Since July 2025, I have been working at the Institute of Thermomechanics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, v. v. i. (IT), as a Project and Financial Manager. I manage projects with a total value exceeding CZK 100 million, primarily the METEX and RESMAN projects, as well as several other projects in the sustainability or preparation phase. At the same time, I contribute to the development of knowledge and technology transfer at IT as a Business Development Manager and member of the Patent Committee. In my work at IT, I draw on my experience in entrepreneurship, project management, and knowledge and technology transfer.
From 2012 to 2025, I worked at the Science and Technology Park of Palacký University Olomouc (VTP UP, UPOL), where I held several key positions. I initially worked as Head of the Knowledge and Technology Transfer Department (KTT, TTO) and Business Development Manager, and from 2021 to 2025 I served as Director.
My work at VTP UP focused on a broad range of activities, particularly Proof-of-Concept projects (PoC), which helped connect scientific research at Palacký University with the commercial sector, as well as on the identification and establishment of spin-off companies based on R&D results and UPOL projects. As Director, I was also responsible for managing the VTP UP infrastructure, consisting of four incubators with a total area of more than 10,000 m² designed for innovative start-ups and spin-off companies, as well as for developing the UPrint3D 3D printing centre, the DIGI2Health digital innovation hub, and the AMA competence centre.
Over the course of my career, I have gained experience in scientific research, teaching, entrepreneurship, and mentoring. After completing my doctoral studies at École Centrale Paris (1994–1998), I worked at VSB – Technical University of Ostrava from 1998 to 2008, where I gradually progressed from the position of Assistant Professor to Head of the Institute of Experimental Methods. During this period, I also completed a two-year postdoctoral fellowship at the Institute of Physics in Bratislava of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, where, as part of a European project, I worked on converting aluminium-based amorphous and nanomaterials into compact forms for industrial use.
I also bring entrepreneurial experience to my current work, particularly from founding and managing the start-up company Evkanet, s.r.o. from 2005 to 2012. The company focused on telecommunications services and was sold in 2012 to a subsidiary of Český Telecom. Some of its activities were subsequently continued by Olmspol tec. s.r.o. I ended my involvement in this company in 2025 through its sale to a fintech company.
I have shared the knowledge and experience gained from both companies with early-stage entrepreneurs, projects, and students, for example through the Podnikavá hlava competition organised by VTP UP since 2010. As a lecturer, mentor, and consultant, I have worked with more than 250 early-stage business projects. I have also provided business and entrepreneurship consulting to more than 50 PoC projects.
I am committed to continuous professional development and have obtained a number of certifications, including Creativity and Innovation Manager (MCI), PRINCE2® Project Manager, PRINCE2® Agile, and Scrum Foundation certification from Tayllorcox. I also hold the RTTP certification (Registered Technology Transfer Professional), awarded by the international association ASTP. My further professional qualifications include the completion of specialised studies in industrial property protection at the Industrial Property Office in Prague.
I have also been involved in several organisations, either as a full member or as a member of their boards. These include, for example, Transfera.cz, the Innovation Centre of the Olomouc Region (ICOK), Mensa Czech Republic, the Society of Science and Technology Parks of the Czech Republic (SVTP), and other organisations.