On Friday, 9 October, the Extreme Light Infrastructure ERIC (ELI) hosted the Czech-Dutch Innovation Day which brought together representatives of government, industry, research organisations and technology communities from both countries.
The event builds on the 2025 Dutch State Visit to the Czech Republic, which highlighted the importance of closer collaboration in trade, research and advanced technologies. Czech and Dutch expertise can be connected to strengthen innovation, industrial competitiveness and cooperation in strategic technology areas.
Karel Havlíček, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic, and Michiel Sweers, Deputy Minister for Foreign Economic Relations at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, opened the programme. Mina Noor, Ambassador of the Netherlands to the Czech Republic, joined them. The broader Dutch mission focused on smart industry and defence, with participating organisations working in areas including photonics, semiconductors, automation, robotics, machine vision, digitalisation and advanced manufacturing.
Complementary Strengths, Shared Ambitions
The Czech Republic and the Netherlands have complementary technology ecosystems. The Czech Republic has a strong industrial and engineering base, with expertise in manufacturing, robotics, semiconductors and dual-use technologies, the Netherlands is known for semiconductors, photonics, high-tech systems and industrial automation. Czech-Dutch cooperation can help connect these capabilities, from scientific research and technology development to industrial application and commercialisation.
Research Meets Industry
Hosting the event at ELI highlighted the role that major research infrastructures can play in connecting scientific excellence with industrial and societal needs.
ELI provides access to some of the world’s most advanced high-power laser technologies and experimental facilities. Its research supports work in fields ranging from fundamental physics and materials science to biomedical research, advanced imaging and particle acceleration. ELI works actively with deep-tech industry partners on challenges related to fusion energy, cancer treatment, materials hardening for space and security, and advanced semiconductor technologies.
The Czech-Dutch Innovation Day demonstrated the value of bringing research, technology development and industrial expertise together. Direct exchange strengthens existing relationships and creates opportunities for new partnerships.
The event was organised by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Prague in cooperation with the STAR innovation cluster.
