The conference program focused primarily on mental resilience, mindset, coping with uncertainty, and the ability to adapt in a rapidly changing world. This theme ran throughout the entire program, serving as a reminder that the long-term success of companies and individuals today depends not only on expertise and innovation, but also on the ability to cope with change, stress, and uncertainty. Participants had the opportunity to hear from leaders in business, technology, and the public sector and to discuss how to build resilience in individuals, teams, and organizations.
One of the panel discussion guests was Vlastimil Hrabal from KARDI AI. The company has previously successfully completed the Technology Incubation and Startup Acceleration and subsequently expanded its activities to foreign markets. In his remarks, he emphasized the importance of having the courage to take on new calls, not being afraid of risk, and actively seeking out opportunities beyond the borders of the Czech Republic. According to him, it is precisely this willingness to step outside one’s comfort zone that often determines the future growth of innovative companies.
The program also included a presentation by Defence Hub CzechInvest, which connects Czech technology companies, startups, research organizations, industry, and the public sector into a functional defense ecosystem. The theme of resilience takes on a concrete form here—for example, through companies from this year’s cohort of the NATO DIANA Czechia accelerator, which focus on building critical infrastructure. At the same time, Defence Hub has long supported the development of the technological base of the Czech Republic and all of Europe in the field of defense and dual-use technologies.
Participants also learned about the currently open call for proposals under the NATO DIANA program for 2027. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s accelerator supports the development of advanced technologies applicable to defense and security and represents one of the most significant opportunities for European startups and technology companies.
“It’s great that Atomiver, a spin-off backed by researchers from the Czech Institute for Research and Advanced Technologies (CATRIN) at Palacký University in Olomouc, has also succeeded in the highly competitive NATO DIANA accelerator program. During the panel discussion, Veronika Šedajová, the company’s technical director and a renowned young scientist, shared valuable insights on bridging the scientific and business worlds on behalf of Atomiver. She highlighted not only the accelerator’s financial support but also the importance of mentoring, which helps startups in their further development. It was repeatedly noted at the conference that one of the key prerequisites for resilience is the ability to adapt. Atomiver is a prime example of how cutting-edge research can find applications in various fields. Its graphene-based material has significant dual-use potential, meaning it can be used in both defense and civilian applications, such as medical devices, aviation, and robotics. “We are proud that the development of this unique technology has its roots in our region and that CzechInvest was able to support it through the Technology Incubation program,” says Veronika Voltnerová, director of CzechInvest’s regional office for the Olomouc Region.
The We Connect 2026 conference demonstrated that resilience today is not just a matter for individuals. Equally important is the ability of companies, institutions, and society as a whole to respond to new calls, collaborate, and seek innovative solutions. It is precisely the convergence of different perspectives and experiences that creates an environment in which new ideas, partnerships, and opportunities with long-term impact can emerge. In an era of rapid change, resilience is becoming one of the key prerequisites for future development—whether at the level of individuals, companies, or society as a whole.
Source: CzechInvest
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