The Czech Startup Scene and Strategic Goal: Technology Transfer
Michaela Kasparek Mixova, Barbora Pesek / Make more
The Czech Republic has enormous potential for deep tech innovation. However, to fully utilize it and bridge the gap between science and the market, we need a comprehensive ecosystem approach that actively engages female talent.
Looking at the Czech startup scene, we see a clear shift. While the past decade was dominated by successes in e-commerce and software (SaaS) solutions, today the attention of both investors and the state is shifting towards deep tech innovations. This trend directly reflects the Czech National RIS3 Strategy, which identifies technology transfer from academia, support for spin-offs, and the development of applied research as absolute priorities for the future competitiveness of the country.
“The Czech Republic boasts excellent technical universities and a strong engineering tradition. We do, however, encounter a structural problem: we lack a smooth transfer of complex scientific knowledge into real commercial products. Even more pressing – we lose a massive amount of female talent in this process. The transition from an academic researcher to a deep tech startup founder is a leap into the unknown that requires specific support,” says Michaela Kasparek Mixova, startup ecosystem manager at Make more and EPIC-X partner lead.
Building the Groundwork: Confidence Precedes R&D
In deep tech, breakthrough solutions rely on years of demanding research and development (R&D). But before a future founder files her first patent or programs an industrial AI algorithm, she must first gain fundamental confidence in working with technology and hardware.
That is precisely why, as the organization Make more, we organize Maker Faire festivals across the country. We view these events as a crucial “top of the funnel” for our innovation ecosystem. They provide a barrier-free environment where young women can get hands-on experience with technology, breaking down the prejudice that heavy engineering or robotics are exclusively male domains.
“When thinking about the demographic curve, we know it’s critical to focus on girls and young women because we lose them between primary school and graduation. Research from FabLab Brno shows girls’ interest in technology drops from 37% at primary school to just 28% by the end of secondary school. This is exactly the group we are trying to reach through the methodologies and formats we develop at Maker Faires in the Czech Republic,” Mixova explains.
Bridging the Gap: From Prototype to Business with ‘Built to Scale’
Generating technical talent is just the first step. The National RIS3 Strategy correctly points out the so-called “valley of death” – the commercialization phase of applied research.
To overcome these obstacles, we launched a series of community events called Built to Scale: From Prototype to Business. Our goal was not to create another formal institution, but a vibrant space bringing hardware startup founders, VC funds, and corporate representatives to the same room. During our “fireside chats,” we share real-world stories on testing ideas, finding partners, and turning a promising prototype into a sustainable business.
The impact of this supportive community is demonstrated by the diverse female-led deep tech startups we host—ranging from heavy industry automation to lifesaving medtech.
From University Research to Real-World Impact
RoboTwin, co-founded by CTO Megi Mejdrechová, combines robotics and motion tracking, allowing factory workers to “teach” industrial robots without complex code. The project originated as academic research at CTU. However, the step from the laboratory to leading a company that secured a €1.25M pre-seed investment was not a given.
“During my studies, it never occurred to me to start my own project,” Megi shared. “I figured someone else would bring my working prototype to market. Eventually, I realized the only one who could try was me. We had the product, but not the entrepreneurial drive immediately. It is extremely important to surround yourself with people who possess business intuition.”
Similarly, Monika Štěpánová, CEO of Lightly Technologies, shared her journey during another Built to Scale session. Transitioning from university research, her startup builds portable, AI-powered hardware to detect counterfeit drugs in the field. Like Megi, Monika’s story highlights that whether you are revolutionizing factory floors or fighting illicit substances, bringing a scientific idea to market requires overcoming daunting R&D and hardware manufacturing hurdles.
Investing in the Entire Ecosystem
These stories prove what happens when female tech talent is properly supported. The goals defined in the National RIS3 Strategy will not be achieved through academic grants alone. As ecosystem builders and partners of the EPIC-X project, we must build the entire pathway.
We must awaken initial curiosity at events like Maker Faire while simultaneously connecting founders and investors through platforms like Built to Scale. By building this comprehensive support system, we can lower the barriers to entry and empower more brilliant female researchers in the Czech Republic to confidently transition from academia to deep tech leadership.
This article was written in collaboration with Make more. For more information about their work visit Make more’s website.
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