Partners

Antikomplex is a nonprofit nongovernmental organization dedicated to critically reflection on the history of the Czech lands. It actively promotes and develops a broad societal discussion on coming to terms with the traumas caused by the tragic events of the 20th century, particularly those related to the Second World War. Our shared goal is to identify all the questions our past has left us, name them, and face them.

The primary mission of Antikomplex is to open discussions about our shared history and its traumas, to conduct research and disseminate information on these topics, and to engage in their critical reflection. This mission is carried out through educational programs for pupils, students, educators, professionals, and the general public, by publishing popular-academic texts, and by organizing conferences, workshops, discussion events, cultural activities, and the presentation of traveling exhibitions on various topics.

Contact: Michal Schuster,

Website: https://antikomplex.cz/

Broumov Region Development Agency (APRB) is a regional development NGO focused on the systematic support of local communities, businesses, public institutions, and social innovation. It has long connected the public, non-profit, and private sectors, translating strategic concepts into concrete development projects with measurable impact. Its work is grounded in hands-on experience with implementing development instruments in the region, coordinating partnerships, and supporting local initiatives in education, social services, culture, and the economy.

APRB has extensive experience in administering and managing innovative financial and support instruments, including venture philanthropy principles that combine grant funding, mentoring, and long-term project support. The organization is involved in the preparation, implementation, and evaluation of investments in socially beneficial activities, ensuring transparent management and development effectiveness.

Within projects, APRB’s role primarily lies in field-testing outputs, facilitating cooperation with local stakeholders, and transferring insights into the region’s strategic and development processes, thereby contributing to the long-term sustainability of project outcomes and their transferability to other peripheral regions.

Contact: Ing. Martin Kryštof Kubák,

Website: www.aprb.cz

Centrum Paraple is a Czech non-profit organization specializing in comprehensive support for people with spinal cord injuries. It provides professional social, rehabilitation, and psychological services aimed at promoting independence, quality of life, and active social inclusion. The organization combines a multidisciplinary approach with many years of experience in spinal cord injury care.

Paralab is the professional, research, and educational platform of Centrum Paraple. It focuses on developing expert know-how in the field of spinal cord injury care and on the systematic transfer of knowledge into practice. Paralab organizes specialized courses, seminars, and training programs for healthcare professionals, social service workers, and other specialists. It also conducts research activities, data collection and analysis, and develops innovative approaches in rehabilitation, assistive technologies, respiratory care, sexuality after spinal cord injury, and related areas.

Each thematic area is led by designated experts from within the team who have long-term experience in their respective fields. Paralab thus creates a structured framework for systematic professional development and knowledge sharing, contributing to the long-term sustainability and growth of the expert team at Centrum Paraple.

Contact: Lenka Honzátková,

Website: www.paraple.cz

The Czech National Bank consistently ranks among top 3 research institutions in Economics with special expertise in macroeconomics, monetary economics and financial stability research: https://ideas.repec.org/top/top.czech.html. The CNB researchers are especially skilled in quantitative modelling, both empirical and structural, as the bank uses such models routinely for policy analysis and forecasts. The CNB researchers also often publish in leading scientific journals.

The coordination and implementation of research is carried out by the Research Division, which is part of the Research and Statistics Department. The division consists of two units – the Financial Research Unit and the Economic Research Unit. Access to broad sources of data (including individual level data and high-frequency financial data) on financial sector and the macroeconomy is possible for research purposes. Wide range of specialized software and high-performance computing are available. Broad knowledge base in economic modelling is another asset, as are the regular internal and external research seminars. The CNB maintains frequent contact with international research institutions and other central banks and supports conference travel of its researchers.

Contact: Martin Hodula,

Website: https://www.cnb.cz/en/

ELLA-CS is a leading manufacturer of medical devices, specializing in research and development. Its long-term vision is to expand the use of biodegradable stents beyond gastrointestinal applications to include airway and other organ treatments, solidifying its position as a global expert in biodegradable stent technology. Each year, its unique products improve the lives of thousands of patients and are recognized worldwide for their innovation and effectiveness.

With more than 90% of its production exported to over 70 countries, ELLA-CS continues to strengthen its global presence. The company holds multiple Czech and international patents and has earned the respect of industry peers for its groundbreaking biodegradable reinforcement, which enhances the functionality of the digestive tract. This innovation is now widely cited in medical literature across Europe and the United States.

