EIT Community RIS Hub Czechia
Advancing Innovation and Strengthening Collaboration in Czechia
The Czech innovation ecosystem has been steadily developing, built on a foundation of research, technology, and industry. Czech innovators have leveraged the country’s strategic location, skilled workforce, and robust educational system to drive innovation. However, challenges remain, such as the need for better integration between education, research, and business, as well as more effective strategies for scaling innovation at both European and global levels.
Czechia is classified as a moderate innovator according to the European Innovation Scoreboard (EIS). While innovation performance has improved since 2014, several barriers still need to be overcome. The country’s strengths include the use of information technology, exports of technology-based goods and services, and a commitment to environmental sustainability. However, challenges such as low private sector investment in research and development, weak collaboration between academia and industry, and the emigration of skilled professionals, which underutilises potential, persist.
A major issue is the low level of research and development funding in relation to GDP. Start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) struggle to access venture capital and other financial resources. Regional disparities also exist, with the majority of innovation activities concentrated in Prague and Brno, leaving less developed areas with limited access to European funding and engagement in public research.
About the EIT Community RIS Hub
The EIT Community Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS) Hub Czechia was established to address the challenges within the Czech innovation ecosystem and strengthen the country’s innovation capacity by connecting it with the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), the largest innovation network in Europe. The Hub provides a central platform to support local talent, entrepreneurs, and researchers, offering access to crucial resources such as funding, mentoring, training, and international partnerships.
Several EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) are active in Czechia, each contributing to different sectors. EIT Urban Mobility facilitates the transition to sustainable cities and mobility solutions. EIT Digital drives digital transformation in areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and financial technology, supporting technology start-ups. EIT Manufacturing promotes sustainable, digital, and globally competitive manufacturing processes. EIT InnoEnergy supports projects in renewable energy and energy storage. EIT Food focuses on enhancing food production and sustainability, and EIT Health advances healthcare innovation and sustainable healthcare systems.
Beyond Czechia, some KICs are present in nearby regions. EIT Climate operates in Vienna (Austria), focusing on solutions to combat climate change. EIT Culture & Creativity and EIT RawMaterials are both headquartered in Germany. EIT Culture & Creativity supports innovation in sectors such as media, arts, architecture, and cultural heritage, while EIT RawMaterials contributes to the sustainability of raw materials.
These Knowledge and Innovation Communities offer financial support and mentorship, helping Czech innovators access international markets. By fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government, they have played a crucial role in supporting start-ups, driving research, and shaping policy, contributing to Czechia’s status as a regional innovation hub.
The Hub’s primary objective is to identify opportunities for Czech innovators to leverage the European market. Through the EIT Online Campus, we equip local innovators with the skills needed to navigate rapidly changing technological landscapes. Our mission is not only to enhance Czech innovation capacity but also to ensure that local companies and innovators can compete successfully on the global stage.
The EIT Community Regional Innovation Scheme Hub Czechia, based in Prague, serves as a vital link between Czech research institutions, businesses, and international partners. We facilitate networking events, training sessions, and other initiatives to connect Czech innovators with European opportunities, ensuring the effective application of research and development outcomes. Furthermore, we are committed to reducing administrative obstacles and fostering a more innovation-friendly environment. Addressing regional disparities in research and innovation absorption is also a key focus, essential for achieving balanced development across the country.
“As the EIT Community Officer for Czechia, my objective is to reinforce the national innovation ecosystem by facilitating connections between local innovators and government bodies, as well as the EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs). My objective is to eliminate administrative obstacles and guarantee that Czech innovators have access to the financial and non-financial resources provided by the EIT. By fostering collaboration across the education, research, business and government sectors, I aim to create a more efficient and inclusive innovation environment. By forging strategic alliances, I aim to unleash the potential of Czech talent and establish the country as a pivotal player in both European and global innovation”
EVA MEJTOVÁ, EIT COMMUNITY OFFICER CZECHIA
EIT Funding & Impact
In 2022, Czechia received EUR 6.55 million in grants from the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), representing a notable increase of EUR 3.15 million compared to 2021. The funding was distributed through seven EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) to support a range of innovation initiatives across the country.
The largest share of the funding, EUR 2.86 million, was allocated to business-related activities, reflecting a strong emphasis on fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. Czech SMEs were significant beneficiaries, receiving EUR 3.26 million in support, partly due to contributions from EIT Urban Mobility, which focuses on sustainable urban solutions.
This funding has been instrumental in enhancing the capabilities of Czech organisations, enabling them to engage more actively in the European innovation ecosystem and expand their reach both locally and internationally.
About the EIT Community Officer
Eva Mejtová
EIT Community Officer Czechia
Eva Mejtová is the EIT Community Officer for Czechia, with over six years of experience in project and financial management. Her role is to facilitate innovation across various sectors and support Czech businesses and talent in achieving success at the European level. Eva’s diverse background includes experience in non-profit organisations, government, academia, and private enterprise, and she has successfully managed both national and international projects.
Her main objectives are to address brain drain, reduce bureaucratic obstacles, and tackle regional disparities. By leveraging the resources and opportunities provided by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), Eva is committed to fully utilising the potential of Czech innovators and ensuring the country plays a prominent role in the European and global innovation landscape.
Eva holds a Master’s degree in Ecology and is currently pursuing further studies in International Trade and Law. She is also a PRINCE2 certified practitioner.
Contact Details
- Email: czechia@eitcommunity.eu
- Phone: +420 734 776 462
- Address: Národní 135/14 Nové Město 110 00 Prague 1
- LinkedIn: EIT Community RIS Hub Czechia
Upcoming Opportunities
Stay updated with the latest opportunities related to Czechia's innovation ecosystem and the activities of the EIT Community RIS Hub.
