At this year’s International Engineering Fair in Brno (October 7–10, 2025), it became clear once again that collaboration between academic research and industrial practice delivers tangible outcomes. The United by Innovation exhibition — jointly hosted by two key centers at the Czech Institute of Informatics, Robotics and Cybernetics of CTU (CIIRC CTU) — the National Centre for Industry 4.0 (NCP 4.0) as organizer and the RICAIP Testbed Prague as technology guarantor — emerged as one of the most dynamic showcases of the entire fair.
Under the United by Innovation banner, eleven partners came together: RICAIP Testbed Prague, Siemens, KUKA, Česká spořitelna, Smart Informatics, Škoda Auto, T-Mobile, DEL, EIT Manufacturing, Pharis, and the project coordinator – NCP 4.0.
Innovation and Collaboration in Action
United by Innovation was more than just another exhibition booth — it functioned as a live collaboration lab. Over four days, more than 200 meetings and discussions took place, connecting companies, universities, and industry organizations.
“Our goal was to demonstrate that cooperation between academia and industry is not just a slogan — it can lead to real results: new technologies, testing environments, and business opportunities,” said Robert Keil, Director of the National Centre for Industry 4.0.
Research projects showcased how academic outcomes are being applied in practice: digital twins of production lines, 5G-based localization, energy flow analysis, and the use of AI for managing flexible manufacturing environments.
RICAIP and Testbeds: Gateways to Innovation
A highlight of CIIRC CTU’s presence was the RICAIP Testbed Prague — a unique research infrastructure connecting testbed facilities in Prague, Brno, and Ostrava, enabling companies to test, validate, and implement new technologies before full-scale deployment.
Representatives from the broader RICAIP testbed network also took the stage during the expert program at DigiStage, contributing to the session „How Testbeds Help Companies Grow: AI and Innovation in Practice.“
Under the leadership of David Pešek (EDIH CTU) and Ondřej Beránek (AI-MATTERS, both CIIRC CTU), the session presented real-world examples: using AI in autonomous robotics (RICAIP Testbed Prague + SMAUT Technology), predictive maintenance (RICAIP Testbed Brno at CEITEC BUT + Neuron Soundware), and industry-ready applications (EDIH Ostrava + Elvac).
The program concluded with a practical guide on how companies can initiate collaboration with testbeds, and how European initiatives like AI-MATTERS/TEF and EDIH can support this process.
Academia Speaking with Industry
The DigiStage program also featured an exclusive talk with Prof. Vladimír Mařík, Scientific Director of CIIRC CTU, who spoke candidly about the long-term significance of integrating research institutions with industry — and the unique role CIIRC CTU plays within this ecosystem. His talk was a program highlight, drawing a large audience from both academic and industrial sectors.
The booth also welcomed CIIRC CTU Director Ondřej Velek and representatives from key partner institutions for high-level discussions on further cooperation.
Networking and Key Encounters
The event offered strong networking opportunities. United by Innovation became a natural hub for expert meetings and visits by high-level figures.
Notable guests included Miloš Vystrčil, President of the Senate of the Czech Republic, Lukáš Vlček, Minister of Industry and Trade, and Jan Grolich, Governor of the South Moravian Region. Industry leaders were also in attendance, such as Eduard Palíšek (Siemens Czech Republic), Tomáš Salomon (Česká spořitelna), and Andreas Dick (Škoda Auto).
The importance of CIIRC CTU’s participation at the MSV lies in building connections — between people, institutions, ideas, and technologies. This collaborative network is key to driving Czech industry toward higher added value, sustainability, and technological sovereignty.
“The fair clearly showed that the United by Innovation concept makes real sense — companies want to cooperate, researchers are looking for partners, and together we’re shaping a space that gives Czech industry a future-oriented direction,” summarized Alena Nováková, Communications Manager at NCP 4.0 and DigiStage moderator.
After four days, United by Innovation left behind hundreds of new contacts, concrete collaboration agreements, and a clear commitment: to continue doing what works — and what matters.
