Innovative Prague XXIII
Prague is not only an amazing historical city with a wealth of monuments, excellent gastronomy, cordial residents, and a wide range of events. It is also a modern and innovative science hub. Prague excels in many fields, such as artificial intelligence and robotics, biomedicine, low-carbon technologies, data technologies and selected creative industries, providing ideal opportunities for holding conventions and conferences with the matching topics.
In the 23rd issue of Innovative Prague we will take a look at the latest Czech achievements in the field of artificial intelligence, robotics, space research and medicine. We will introduce award-winning Czech innovative projects and find out how AI can help with mental health, translations or what are the advances in cancer treatment.
Continuous Support of AI in Czechia
Artificial intelligence is one of the topics most frequently discussed in the Czech Republic and Prague. The local market is home to a number of major startups and other players associated in various organizations for networking and best practice sharing, not only within specialized professional conferences. Although the Czech Republic is a small country, it is perceived as an AI Friendly Country, which according to wired.cz may subsequently stimulate an increase in investment from third countries. Financial support is heading to this sector not only from investors, but also from public sources. For example, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MIT) recently allocated CZK 200 million for the European AI-Matters project, which aims to promote cooperation between universities and SMEs, according to novinky.cz. In Prague, the Czech Technical University is involved in the project, and the ministry expects that more than 100 projects will be carried out in the next two years.
AI Predator, Friend and Translator
In Prague, like in many other cities, there are many no-fly zones where operation of drones is not allowed in their perimeter. Eagle.one, a robotic hunter, can now supervise and ensure that this ban is observed, for example, over airports, prisons, border crossings or power plants. As reported by ČT 24 on its website, this artificial intelligence-equipped robot from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering of the Czech Technical University in Prague can, unlike its colleagues, intercept even fast-moving drones with unpredictable trajectories.
However, just as artificial intelligence can guard the flight space, it can also protect mental health. According to wired.cz, a new app from the Czech creators of Elin.ai aims to protect the young generation from the negative effects of the online world on their brain. Elin.ai acts as an AI friend that users can talk to and consult, and thus help alleviate feelings of anxiety and helplessness from online messages distorting the picture of real world around them.
Another AI app from Prague has recently marked a success - AiLuvio, which acts as a simultaneous translator for more than 30 languages, breaking down the language barriers in communication. Although this app has not been on the market for long, its creators have already attracted the attention of investors. As reported by CzechCrunch.cz, the creators hope to raise up to $920,000 in total for its expansion and development.
Excelling not Only in AI, but also in Space and Cancer Research
However, Czech brains excel not only in the field of AI, but also in space research, for example, Czech scientific capacities have achieved significant successes. An international team, including researchers from Charles University in Prague, has recently published two studies explaining the origin of meteorites hitting Earth and from which asteroids meteorites originate. You can read which asteroid is the most prolific in this respect on the website of the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics of Charles University.
Another discovery by the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic in Prague has recently been published in a prestigious scientific journal. They have figured out how to produce more stable substances than those currently used to treat tumors. In addition, the new substance can also be used as a contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging even in patients who would otherwise not be able to undergo the procedure due to health risks. A breakthrough platform, which was created by scientists from the Laboratory of Biophysics of the Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic in Prague, could also be used in the treatment of cancer. According to the VědaVýzkum.cz website, this technology can be used, for example, in the targeted destruction of cancer cells.
The fact that Czech science is truly top-notch is also evidenced by the record number of supported Czech projects in the European Research Council competition for European grants. However, it is not only about financial support, but also about prestige. Supported projects always boast a unique idea and have a significant impact on their field. Last year, ten projects succeeded in the round of grants for young scientists. These focus, for example, on binary stars in astrophysics, enzyme research, but also on the analysis of computer games and VR applications or war contexts in Europe and the Middle East. Details about the ten awarded projects can be found on the wired.cz website.
The local competition Visionaries of the CzechInno Association, which evaluates innovative achievements in Czech business, also focuses on excellence. The 14th year was in the spirit of ecology – awards were given to innovations in the processing of hazardous waste, improvement of the living conditions of endangered animal species and significant savings in the field of construction. The individual awarded projects are presented on the BusinessInfo.cz website.
Would you be interested in learning more interesting facts? Browse through the previous three issues of Innovative Prague: