Panelists

Reaching for the Stars: Space and the Future
Wednesday | 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
What technologies help us explore space? What breakthroughs are shaping today's space missions, and why should we pay attention to what is happening beyond our planet? Join an inspiring discussion about one of the most exciting frontiers of modern science.

Richard Nikel

LASAR

Boris Proskin

Zero-G Mission

Jan Spratek

ESERO Ambassador for the Czech Republic


Transforming a Steel City: Building the Region of the Future
Wednesday | 12:45 PM – 1:45 PM
How can an industrial region reinvent itself for the 21st century? Discover how innovation, sustainability, education, and strategic planning are shaping the future of one of Central Europe's traditional steelmaking regions.

Věra Palkovská

Mayor of Třinec
A key figure in the region's development, focused on transforming a traditional steel city into a modern, sustainable place to live and work.

Jakub Švrček

Representative of the Ministry of the Environment of the Czech Republic
CirkArena Project Lead
Representative of a pioneering project focused on circular economy principles, sustainability, and community-driven innovation.

Marek Pagáč

Vice-Rector for Cooperation and International Relations
VSB – Technical University of Ostrava
Expert in additive manufacturing and industrial innovation, bridging academic research and real-world applications.
Steel: Building the Modern World
Wednesday | 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM
Steel remains one of the foundations of modern civilization. Explore its role in industry, infrastructure, healthcare, and the transition toward a more sustainable future.

Daniel Biedrawa

Deputy Commercial Director, MORAVIA STEEL a.s.
Daniel Biedrawa plays a key role in ensuring that the Czech Republic’s largest steel producer remains competitive in international markets. He is responsible for securing business opportunities, managing strategic raw material supplies, and navigating the challenges of global competition—often under conditions that are far from level. At a time considered one of the most demanding periods for the European steel industry, his work is focused on maintaining production, supporting customers, and safeguarding jobs while helping the company adapt to a rapidly changing market environment.

Piotr Branny

Head of Cardiac Surgery Department
AGEL Třinec-Podlesí Hospital

Jakub Weimann

Chief Executive Officer
BONATRANS GROUP
Women in Industry
Wednesday | 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM
INVENT ARENA challenges stereotypes and highlights the growing role of women in industry, engineering, leadership, and innovation.

Marcela Kubalová

Chairwoman of the Board
Czech Steel Federation
Represents the interests of the Czech steel industry at both national and European levels.

Markéta Tkadlečková

Director Secondary Technical School of Třinec Iron and Steel Works
Respected scientist and expert in metallurgy, now dedicated to advancing technical education and inspiring the next generation of engineers. z akademického výzkumu na VŠB-TUO nyní využívá k modernizaci technického vzdělávání a posilování prestiže průmyslových oborů.

Denisa Materová

Chief Executive Officer
PROMET GROUP
Represents modern industrial leadership and a forward-looking approach to engineering and metallurgy investments.

   

People and Nature: Protecting Our Environment
Thursday | 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM
How can science help us better understand and protect the natural world? From water quality monitoring and environmental pollution research to sustainable industrial practices, this discussion explores how data, innovation, and scientific knowledge contribute to a healthier environment.

Ondřej Přibyl

Eko Gymnasium Brno
Winner of the Stockholm Junior Water Prize, awarded for his research project Toxic Metals in Rivers: Fish Scale Analysis as an Indicator of Environmental Pollution.

Oldřich Motyka

Department of Environmental Engineering
VSB – Technical University of Ostrava
Biologist and researcher specializing in environmental pollution, biomonitoring, bioindication, and the impact of contaminants on ecosystems and human health. His current research focuses on nanomaterials in the environment and science communication.

Radim Klimša

Head of Environment & ESG
Třinec Iron and Steel Works
Expert in environmental management and sustainability, focused on integrating ESG principles into industrial operations and long-term corporate strategy.
Sustainability and Efficiency in Industry
Thursday | 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM

Can sustainability and business performance go hand in hand? Industry leaders and innovators will share practical examples of how circular economy principles, digital technologies, and efficient resource management are transforming modern business.

Konstantin Margaretis

Co-Founder
Skladon
Co-founder of a technology-driven logistics company that improves e-commerce efficiency through automation and outsourced warehousing solutions.

Mikuláš Hurta

Founder
NIL Textile
Founder of a circular textile company that developed the world's first fully recyclable clothing system with a digital product passport.

Laura Bokorová

UniCredit Group
Representative of one of Europe's leading banking groups, bringing insights into sustainability, responsible business, and the financing of innovation.
Innovations That Change the World
Thursday | 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM
How are Czech innovators helping shape global trends in healthcare, food production, and intellectual property? Meet entrepreneurs and experts whose ideas are transforming industries and redefining what is possible.

Jana Trdá

Co-Founder
VR Vitalis
Co-founder of a startup using virtual reality technologies to support patient rehabilitation and accelerate the digital transformation of healthcare.

Jana Engelová Pavková

Industrial Property Office of the Czech Republic
With more than 20 years of experience in intellectual property, including work with WIPO and the European Union Intellectual Property Office, she is actively involved in education and awareness in the field of innovation protection.et. Kromě dlouholeté práce v ÚPV má zkušenosti i ze Světové organizace duševního vlastnictví a Úřadu Evropské unie pro duševní vlastnictví. Věnuje se i popularizaci a vzdělávání v oboru.

Roman Lauš

Founder & CEO
Mewery
Founder of Europe's first cultivated pork startup, developing sustainable meat alternatives based on microalgae technology without the need for animal slaughter.