How science is transformed into a company, and what does it take to make a successful spin-off? These questions were addressed at the conference Od výzkumu k firmě: zakládání vědeckých start-upů a spin-offů (From Research to Business: Founding Scientific Start-ups and Spin-offs), organized by the Division of Optics’ team. The event offered an inspiring atmosphere and a diverse mix of participants – scientists, representatives of stat-up support providers, and start-up founders.
The opening speech was given by Michael Prouza, Director of the Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, who emphasized the importance of applied research and science practical application. Ilona Müllerová, Vice-President of the Czech Academy of Sciences, summarized the possibilities for supporting applied research and establishing spin-offs within the framework of the Czech Academy of Sciences' programs. The Academy of Sciences has long supported these activities and offers a range of tools that facilitate cooperation between individual research teams as well as between the academic sphere and industrial partners. These include, for example, the Prak program, Strategy AV21, and other initiatives that pave the way for the practical application of research results.
Martin Smekal, head of the Czech Academy of Sciences Technology Transfer Centre, presented the Czech Academy of Sciences' new incubation program, while Barbora Wachtlová from the Central Bohemian Innovation Centre presented the Start-up Accelerator program. Martin Nikl, Deputy Director of the Institute of Physics for Targeted Research, familiarized the audience with the activities of the Institute of Physics.
The stage also featured stories from the founders of scientific start-ups, who openly shared their experience. Pavel Jurák (VDI Technologies), Tomáš Slavík (PSP Technologies), Lukáš Kolek (Charles Games), Martina Siglová, and Petr Beneš (AlgaX) talked about what worked for them, what they would avoid next time, and what they would do again.
The subsequent panel discussion with Martin Fusek (RVVI, ÚOCHB), Petr Konvalinka (TA ČR), Michal Hlavačka (Technology Centre Prague), Marie Součková (InnerGarden.ai), and Tomáš Maršálek (i&i Biotech Fund) focused on the conditions that influence the creation and development of scientific companies in Czechia. What resonated strongly was the topic of administrative burdens and complex approval processes, due to which start-ups are significantly slowed down. It was also mentioned that validation and contact with commercial reality are essential for the success of young companies, as is a combination of public funds and venture capital, which can significantly speed up the entire process. The panellists also raised the issue of personnel cost funding and the need for incubators and shared infrastructure, without which start-up technology companies find it difficult to develop.
The conference showed that Czech science has enormous entrepreneurial potential—and that sharing experience and connecting institutions, investors, and scientists is the way for this potential to be fully developed.
