In mid-September, the Czech Institute of Informatics, Robotics and Cybernetics at the Czech Technical University in Prague (CIIRC CTU) welcomed an important guest from Stanford University: Jimmy Chen, Director of the Stanford Sustainable Mobility Center. His program in Prague included meetings with representatives of the government, academia, and industry.
A key part of the visit was the official introduction of the newly forming CENT – Center for Energy, Networks & Transportation, which will operate at CIIRC CTU as a platform for international collaboration, primarily in the fields of sustainable energy and mobility, leveraging cutting-edge artificial intelligence technologies. The center’s primary partner will be the Stanford Sustainable Mobility Center. CENT will be led by Prof. Radek Škoda, head of the Energy 4.0 research group at CIIRC CTU. The founders and key members of the initiative include Marek Miltner and Ondřej Štogl from the CTU Faculty of Electrical Engineering, and Prof. Oldřich Starý, CTU Vice-Rector for International Relations.
The development and future direction of CENT is a collaborative effort not only of CIIRC but also of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering (FEL), Faculty of Transportation Sciences (FD), Faculty of Information Technology (FIT), and other parts of the university, underscoring the interdisciplinary nature of the initiative.
The delegation met with Jan Kavalírek, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade for Artificial Intelligence, and René Neděla, Director General of the Energy Section. They also met Jana Havlíková, Deputy Minister for Science, Research and Innovation, along with other government officials. The visit included tours of the AIC FEL laboratories, RICAIP Testbed Prague, and meetings with leading representatives from E.ON and Škoda Auto. Discussions focused on themes around the cities of the future—including decarbonization, digitization, and decentralization of modern energy systems, sustainable mobility, and strengthening the connection between research and industry.
“Our collaboration with Stanford confirms that the Czech Republic and CTU are seen as key partners both in Europe and globally. The newly established CENT will serve as a bridge between cutting-edge research, industry, and international institutions,” said Prof. Vladimír Mařík, Scientific Director of CIIRC CTU.
Voices of the CENT Founders:
Ondřej Štogl:
“CENT is being created as an open platform designed to connect top research and innovation with societal needs. We want Prague to be a recognized part of the global map for sustainable transformation.”
Marek Miltner:
“Our ambition is not only to develop new technologies but also to support young scientists and foster exchange of experience between universities.”
Prof. Oldřich Starý:
“Connecting energy, mobility, and smart cities is essential for a sustainable future. CENT will be the space for that collaboration.”
Prof. Radek Škoda, Director of CENT:
“I see CENT as a tremendous opportunity to strengthen CTU’s role in international projects and to offer new ways for Czech scientists and students to get involved.”