Contact: Alena Svátková,

Website: https://ellacs.eu/

The European Valuation Institute (EVI) is a premium analytical boutique specialising in complex financial advisory services, in-depth research, and professional education. With extensive experience in valuation, litigation support, economic consulting, and financial modelling, EVI provides expert insights tailored to real-world challenges faced by practitioners.

EVI continuously enhances its expertise through applied research and active participation in international organisations and academic research projects. It has recently completed a study on equity risk premiums based on European company data, with regular updates on its website (www.evalin.org), and is currently advancing research on estimating individual discount rate parameters for valuation purposes.

EVI also organises conferences and training courses for professionals in the financial sector.

Contact: Rado Chalupka,

Website: https://en.evalin.org/

The Forum 2000 was founded in 1996 as a joint initiative of the late Czech President Václav Havel, Japanese philanthropist Yohei Sasakawa, and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Elie Wiesel. It pursues the legacy of Václav Havel by supporting the values of democracy and respect for human rights, assisting the development of civil society, and encouraging religious, cultural and ethnic tolerance.

The Forum 2000 conferences and other events organized by the Forum 2000 Foundation are held in Prague, Czech Republic. Since 1997, Forum 2000 organizes an annual conference which has attracted a number of prominent thought leaders, Nobel laureates, former and acting politicians, business leaders and other individuals, whose common denominative is experience with bearing responsibility.

In addition, the Foundation is working on a number of projects such as the Democratic Solidarity Latin America Project, Democratic Solidarity Africa and the International Coalition for Democratic Renewal.

Contact: Adéla Klepalová, ,

Website: https://www.forum2000.cz/en/homepage

Our mission

As legal entity belonging to the Generali Group, we are an all-purpose insurance company offering professional and proven solutions for a wide range of clients – from the general public, small traders, small and medium enterprises up to major companies, towns or municipalities. We are ready to draw up insurance policies fully matching client’s needs, so really everybody can make his or her own choice with us.

199 years of „being around“

Generali Česká pojišťovna symbolises a modern financial institution with strong knowledge of the Czech market and with an international background. The roots of the company stretch back deep into the 19th century.

23% market share (in terms of GwP, 2024)

The size and stability of this insurer are a guarantee that Generali Česká pojišťovna will be able to meet its obligations under all circumstances, as well as to introduce new fundamental technological innovations and provide fast and professional services.

5 500 000 contracts (as of 31.12.2025)

Millions of clients have chosen us and are counting on us. We manage almost 5.5 million contracts that provide extensive insurance protection in the event of adverse life situations. Clients have good insurance and understandable services, but also quick and efficient settlement of damages.

Sustainable future (ESG)

As part of our strategy and corporate culture, we understand sustainability as part of our business. Sustainability is key to us, which is why we have divided it into 4 pillars. We want to be a responsible employer, insurer, investor and community member. This approach integrates ESG principles into the core of the business.

Four pillars of sustainability:

• Responsible employer: supporting diversity, equal opportunities, health and education of employees, incl. education in environemental sustainability matters. Strong focus on decarbonisation of our own operations.

• Responsible insurer: creating transparent products that help clients manage risks and support prevention, with focus on climate change impacts, its mitigation, as well as climate change adaptation solutions.

• Responsible investor: integrating ESG criteria (environmental, social and governance) into investment decisions for sustainable growth

• Community member: supporting community projects, volunteering and reducing environmental impact.

This comprehensive approach ensures that sustainability is not just a marketing tool, but a real driver of long-term value for society, clients and the environment.

THE INQUIRY DESCRIPTION

Based on the publicly presented evidence, we will be exposed to several sustainability-related phenomenons and challenges. Therefore, we have been already evaluating materiality of possible future impacts (risks as well as opportunities) on the underwriting and pricing of Life insurance line of bussines products over the next decades. The assessment revealed that some of the themes will need to be addressed in detailed and structured approach by Generali Česká pojišťovna. Those themes will also have a significant extend to initiatives which have already been introduced at the Generali Group level.

Theme 1 – Pandemic risks

Risk: scientific evidence indicates that future pandemics are likely to be more frequent, spread rapidly, and be more deadly, as reported by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). Most emerging diseases, such as Ebola, Zika, and Avian Influenza, are zoonoses, originating from microbes that transmit from animals to humans.

In parallel, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is emerging as a critical public health threat. The increasing prevalence of AMR is expected to escalate long-term healthcare expenses due to the need for costly treatment options for affected individuals. In regions most exposed to these emerging diseases, the health conditions of policyholders may deteriorate, potentially resulting in higher mortality rates.

Inquiry objectives:

• what is the probability that Central Europe (CEE) will be severely impacted by pandemic events such as spread of COVID-19?

