AGP Executive Report

Space & Energy: Litostroj Engineering will modernise ČEZ’s Orlík hydropower plant into a pumped-storage upgrade, targeting up to 750MWh of storage by 2033 to help balance renewables. Space & Research: Czech astronaut Aleš Svoboda is set to become the first Czech to fly to the ISS, with a mission planned for 2027. AI & Society: A new European exhibition at Galerie Rudolfinum, “DATAS: The Data and the Sovereign,” tackles who controls data and how AI and digital surveillance shape freedom and politics. Smart Buildings: SKYX Technologies says it will deploy its smart home and building platform during the renovation of Prague’s 5-star Hotel The Mozart Prague, aiming to cut renovation time and enable upgrades via its system. Volcano Science: Scientists report a magma “superheating” effect that can delay crystal formation and help explain why volcanoes erupt differently. Public Health: The EU Drugs Agency warns of more potent, diverse substances and new psychoactive drugs across Europe, including highly potent synthetic opioids. Tech in Practice: Indian workers are training AI-powered robots using first-person video footage, highlighting the growing “human-in-the-loop” supply chain behind real-world automation.

AI & Data Sovereignty: A new AI-themed exhibition, DATAS: The Data and the Sovereign, opens at Galerie Rudolfinum in Prague, asking who controls personal data and how algorithms shape freedom and politics, with partners including Czech MeetFactory. Cybersecurity: AISLE launched AISLE Snapshot, bringing frontier-class vulnerability detection into customers’ private clouds or air-gapped setups, aiming to keep source code and security data under customer control. Healthcare Research: A Czech study reports lung ultrasound plus CRP may help identify bacterial causes in children with acute respiratory infections, potentially supporting more rational antibiotic choices. Space: Czechia took a step toward its first ISS mission via an ESA–Vast Space agreement, with a possible path to a Czech pilot role. Smart Hospitality in Prague: SKYX will deploy its smart home/AI tech during the renovation of The Mozart Prague hotel, linking hotel upgrades to ongoing AI services and monitoring. Logistics Tech: GXO signed a multi-year deal with L’Oréal to support logistics across Czechia, Slovakia, and Hungary. Local Tech Economy: Wolt held Wolt Stars 2026 in Prague, spotlighting top delivery partners and the role of digital platforms in the Czech economy.

Space Policy: The Czech Republic took a major step toward its first ISS space mission, with the government announcing an ESA–Vast Space agreement at the Prague Planetarium. The deal is meant to enable Czech participation in a commercial crewed mission and could even open the door to a Czech mission pilot, with ESA reserve astronaut Aleš Svoboda a potential candidate. AI & Localization: Microshare expanded its EverSmart™ Pest and Clean AI-powered suites by adding 31 new languages, including Czech, to support multilingual technicians, cleaners, and compliance teams across Europe and Asia. Cybersecurity: ESET’s SMB Cyber Readiness Index 2026 says many EMEA firms expect attacks, but struggle more with everyday scams than with “AI-powered malware,” which the company says hasn’t shown up meaningfully in its MDR incidents. Rail Safety: Greece is pushing an EU plan, backed by Czechia and others, to speed up railway safety certification for ERTMS by simplifying and unifying approval processes without lowering safety. Robotics in Prague: Cypriot student teams returned from Robotic Day Prague 2026 with multiple distinctions, including wins in Roadside Assistance and Ketchup House.

Czech Space Milestone: Prime Minister Andrej Babiš says Czech Army pilot Aleš Svoboda is set to fly to the ISS in the second half of 2027 on a SpaceX Crew Dragon, with the Czech Republic securing the mission pilot role under an ESA–VAST agreement (still subject to ISS partner approval). Startup & E-commerce Automation: Prague-based Merchantee raised €1.8M to expand its agentic software that automates marketplace pricing and promotions, aiming for Poland and Germany this year. Cybersecurity Reality Check: ESET’s SMB Cyber Readiness Index 2026 finds firms worry about AI-powered malware, but everyday threats like phishing, unpatched software, and weak monitoring are what most often drive risk. Drought Update: CzechGlobe’s InterSucho monitoring reports June rains eased extreme soil drought in many areas, though deeper layers remain dry and a few dry days could worsen conditions again. Mental Health in Czechia: UNICEF’s Young Voices survey says only about half of Czech children feel happy, with more than 60% spending more time online than they want and school pressure flagged as a key driver. Robotics in Prague: Cypriot student teams won multiple distinctions at Robotic Day Prague 2026, including first places in Roadside Assistance and Ketchup House. Aviation Watch: Farnborough Airshow 2026 confirmed early flying-display line-up highlights, including RAF Typhoon and Spitfire.

