Prague's Strahov stadium, a relic from almost a century ago, is set to undergo a transformation into a €400 million technology center, aiming to rejuvenate the area and boost the local start-up scene. This center will focus on various cutting-edge fields such as robotics, drones, artificial intelligence, and medical engineering, providing facilities for students and entrepreneurs to innovate and develop new business ideas.

The project, led in partnership with the Czech Technical University in Prague, signals Prague's ambition to position itself as a hub for fast-growing companies and demonstrates the city's broader ambitions within the technology and start-up sector. Despite some skepticism due to unresolved funding issues, the redevelopment project, expected to start before the year's end and possibly extend beyond 2030, highlights the potential for significant advancements in the region's technological and entrepreneurial landscape.

Beyond the redevelopment of Strahov stadium, Prague and the Czech Republic are witnessing a surge in the start-up and venture capital scene, driven by increased investment and government support aimed at boosting competitiveness in digital technology.

This support has led to a notable growth in areas such as mathematics and artificial intelligence, with Czech start-ups attracting both local early-stage capital and foreign investment in later funding rounds. The vibrant venture capital environment, which has evolved significantly since the early 2000s, coupled with the emergence of unicorns like Productboard, underscores the dynamic growth and potential of the Czech Republic's technology and start-up ecosystem.

Despite regulatory challenges, the low operational costs in the Czech Republic provide an appealing environment for start-ups, contributing to an ecosystem that is becoming increasingly attractive to both local and international investors.

Source: www.ft.com

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