Hlavní stránka Info portálu ZČU

Supporting young talents, startups, and innovative entrepreneurs – that is the Pilsen Innovation Ecosystem (PINE), which brings together all key players in the city who care about its (not only) technological future. They all share a common goal – to make Pilsen a great place to live. Throughout March, a new exhibition in front of the Study and Research Library of the Pilsen Region showcases the drivers of change.

On two panels, passersby will also find the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen. “UWB is an indispensable part of this Pilsen ecosystem. Our experts are regional leaders in science and research. Not only at the exhibition, but they also step out of their classrooms and laboratories to show how their work benefits the everyday lives of the region’s residents,” described one of the exhibition panels dedicated to UWB, Vice-Rector for External Relations and Communication, Jan Váně.

But it’s not just science and research that UWB contributes to the region’s development. “We educate future generations, young people among whom we discover new Pilsen talents. We are currently accepting applicants for study, offering 300 study programs with a broad focus across our nine faculties,” added the Vice-Rector. The faces of student ambassadors from each UWB faculty also have their place on the panels.

The PINE ecosystem exhibition was prepared by the City of Pilsen’s Information Technology Administration (SITMP). “We came up with the idea of supporting talented young people, innovators, and entrepreneurs several years ago. It was necessary to attract quality companies to Pilsen that take care of their employees, rather than just building more assembly plants. And in return, offer them smart and educated people. That’s why we work on educating children in robotics, programming, and other technologies, while also supporting the creation and growth of companies that need such employees. We attract new investors to Pilsen with modern facilities in technology parks, excellent infrastructure, and other benefits. The PINE ecosystem can support various groups of residents because it consists of numerous key entities and institutions focused on specific activities,” explained Luděk Šantora, Director of SITMP.

“With this exhibition, we want to introduce Pilsen residents to PINE, the only municipal ecosystem of its kind in the Czech Republic, which systematically guides children toward technology and robotics, develops their talent, inspires young people to start their own businesses, and helps with launching a startup or expanding an existing company internationally. In Pilsen, we are working on a better future for our children and building a strong and smart city for them,” said Daniel Kůs, Pilsen City Councilor for Smart Cities and Business Support.

Among the key players of the Pilsen Innovation Ecosystem PINE are municipal institutions – SITMP with its divisions Robotics Center, SIT Port, and SIT Drones. Additionally, the Business and Innovation Center BIC Pilsen plays an essential role. Other key organizations working for a better future for the residents of the West Bohemian metropolis include Radovánek Leisure Center, Techmania Science Center, nvias organization, the Regional Development Agency of the Pilsen Region, and the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen. Together, they all support the development of Pilsen. Together, they create PINE.