#54: TECHHAPPYHOURS & Space for Innovation

This panel will explore the rising significance of dual-use technologies in modern defense and security environments, focusing on how civilian innovations are increasingly shaping the battlefield.Moderated by Martin Hýža, Acceleration Manager at CzechInvest’s Defence Hub, the discussion will highlight how strategic national initiatives (such as CzechInvest’s Defence Hub) are fostering innovation at the intersection of civilian and military technology.Panelists will discuss current trends, cross-sector cooperation, and the role of dual-use technologies in strengthening national and allied defense capabilities.

Yemi A.D. is a serial entrepreneur and a multi-disciplinary creative force with more than two decades of experience spanning the entertainment industry, arts & technology, alongside a profound passion for social innovation and youth empowerment. He joined us from Ottawa, Canada, for a FireSide chat with Katerina Novakova.

(Podcast in CZE) What happens when bold vision meets structured public support? Step into the world of high-potential startups that are shaping the future through the Technology Incubation project — a Czech national initiative designed to turn ideas into success. This panel explores how strategic funding, inspirational mentoring, and a thriving innovation ecosystem have helped over 250 startups take off. Among the Speakers are Vojta Rocek, Partner at Presto Tech Horizons, Martin Jiranek from Czech Startup Association, Martin Svolba from Ministry of Industry and Trade, our Tom Cironis, and hosted by Katerina Rundova from CzechInvest. Discover the impact of a project that doesn’t just support startups — it builds community and the foundations of a new Czech economy. But what comes next? When support runs out, can we break through the real barriers to startup growth?

The panel focused on space technologies, startups, and industry players shaping the future of the sector. The discussion will highlight current trends, opportunities, and real-world applications of space innovation hosted by Jan Spratek, and joined by Matej Poliacek, Tomas Rousek, and Martin Tyburec.

Filip, founder of Stories.bi (acquired by Workday), and his M&A lawyer, Jakub Císař of NOVALIA, for a candid discussion moderated by Fergus O’Sullivan. They’ll break down the critical moments of the startup journey, offering a unique dual perspective on the high-stakes negotiations and strategies behind a major tech acquisition.

The European Union is preparing legislative initiatives that could fundamentally reshape the startup landscape – from ESNA standards and the 28th regime to the evolution of the Capital Markets Union. But what will these changes mean for startups in the Czech Republic? What role can Czech stakeholders play in shaping these new rules?This high-level panel discussion with Vit Horky, Jaroslav Ton, Jan Jendreas, and Ines Magrico, hosted by Marketa Prenosilova, will provide a unique political and business-oriented perspective on upcoming European legislation and policy shifts aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of the EU startup ecosystem. Join leading voices from the European Commission, national ministries, and key European startup networks such as ESNA and EU Inc. for a debate that bridges policy and practice.

Megi is a developer of advanced robotics and computer vision technologies took a step into the startup world four years ago and founded RoboTwin with two other graduates of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the Czech Technical University.Her company automates production in factories and teaches robots to imitate human work - without complex programming, but with the help of artificial intelligence. It integrates workers into the automation process, who teach the robot simply by recording their movements. Enjoy the newest episode with Kate Syslova

Meet Eliska Vamosova, Head of the Engaged Investment Conference, an exclusive, professional VC conference that connects up to 500 active investors and ambitious founders, primarily from Central & Eastern Europe and the Baltics. It serves as a go-to platform for cross-border investments and collaboration, attracting not only regional players but also leading investors from Western countries looking to engage with the CEE ecosystem. In an exclusive interview with our Co-Host, Fergus O'Sullivan.

For the third edition of Startup Cinema by Startup Kitchen, we took the startup world to space- metaphorically (and almost literally).After diving into the stories of Theranos and Wirecard in previous years, this time we focused on crisis management, leadership under pressure, and critical decision-making in moments when failure is not an option – all inspired by the real events of Apollo 13.Joined by Honza Husták from Hustá, Tomáš Milota from ČS Seed Starter, Matej Poliaček – ISS Columbus Flight Director at German Aerospace Center (DLR), and Martin Repka from Sparring.

Established Western companies are discovering that entering emerging markets can sometimes encounter unexpected obstacles. This was the case, for example, with home appliance manufacturer Bosch, which struggled to launch its washing machines in Bangladesh. The reason? Their cables became easy prey for mice, a common problem in Bangladeshi households. The issue was resolved with plastic protection, which mice could no longer chew through, says Marek Aldorf, Senior Program Manager at the UN. Aldorf was a guest on the podcast Startup Kitchen Talk, hosted by Kateřina Syslová.