• what are the data-based presumptions for the Czech and Slovak Republic with the respect to pandemic-related diseases as defined by WHO International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD) and possible future occurence?

• upon significant probability identification, what will be the likely impacts in terms of mortality, morbidity or public health expenditures?

• what measures could be implemented within life insurance policies underwriting to mitigate the mentioned risk resulting in higher than expected claims ratio etc?

Theme 2 – Global warming

Risk: the incidence of certain diseases will be affected and will likely increase as a result of the overall warming of our planet. For instance:

• Vector borne diseases, for more detail refer to Key risk driver 3 in the Appendix

• Asthma, respiratory and lung diseases, such as reduced lung function, coughing and wheezing 

• Cancer (there are many potential direct effects of exposure to cancer, such as increased duration of exposure and intensity of ultraviolet (UV) radiation)

Moreover, the increasing average global temperatures will probably increase the frequency and severity of extreme heat conditions. Extreme heat surges can especially affect the elderly and others among the most vulnerable segments. For example, cardio-vascular diseases or even deaths might increase from heat stress etc. Also, studies found a short-term negative health impact of heat waves on morbidity too. The elderly, children, and males are more vulnerable during heat waves, and the medical care demand increases for those with existing chronic diseases. For more detail on heat/cold-related conditions refer to Key risk driver 1 in the Appendix.

Opportunity: While rising temperatures pose significant risks in many regions, particularly those prone to extreme heat and related health issues, there are also implications for colder countries where global warming may lead to a reduction in the frequency and severity of extreme cold events. This shift can contribute to decreased mortality rates associated with harsh winter conditions. In colder climates, the reduction of extreme low temperatures can lead to fewer cold-related health issues, such as hypothermia and respiratory illnesses, which historically have contributed to higher mortality rates during winter months.

As a result of these health impacts, insurance companies underwritting death, serious illnesses, long-term care or disability coverage must properly evaluate both the risks and opportunities so that they can:

• offer profitably priced life insurance products

• adjust medical underwritting procedures accordingly

• mitigate the risk of potential increase in the cost of paid claims in the upcoming decades

Inquiry objectives:

• which of the global warming impacts will be presumably significant for Central Europe region, esp. the Czech Republic and Slovakia by 2050?

• what measures can be introduced by insurers to effectively mitigate the impact of global warming risks on life insurance underwritting?

• what will be probable influence of 3 most relevant impacts on age-profiled mortality/morbidity tables (0 up to 99 year) applicable for the Czech Republic and Slovakia?

Theme 3 – Underserved customers

Opportunity: as demographic trends evolve, there is a substantial opportunity to define needs-based value propositions that adapt to the changing requirements of customers throughout their lifetime in a large market of underserved customers.

Financial inclusion is one of the key foundations of social stability and sustainable economic growth. Nevertheless, certain population groups—such as seniors, low‑income households, people with disabilities, migrants, and single parents—remain insufficiently protected from financial and life risks.

The insurance sector can play a crucial role in reducing these inequalities, but this requires a deeper understanding of the barriers, needs, and behaviours of vulnerable groups. Generali is therefore seeking a partner from the academic community to help develop scientifically grounded solutions that enhance the accessibility of insurance protection for all.

One of the underserved customer segment (providing significant business opportunity) is represented by recent migration of Ukrainian citizens into the European Union territory as a direct result of full-scale invasion of Armed forces of Russian Federation in February, 2022. At the moment, many Ukrainian migrants face unique challenges in securing life protection policies due to language barriers, lack of awareness, or limited access to financial services.

By developing tailored products and outreach strategies, also Czech/Slovakia-based insurers can tap into this diverse and potencially growing market segment.

Inquiry objectives:

• what will be demografic profile of the Ukrainian citizens migrating to the Czech Republic and Slovakia in terms of age, gender, income source, job occupation, education, health and mental conditions, length of stay in 5 year time horizont?

• what is approach of Ukraine-born individuals towards commercial insurance products (needs, interests, line of business)?

• how significant will be accesible business potential measured by insurable volume of prospect customers interested in purchasing life insurance products in 5 year perspective (CZE/SLO)?

• what implications will bring the comparison of public/private health systems of CZE, SLO and UKR, incl. general population health condition, with the respect to life insurance underwriting procedures (if necessary)?

Contact: Petra Nováčková, and Petr Štrait,

Website: https://en.generaliceska.cz/products

IKEA is a leading retail company that designs and sells ready-to-assemble furniture. Renowned for its distinctive approach to design, the company is widely acknowledged as a trailblazer in environmentally friendly business practices.

