First Czech-British Technology and Innovation Days start on Tuesday

They will highlight a range of specialist areas, including machine perception, speech technology, surface science and nanotechnologies, at the event designed to promote commercial opportunities and investment.

Entitled ‘Advanced Technologies & Materials in the Czech Republic’, the most prominent seminar of the Technology and Innovation Days is held on Thursday November 5th. The seminar is organised by CzechInvest, the Czech government’s investment and business development agency, in co-operation with UK Trade and Investment and the Czech Embassy in London. Its aim is to provide a forum for British businesses and others interested in hearing about and discussing the latest technological developments.

The seminar – at the Embassy of the Czech Republic to the United Kingdom, Kensington Palace Gardens – will be opened by the ambassador, Mr Michael Zantovsky, with Mr Nick Stuart, Head of Science and Innovation, UK Trade and Investment, and Mrs Dana Hunatova, ambassador-at-large for science, technology and education, Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Mr. Petr Kalas, advisor to the Prime Minister.

Czech-British Technology and Innovation Days 2009 is a four-day programme for industry, academia, investors and those seeking R & D joint ventures in advanced technologies and materials. Czech delegates are participating in the UK NanoForum & Emerging Technologies event at the London Hilton on Park Lane Hotel on November 3rd/4th and are visiting Surrey Research Park and the University of Surrey’s research centres on November 6th.

“This seminar provides a unique opportunity for British businesses and academics to hear about some of the extraordinary technological advances which are taking place in the Czech Republic,” said Hana Chlebna, director of UK & Ireland operations, CzechInvest.

“We very much hope that new mutually-beneficial business ventures will develop as a result.”

"There are no doubts about the strategic importance of R&D for future development of the Czech society, and hence, we promote this sector as the key component to accelerate the national economy. Therefore, it is quite natural that the Czech Republic is very seriously involved in seeking out synergies in scientific and technological development in cooperation with other countries so as to achieve much stronger and more efficient results of joint research and development projects," stresses Alexandra Rudysarova, CEO of CzechInvest.

Attendance at the seminar is free of charge. Interested parties are asked to email Hana Chlebna at london@czechinvest.org or telephone +44- (0)77 8523 1520.