described how his AI-driven solutions are transforming business operations and decision-making processes.

Each of these innovators shared how EIT’s support provided them with the resources, networks, and funding necessary to scale their ideas and bring impactful solutions to the market.

The launch of the EIT Community RIS Hub Czechia marks a significant milestone in the country’s innovation journey. By fostering stronger collaboration between local innovators and the European innovation community, the hub aims to empower startups, businesses, and researchers in Czechia to lead in sectors like sustainability, digitalization, and more. As the innovation ecosystem continues to grow, the EIT Community RIS Hub will serve as a critical bridge, shaping a future where Czechia plays a key role in Europe’s knowledge-driven economy.

This event was just the beginning of many collaborations to come, promising to solidify Czechia’s place as a thriving hub of innovation in Europe. We at the EIT Manufacturing Hub Czechia hosted by CIIRC CTU look forward to contributing to this joint effort.