Prefered topics: Sustainability and circular economy

Contact: Ladislav Onderka,

Website: https://www.ikea.com/cz/en/this-is-ikea/

MAMA AI is a young, dynamic, and innovative European technology group that focuses on providing artificial intelligence solutions and products in many areas. The MAMA AI team has historical roots in the IBM Watson AI research and development laboratory – and as such, they have significantly contributed to the development of key global technologies enabling the construction of artificial intelligence products over the past decades. These include voice and text conversational assistants for customers from all continents. Currently MAMA AI research and apply conversational AI, search AI, personalised AI, voice AI, reasoning AI, and biochem AI in practical applications and products.

Contact: Jan Cuřín,

Website: https://themama.ai/

The Ministry of Industry and Trade is the central body of the government administration involved in:

• the National Industry Policy, the Energy Policy, the Trade Policy in the context of the European Common Market, the Export Promotion Policy, the Integrated Raw Materials Policy and the Use of Mineral Resources;

• Business and Investment Promotion in the areas of Manufacturing Industry and of Industrial Research and Development including the use of European funds;

• Internal trade and Consumer protection in the context of the European Consumer Policy;

• Promotion of Small and Medium—Sized Companies with the exception of regional business support and trading matters;

• Technical standardization, metrology and state quality control;

• Industrial research, engineering and technology development;

• Electronic communication and postal services.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade

• Co—ordinates the preparation of the legislation and the Implementation of the European Law within the Ministry´s authority;

• Co—ordinates the foreign trade policy of the Czech Republic in relation to individual states;

• Concludes bilateral and multilateral business and economic contracts including commodity contracts;

• Executes commercial and economic cooperation with EC, EFTA, OECD, WTO and other international organisations and integration groups;

• Controls and administers activities associated with license regime application within the sphere of economic relations abroad, investigates the dumping of double use of imported products and takes measures to protect against the import of such products.

• Supervises the execution of inspection in the field of consumer protection and energy industries, the hall marking and the precious metals, weapons and ammunition testing.

Possible topics:

Department of Brownfields and Innovation Business Development (Odbor brownfields a rozvoj inovačního podnikání)

• Topic: Application of regional and selected sectoral state aid rules for strategic projects in industry

• Description: The Ministry of Industry and Trade implements public support for large investors and municipalities that want to be ready for the arrival of a new investor. Support is generally provided under the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER) or the Temporary Crisis and Transformation Framework, and the Net Zero Industry Act is now in force. Individual public aid notifications under the TFEU associated with the Chip Act are also consulted. In terms of Czech national regulations, these include state aid under the Investment Incentives Act and subsidies granted under the Act on budgetary rules. The aim of the internship would be to get acquainted with the individual legal acts issued within the framework of the above-mentioned legislation, to check the appropriateness of the references used, possibly to make a comparison with the latest amendments to the above-mentioned legislation, and also to prepare the drafting of new legal acts for the new Strategic Investments for a Climate Neutral Economy programme and for new strategic projects under the new EU regulations)

Department of Digital Economy and Smart Specialization (Odbor digitální ekonomiky a chytré specializace)

• EU policy-making in the digital area, Participation in negotiating European legal acts, Regulating the digital and data economy, Implementation of EU law in the Czech Republic

Department of Trade Licensing and Consumer Legislation (Odbor živností a spotřebitelské legislativy)

• Consumer protection (Processing of analysis of consumer law)

• Assessment of the integrity of an entrepreneur in the sense of trade law (or) Trade law and ICT (Specification: Processing of the analysis of regulations within the EU on the integrity of a trade entrepreneur and proposal of a legislative solution also from the point of view of the case law / Legal aspects related to the use of ICT in the field of trade business – involvement of AI in administrative processes

• Advertising Regulation Specifications (Analysis of the Advertising Regulation Act – Possibilities for Editing (new topics influencers, AI, etc.)

