How can companies succeed in a time of rapid technological change, including AI, geopolitical uncertainty, and increasing demands for energy and technological resilience? These questions will be addressed at the United by Innovation – Open Day for Industry 4.0 conference, taking place on May 14, 2026, at the CPIT TL3 facilities at VSB – Technical University of Ostrava.
The event is organized annually by the National Centre for Industry 4.0. Thanks to its partnership with VSB – Technical University of Ostrava and the CPIT TL3 testbed infrastructure, it is being held in the Moravian-Silesian Region for the first time. The goal is to connect companies, research organizations, and public administration, and to demonstrate through practical examples and case studies how innovations can be transferred into real-world practice and what competitive advantages they bring.
“We want to show in practical terms how Czech companies can succeed in a rapidly changing environment. It’s not just about the technologies themselves, but about the ability to use them effectively, connect them with business, and take advantage of the opportunities offered by testbeds and the research community,” says Robert Keil, Director of the National Centre for Industry 4.0.
The morning program will open with a strategic panel titled “United by Innovation: How to Succeed in an Uncertain World.” It will focus on the key challenges facing today’s industry—from geopolitical impacts and the rise of artificial intelligence and advanced digital technologies to issues of energy, security, and long-term regional competitiveness. The discussion will also explore the role of Ostrava as a region where new approaches and technologies are tested in practice.
The panel will feature:
Radek Martinek (Dean of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, VSB-TUO),
Eduard Palíšek (CEO, Siemens Czech Republic),
Adéla Hradilová (Chairwoman of the Board, MSIC),
Šárka Šimoňáková (Deputy Governor of the Moravian-Silesian Region),
and David Navrátil (Chief Economist, Česká spořitelna),
who will provide expert perspectives from industry, public administration, and economics.
The strategic discussion will be followed by a session focused on connecting research and industry, showcasing how innovations are implemented in real business environments. It will present collaboration among testbeds in Prague, Brno, and Ostrava, as well as specific projects carried out with industrial partners—from the use of artificial intelligence to digital twins in manufacturing. The emphasis will be on tangible benefits for companies and how these infrastructures can accelerate innovation adoption.
“Ostrava today offers a strong environment for innovation development and collaboration between universities and industry. Thanks to infrastructure such as the CPIT TL3 testbed, we can provide companies with real conditions for testing and implementing new technologies,” adds Petr Šimoník, Vice-Dean for Industry Collaboration and Commercialization at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, VSB-TUO.
The conference will also feature Igor Ivan, Rector of VSB – Technical University of Ostrava, who will open the afternoon session focused on practical applications and real-world company experience. Case studies covering a wide range of industrial sectors will be presented by partners of the National Centre for Industry 4.0, including Siemens, Škoda Auto, Conteg, SICK, QPAG, Prima Bilavčík, PHARIS, Deprag CZ, DEL, MURR, and Adeon.
The program will also include guided tours of the cutting-edge laboratories within the CPIT TL3 testbed—Smart Factory, Mobility Lab, 3D Printing Lab, and Health Lab—where visitors can see the technologies in operation. Another key part of the event is the innovation fair, featuring technology partners, expert consultations, and the opportunity to undergo a DigiAudit, which helps companies identify opportunities for digitalization and further development.
The event is primarily intended for business owners, managers, innovation professionals, and public sector representatives looking for concrete ways to strengthen their organizations’ competitiveness.
Participation is free upon registration, with limited capacity.
Registration and more information: https://www.ncp40.cz/udalosti/den-otevrenych-dveri-pro-prumysl-40-ostrava
