EcoTech

We are at the beginning of another industrial revolution, at the end of which the Czech Republic may be a leader in green technologies. The country’s robust science and research infrastructure, skilled workforce, and innovative SMEs indicate strong potential. The Czech Republic sees the climate crisis as an opportunity for innovation and aligns with the EU’s plan to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent through significant investment in green technologies.

The Czech Republic, the second most industrialised EU country after Ireland, faces challenges on its path to carbon neutrality. Key transitions include ending black-coal mining, constructing a nuclear reactor with South Korea, developing renewable energy sources, and advancing recycling systems.

In 2024, the Czech Republic advanced its sustainability agenda through three key developments: the "Czechia in the Top 10" economic strategy targeting EU's top 10 economies by 2040 through green projects and infrastructure, the 2023 National Energy and Climate Plan update with LEX OZE legislation promoting community energy storage, and new initiatives in green hydrogen and agrovoltaics that enable dual land use for crops and solar power generation.The Czech Republic is home to 67 universities with significant research facilities, including the Centre for Research and Utilisation of Renewable Energy in Brno, the SUSEN laboratory for next-generation nuclear reactors, and UCEEB, which focuses on sustainable construction.

The Czech clean tech ecosystem is supported by several key institutions and NGOs: CzechInvest's Technological Incubation Program accelerates clean tech startups, while ESA BIC supports projects using space data for innovation. TAČR's TREND program funds research in low-emission technologies, complemented by influential NGOs like the Modern Energy Union (Svaz moderní energetiky), INCIEN promoting circular economy, Change for the Better (Změna k lepšímu) focusing on low-carbon transitions, the Czech Battery Cluster advancing battery technologies, and the Czech Hydrogen Technology Platform developing cross-sector hydrogen solutions.

In the WIPO Global Innovation Index 2024, the Czech Republic improved in innovation financing, research quality, and technology transfer. Venture capital funds, such as Tillia Impact Ventures and Soulmates Ventures, actively support sustainable innovation.

Despite challenges in decarbonisation, proactive policies, a skilled workforce, and a robust innovation ecosystem make the Czech Republic an attractive destination for clean tech investment.