The week grouped major Czech startup events into a shared calendar, making it easier for the domestic community and international partners to plan meetings and explore the ecosystem. The previous edition had drawn approximately 2,500 visitors from more than 20 countries.

International connections and technology security

Markéta Přenosilová, Deputy Director for Startups and Innovation at CzechInvest, described the week as a way to present the breadth of Czech innovation in one place. Beyond individual conferences, its purpose was to connect local startups with overseas investors, commercial partners and other startup communities. The 2026 edition’s priorities included international expansion, access to capital and technologies shaping Europe’s future competitiveness.

Technology security, defence innovation and European resilience featured prominently in the programme. Defence and dual-use technologies were a particular focus through the international Future Forces Forum. A dedicated Invest in Bravery Defense & Dual-Use Tech Reception, organised with Invest in Bravery, provided an additional setting for contact between innovators and investors.

Rudolf Klepáček, CEO of CzechBusiness, emphasised that startups need both supportive conditions for growth and rapid access to international partners, customers and finance. He identified Czech Startup Week as a meeting point for these groups and linked it to CzechBusiness’s role in connecting Czech companies with opportunities abroad.

Building connections between Europe and Africa

International cooperation and market expansion were central themes. The opening-day programme on 19 October included Scaling Up: Europe, Africa and Beyond, designed to connect founders, investors and ecosystem builders from Czechia and other countries.

The format combined short presentations with moderated discussions and speed networking. Its aim was to help participants identify practical next steps, whether a new contact, a prospective partner, a route into a market or a path towards investment.
The programme also featured technology entrepreneurs from nine African countries, spanning North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. Their visit to Prague formed part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Cool Czechia project.

Engaged Investments brought founders and investors together

The Engaged Investments Conference, held on 21–22 October at the National House in Vinohrady, was a major investor event within the week.

The conference agenda covered venture capital development in the region, cross-border investment and Europe’s technological resilience. Organised by the investors at DEPO Ventures, the conference was intended to encourage substantive meetings and help participants identify investment opportunities.

The programme included a startup showcase, individual meetings, panels, thematic sessions and smaller networking events.

Petr Šíma of DEPO Ventures pointed to the growth of the Central and Eastern European startup ecosystem, whose value more than doubled between 2019 and 2023 to approximately €213 billion. In his assessment, the region had strong companies but insufficient capital for their growth stage.

He argued that investment funds needed to cooperate more closely. Engaged was designed to bring investors from cities including Prague, Warsaw, Budapest, Vilnius and Tallinn together to build trust and arrange joint funding rounds. The intended result was to retain promising businesses in the region while drawing greater interest from major European institutional investors.

DemoDay showcased emerging Czech technology companies

The Technology Incubation and ESA BIC Czech Republic DemoDay was another key part of the programme. It focused on innovative businesses working in AI, mobility and advanced technologies, as well as space technologies and their applications on Earth. Deep tech and space technology therefore had a substantial presence across the week.
Twelve finalists had been selected from more than 50 companies for the competition held on the morning of 20 October at Prague’s OX Club.

The afternoon programme was scheduled to continue with the third TechHappyHours, bringing representatives of leading technology companies together for panel discussions, mentoring and facilitated networking. CzechInvest, part of CzechBusiness, and the Technology Incubation project organised the event with the Startup Kitchen platform.

Prepared by the staff of CzechBusiness Office in Cairo
Source: www.technologickainkubace.org