The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union, has launched its newest joint hub in Czechia. By connecting regional actors, innovators, and partners to Europe’s largest innovation ecosystem, the new EIT Community Regional Innovation Scheme Hub (EIT Community RIS Hub) will strengthen cooperation among leading business, education and research organisations, and serve as a one-stop shop for local talent and entrepreneurs to benefit from the EIT Community’s opportunities in the field of education, business creation and innovation.
The EIT Community continues to support innovation by opening its first joint EIT Community RIS Hub in Czechia. The new hub is part of the EIT Regional Innovation Scheme (EIT RIS) program, designed to tackle Europe’s persistent geographic innovation divide. The hub represents all EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) and aims to boost cooperation among business, education, and research organizations, enhancing the region’s competitiveness and contributing to economic growth.
Several EIT KICs are present in Czechia, each contributing to different sectors. EIT Urban Mobility supports the transition to sustainable cities and mobility. EIT Digital supports digital transformation in areas like cybersecurity, AI, and fintech, helping tech start-ups grow. EIT Manufacturing drives innovation in the manufacturing sector by promoting sustainable, digital and globally competitive manufacturing processes. EIT InnoEnergy focuses on sustainable energy, backing projects in renewable energy and energy storage. EIT Food works on improving food production and sustainability, supporting agritech start-ups. EIT Health is committed to improving healthcare innovation, supporting new solutions in areas like healthy living, active aging, and sustainable healthcare systems.
Beyond Czechia, some KICs are present in nearby regions. EIT Climate-KIC operates in Vienna (Austria), focusing on solutions to combat climate change. EIT Culture & Creativity based in Košice (Slovakia), supports the growth of Europe's creative and cultural industries by fostering innovation in sectors such as media, arts, architecture, design, and cultural heritage. EIT RawMaterials has operations in Košice (Slovakia) as well, contributing to the sustainability of raw materials.
Located in the vibrant city of Prague, the EIT Community RIS Hub will serve as a cornerstone for innovation and entrepreneurship. Collaborating closely with local partners and stakeholders, the hub will play a central role in establishing a dynamic innovation ecosystem. It will host startups, research organizations, and investors, facilitating partnerships, and helping align the Czech innovation agenda with EIT’s strategic goals. By fostering collaboration among key players, the hub will help turn innovative ideas into tangible solutions that address both regional and global challenges.
Leading the hub is Eva Mejtová, who brings extensive experience in fostering innovation through various EU, national, and international programs. As EIT Community Officer, Eva will promote EIT initiatives across Czechia, connecting local innovators with the resources and support they need to succeed. Under her leadership, the hub will not only contribute to the Czech innovation landscape but also elevate it by integrating it into the broader European innovation framework.
The establishment of the EIT Community RIS Hub in Czechia marks a significant milestone in enhancing the country’s innovation landscape. By uniting all EIT KICs in one hub, we will provide invaluable resources, foster collaboration, and drive sustainable economic growth.
A launch event for the new EIT Community RIS Hub will take place in Prague at Campus Hybernská on October 11, 2024, showcasing EIT initiatives in Czechia and highlighting opportunities for stakeholders, startups, and entrepreneurs. The event will engage potential partners in EIT KICs initiatives and foster collaboration to strengthen innovation across the Czech ecosystem. The opening event will be followed by the New Horizons Summit - Sustainable Economy and Innovation under the auspices of the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic.
If you're interested in delving deeper into the EIT's offerings and discovering how it can support you on your innovation or entrepreneurial journey, please reach out to the EIT Community RIS HUB Czechia: czechia@eitcommunity.eu or follow the LinkedIn page: EIT Community RIS Hub Czechia.
EIT - MAKING INNOVATION HAPPEN!
About the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT):
The EIT strengthens Europe’s ability to innovate by powering solutions to pressing global challenges and by nurturing entrepreneurial talent to create sustainable growth and skilled jobs in Europe. The EIT is an EU body and an integral part of Horizon Europe, the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation.
The Institute supports dynamic pan-European partnerships, EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs), among leading companies, research labs and universities. These KICs are dedicated to driving systemic change in Europe and beyond, focusing on key areas such as climate change, energy, health, food, manufacturing, raw materials, digitalization, urban mobility, and culture and creativity. Together with their leading partners, the EIT Community offers a wide range of innovation and entrepreneurship activities across Europe: entrepreneurial education courses, business creation and acceleration services and innovation driven research projects.
Find out more!
Keep an eye out for news, events, and opportunities on the EIT website and on our LinkedIn page!
What is the EIT Regional Innovation Scheme (EIT RIS)?
The EIT Regional Innovation Scheme (EIT RIS) was launched in 2014 to enhance innovation performance in countries with ‘emerging’ or ‘modest’ innovation scores according to the European Innovation Scoreboard. The RIS is managed by the EIT and implemented through the KICs.
Learn more: https://eit-ris.eu