Space & Czech Tech: The European Space Agency, on behalf of Czechia, has signed an agreement with Vast to send Czech astronaut Aleš Svoboda to the ISS, making him the first Czech to fly to the station (mission pilot; Dragon piloting role mentioned by PM Babiš). Nuclear Energy: The European Commission has dropped an in-depth foreign-subsidy probe into KHNP’s Dukovany expansion project, clearing a key regulatory hurdle for two new units. Health Tech: A clinical trial coordinated by MedUni Vienna reports that Torque-Teno-virus-guided dosing of immunosuppressants in kidney transplant patients is safe, pointing to more personalized (and potentially reduced) therapy. Transport Policy: EU transport ministers backed a broad agenda on competitiveness and decarbonisation, including a new EU ports strategy and work on clean corporate vehicles. Autonomous Mobility: 17 EU transport ministers signed a declaration to enable large-scale cross-border autonomous vehicle testing, including Czechia, aiming to unify approval and permitting rules. Local Science & Society: Researchers across Europe (including Czechia) report city birds flee sooner from women than men, though they still can’t explain why.

Czech Nuclear Watch: The EU cleared a key step for KHNP’s Dukovany expansion after deciding not to launch an in-depth probe under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation, easing a major uncertainty for the project. Autonomous Mobility: Europe’s transport ministers backed a cross-border framework to expand autonomous vehicle trials, including Czechia, aiming to cut through patchwork national rules for testing and approvals. Defense & Tech: The US Army is adopting Federal Ammunition’s Peak Alloy case tech to push higher-velocity ammo, showing how materials innovation is moving into real procurement. Healthcare Innovation: A Vienna-led clinical trial found TTV-guided immunosuppression dosing in kidney transplant patients is safe, pointing toward more personalized (and potentially lighter) regimens. EU Consumer Safety: An EU-funded check of remote-controlled toys found 60% failed interference rules, triggering bans and corrective actions across 13 countries including Czechia. Czech Economy & Industry: A Supreme Audit Office review says the state has struggled to manage public investments effectively, with motorway costs rising sharply from 2020 to 2024. Czech Science & Culture: Prague Zoo completed the air transport of eight Przewalski’s horses to Kazakhstan as part of its “Return of the Wild Horses” program. Agritech: Zetor will unveil its new Series 6 at the UK’s Cereals event, highlighting Stage V compliance and operator-focused upgrades.

Nuclear Energy in the Spotlight: Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) says the European Commission won’t open a deeper probe under the EU Foreign Subsidies Regulation for the Czech Dukovany expansion, clearing a key hurdle and reducing uncertainty for the project. Carbon Pricing Clash: EU lawmakers and industry groups are gearing up for a July 15 overhaul of the Emissions Trading System as critics push for caps, suspensions, or major cost reductions amid a global carbon pricing slowdown. Czech Tech & Industry Signals: South Korea’s industry minister plans a Czech visit to review progress on Dukovany, alongside talks on supply chains and R&D in advanced sectors like robotics and batteries. AI & Policy Watch: A new study finds many EU countries are missing the pay transparency directive deadline, with Czechia among those delayed—raising questions for workplace fairness and compliance timelines. Tech Ecosystem Update: COMPUTEX 2026 wrapped in Taipei with record attendance, highlighting the shift from PC hardware to agentic AI infrastructure and physical robotics. Health & Research: A U.S. doctor treated for Ebola in Germany has been discharged after negative tests, while the outbreak continues to strain control efforts in Central Africa. Space for Memory in Brussels: Support is building for an EU memorial outside the European Parliament to honor victims of 20th-century totalitarian regimes, with Czech backing among participating countries.