Energy Section (Sekce energetiky)

• Energy sector decarbonisation strategy in the context of coal exit with special focus on the development of renewable energy sources

• Coordination of the EU energy policy and negotiation within the EU legislative procedure

• Energy in public forums, media and social media

• EU electricity market

• Gas decarbonisation package implementation

• Decarbonisation of building sector

• Digitisation in energy with special regard to energy performance of buildings and state authorisation of energy production sources

• Preparation of secondary legislation acts under the energy law recasts known as Lex RES III and Lex Gas

• Czech energy efficiency legislation

Contact: Romana Křemenová ( ), Zuzana Jachninová ( )

Website: https://mpo.gov.cz/en/

The Parliamentary Institute performs the tasks of a scientific, information and training centre for the Chamber of Deputies, the Senate, their bodies, Deputies, Senators and the Office. PI is one of the parliamentary research and information services, the mission of which, according to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, is to provide independent information to Members of Parliament so that they can exercise their mandate effectively and to provide Members of Parliament with the necessary plurality of information.Through its activities, it promotes evidence-based decision making.

The Parliamentary Institute is a unit of the Office of the Chamber of Deputies that provides administrative and technical support for Deputies (Members of Parliament). The Office and its tasks are stipulated by law.

Contact: Martin Kuta,

Website: https://pspen.psp.cz/office-of-the-chamber/parliamentary-institute/

Post Bellum is a Czech NGO that has been searching for and recording the memories of witnesses of key moments of the 20th and 21st centuries since 2001. All testimonies collected are published at the oral-history archive of Memory of Nations, www.memoryofnations.eu, which is one of the biggest collection of personal testimonies about totalitarian regimes not only in former Czechoslovakia, but also in Cuba, Ukraine or Vietnam, just to mention a couple of focus countries.

Post Bellum’s principal activity consists in the implementation of projects documenting historical phenomena. The documented material is the very primary source for further creative use in education and popularization of history to the wide public, throughout publishing, conference and exhibition activities. Also, Post Bellum is active in direct help to their witnesses, doing so not only in times of crisis. In summary, Post Bellum 1) documents, 2) narrates, 3) educates and 4) provides support and help. 

Contact: Dominika Kopčiková, Head of Education Department,

Website: https://www.postbellum.cz/international/

Strategic Council of the Broumov Region (SRRB) is a platform that connects municipalities, NGOs, businesses, and experts, helping the region manage its own development in a long-term and practical way. SRRB is part of a coordinated effort, spanning more than two decades, by many active stakeholders in the Broumov region to foster the development of this area on the border with Poland.

We build on the principles of trust, cross-sector collaboration, and shared responsibility rather than isolated projects. Our ambition is for the Broumov region to be a good place to live and at the same time a vibrant regional laboratory where transferable approaches to resilience, sustainability, and local prosperity are tested and refined.

In practice, this means that we map priorities, cultivate collaboration, and translate visions into implementable projects across various sectors. We focus on the topics of energy, supporting local businesses, social issues, education, and the region’s adaptation to climate change. With our project “Water in the Broumov Region,” we got to the finals of the 2024 SDG Awards in the category Climate Action and Biodiversity.

For those interested, we offer an environment where research with a clear societal impact can be conducted, access to local stakeholders, real-world data and projects, opportunities to co-design and test solutions, and the ability to monitor their impacts over time.

Contact: Hana Colby,

Website: www.srrb.cz

Škoda FabLab is an innovative hub located in the heart of the P area, where groundbreaking ideas come to life. We are engaged in applied research related to car production, for maintenance purposes and especially for Škoda Auto production departments. Our goal is to ensure maximum utilization of machinery for car production.

Topic – IoT/IIoT – Internet of Things/Industrial Internet of Things

Subtopics:

Integration and testing service for wireless communication technologies

Using of 5G networks and specifics of private mobile networks

Wireless networks in unlicensed bands (Lorawan, BT, BLE, etc.)

Using of tools for data processing and device communication (Chirpstack, NDAC, InfluxDB, Grafana, MQTT, COAP, etc.)

Working with networks and configuration of network elements (routers, switches, firewalls, etc.)

Topic – CV – Computer Vision

Subtopics:

Validation and testing of existing Computer Vision systems

Neural networks for image processing

Models and libraries for their creation and training (Pytorch, Tensorflow, etc.)

Using of End-to-end CV systems for practical applications

CV software testing

Topic – Software Development and Testing

Subtopics:

Software development for the implementation and testing of Proof of Concept Projects (Programming languages Python and C++)

Using of relevant libraries for FabLab projects, such as: FastAPI, Numpy, Pandas, Scikit-Learn,

TensorFlow, Pytorch, Ultralytics, Requests, Flask, Asyncio, Pydantic, and similar; Using of database systems S3, MongoDB, etc.; Using of virtualization tools Docker, Kubernetes, VMware

Project with Arduino microcontrollers (or similar principle)

Contact: Ing. Vladislav Andronov, Ph.D.,

Website: https://fablab.skoda-auto.cz/