On Friday, June 21, 2024, the Technology Transfer Office (OTT) hosted a delegation from Ethiopia. The main purpose of this visit was to present the comprehensive business support system in the Czech Republic, focusing on the connection between the business and academic spheres.
The Ethiopian delegation, consisting of prominent representatives from the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce in Addis Ababa, came to the Czech Republic at the invitation of the Association of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and Crafts of the Czech Republic.
The main points of the program included visits and presentations at the Czech University of Life Sciences (CZU) Technology Transfer Office and the business incubator Point One, particularly the support for innovations and entrepreneurship for both students and university staff.
CZU Technology Transfer Office The delegation was introduced to the main activities of OTT, which include:
- Identification and Protection of Innovations: The department helps scientists and researchers identify potentially commercially viable innovations and ensures their legal protection through patents and other forms of intellectual property.
- Support for Cooperation with the Commercial Sector: Technology transfer is crucial for linking academic research with commercial partners. The department mediates cooperation between scientists and entrepreneurs, leading to the effective use of scientific knowledge in practice.
- Financial Support and Grants: The delegation was informed about the funding options for research and development, including grant programs and other sources of financial support utilized at CZU.
Point One Business Incubator The Point One business incubator is another key element in the business support system at CZU. The incubator focuses on supporting budding entrepreneurs and innovators through:
- Mentoring and Education: Point One provides start-up entrepreneurs with access to a wide range of mentors and experts who help them develop their business skills and knowledge. Educational programs include workshops, seminars, and individual consultations.
- Networking and Community: The delegation had the opportunity to get acquainted with the dynamic structure of entrepreneurs and innovators active in the incubator. Networking events and meetings promote the sharing of experiences and ideas among community members.
- Space and Infrastructure: The delegation was introduced to modern workspaces and technological infrastructure that enable start-up entrepreneurs to implement their projects in the professional environment of the Point One incubator.
The visit of the Ethiopian delegation was beneficial for both sides. The Ethiopian guests gained valuable insights and inspiration for developing similar business support systems in their country. On the other hand, CZU had the opportunity to showcase its successful initiatives and strengthen the contacts it has been developing in East Africa over the long term. All participants agreed on the fundamental importance of applying scientific and research results in practice. While the starting conditions are quite different in both countries, the obstacles and challenges faced by researchers and entrepreneurs are ultimately very similar.