Czech World Cup Focus: Czechia will face Mexico at Mexico City’s historic Estadio Azteca (renamed during the tournament), with altitude and travel likely to matter—Czechia’s last Group A match is also in Mexico City. EU Tech & Policy: A new ETUC check finds many EU states, including Czechia, are behind on the Pay Transparency Directive deadline, risking continued pay secrecy and inequality. AI & Industry: COMPUTEX 2026 wrapped in Taipei with a record turnout and a clear shift from PC hardware to agentic AI infrastructure and physical robotics—plus Nvidia’s move into consumer Windows processors. Health & Biotech: Eli Lilly presented new analyses on Foundayo (orforglipron) showing significant weight loss for women at every menopause stage, including those with type 2 diabetes. Defense & Aerospace: Farnborough Airshow 2026 announced its first wave of participants, including the Czech Air Force L-159 and the Czech Air Force’s presence alongside major European and US teams. Czechia in the News: Czech Army’s Bahna Day drew thousands with CV90 and Leopard 2A4 displays, plus foreign participation from Poland and Austria.

Ebola Response: A U.S. doctor who contracted Ebola in East Africa was discharged from Charité in Berlin after testing negative, while the outbreak continues to strain health systems in Congo and Uganda and the U.S. adds emergency funding. Czech Security & Diplomacy: A Chinese journalist in Prague is on trial under a Czech law targeting unauthorised activity for a foreign power, with claims of intelligence cooperation and attempts to gather information on Czech politicians. EU Workplace Rules: Cyprus is among the EU states missing the pay transparency directive deadline, with delays also reported for Czechia and others—raising pressure as the rules take effect. AI & Surveillance Debate: A new look at AI surveillance argues that “smart policing” and facial recognition are spreading beyond authoritarian states, including in parts of Europe. Energy & Industry Cooperation: South Korea’s industry minister plans talks in Kazakhstan, the Middle East, and then Czechia, including progress on the Dukovany nuclear project and joint R&D in advanced sectors. Czech Military Showcase: Thousands attended Bahna Day in western Bohemia, with demonstrations featuring CV90 and Leopard 2A4 hardware. Tech Trade Watch: COMPUTEX 2026 in Taipei set a new attendance record and framed the next wave as agentic AI deployment plus robotics and physical AI infrastructure.

EU Pay Transparency: Cyprus is among the EU states missing the 7 June 2026 deadline for the Pay Transparency Directive, with an ETUC study saying only Slovakia, Italy and Lithuania have completed transposition so far—while Czechia is flagged for delayed implementation. AI & Security: A Czech court in Prague has started the trial of Chinese journalist Yang Yimin, the first Czech case prosecuted under a foreign-power “unauthorised activities” provision, after claims he cooperated with Chinese intelligence and targeted Czech politicians. Czech-Taiwan Links: Senate President Miloš Vystrčil spoke in Taiwan about resilience and “freedom with responsibility,” as the Czech visit continues to draw political pushback. COMPUTEX 2026: The Taipei show set a 45-year attendance record and framed the industry shift from PC hardware toward agentic AI deployment, with Nvidia unveiling its RTX Spark for Windows PCs. World Cup Science (Altitude): Mexico City’s high altitude is expected to affect teams at Estadio Azteca, with Czechia listed among Group A opponents. Public Health: The US added $38m to Ebola response in the DRC and Uganda as the CDC warns the outbreak could be the largest on record.

Ebola Emergency: The US State Department added $38M to the Ebola response in the DRC and Uganda, pushing total direct funding past $200M as the CDC warns the outbreak could reach over 20,000 cases in coming months. Czech Security & China: A Chinese journalist in Prague, Yang Yimin, goes on trial under a new Czech national security law tied to alleged spying for China, including attempts to collect information on pro-Taiwan Czech politicians. EU Energy Policy: Brussels is “rediscovering” nuclear power as an energy-security and industrial-competitiveness tool, with attention on reducing dependence on Russia for fuel and services. AI & Industry in Czechia: EIB is topping up €30M for Rohlik’s Veloq AI automation platform for same-day grocery fulfilment, expanding across Europe and the US. Automation in Manufacturing: Czech-linked supply-chain and automation themes also show up in Europe-wide moves toward AI-enabled production and logistics. Counterfeit Medicines Crackdown: Europol backed an international operation dismantling a counterfeit medicines and supplements network across multiple countries, hitting a EUR 240M illicit trade. Tech Events: COMPUTEX 2026 wrapped up with a focus on “AI Together,” physical AI, robotics, and real-world deployment.

Lithium Security: Pilot processing plants are coming online across Europe to build a more sovereign lithium supply chain for EV batteries, including hard-rock and geothermal extraction plus battery recycling, with the EU pushing investment via its Critical Raw Materials plan. Defense Tech Coordination: V4 chiefs of staff met in Budapest to align on modern warfare tech, focusing on drones and counter-drone capabilities. EU Policy & Security: EU ministers discussed tightening visa rules for Russians, with Czechia among signatories pushing for binding Schengen handling to curb “shopping weekends” while the war continues. Counter-Drone “Stealth” Research: New reporting highlights efforts to reduce soldiers’ thermal signatures using lightweight, quickly deployable materials to blunt thermal drone targeting. EU Parliament Controversy: A pro-Russian pseudoscience group was allowed to host an event in the European Parliament building, with far-right Czech MEP Ondřej Knotek reportedly attending. Czech Tech in the EU Legal Fight: Czech publishers are part of a lawsuit seeking £552m+ from Google over alleged adtech monopoly abuse, backed by Prague-based litigation funder LitFin. Aviation & Testing: The UK opened its first electrified rail testing loop at Long Marston, aiming to speed trials of next-generation trains and traction tech. Quantum/AI Showcase: COMPUTEX 2026 wrapped up with a focus on “Physical AI,” robotics, and intelligent mobility, drawing buyers from 152 regions. Space/Imaging Markets: Planet Labs shares surged on investor optimism tied to the space economy and satellite imaging demand.

Ebola Response in Focus: HHS says Americans with high-risk Ebola exposures in the DRC will get MBP-134, an antibody therapy backed by BARDA, while noting at least one doctor in quarantine in the Czech Republic remains healthy. Cybersecurity: Proofpoint reports China’s TA4922 cybercrime operation has expanded across more countries and uses a wider mix of phishing tactics, including targeting Europe. AI in Public Services: North Texas’ NCT911 rolled out an AI tool to identify callers’ languages in seconds to speed up interpretation during 911 calls. Health & Safety Tech: Chainalysis pegs the crypto-funded peptide gray market at $100M+ annual run rate, with Q1 sales up 159% and fewer purity tests per buyer raising safety concerns. Czech Tech & Industry: Czech AI mapping firm CultiWise is partnering with Amazone to transfer drone/satellite crop maps into Amazone’s AmaConnect and variable-rate machinery workflows. EV Infrastructure: The EIB will advise Ireland on a nationwide EV charging rollout, aiming for charging access in every community.

EV Infrastructure Boost: Prague’s PRE has opened a new ultra-fast EV charging hub on Novovysočanská Street with capacity for up to 161 vehicles, using 400 kW Alpitronic stations plus an intelligent energy management system to avoid grid overload. Czech Tech & Agriculture: Amazone is partnering with Czech AI mapping firm CultiWise to make satellite/drone application maps easier to create and transfer into Amazone’s AmaConnect and machine terminals for more precise crop protection, fertilising and sowing. Digital Health Data Sharing: Latvia plans cross-border exchange of laboratory test results with EU states starting April 2027 via the European Core Service Platform, aiming to cut repeat tests and speed diagnosis for patients treated abroad. Defense Engineering (Regionally Relevant): CSM Industry signed a framework up to €557M with Slovakia’s Ministry of Defence under the EU SAFE program to supply military engineering systems, including wheeled excavator platforms for rapid field works. Aerospace Spotlight: Farnborough Airshow 2026 revealed its first flying-display lineup, including a Czech Air Force L-159 flypast and Czech Air Force JAS-39 Gripen in static displays. Czech Economy & Tech Links: Taiwan announced a €50M fund to encourage Czech–Taiwan investment and technology exchange, announced during a visit by Czech Senate Speaker Miloš Vystrčil.

Data Centers & Cooling: Wiwynn and Shinwa Controls say three years of joint engineering have led to production-ready liquid cooling infrastructure for high-density cloud and AI workloads, including low-GWP coolants. Czech Defense: The Czech Armed Forces are sending AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters to Poland for the first time, boosting NATO’s eastern flank against low-altitude threats like drones. Retail AI in Czechia: Ahold Delhaize’s Albert is expanding its partnership with Brain Corp, moving from cleaning robots to AI shelf scanning to fix inventory accuracy gaps caused by staffing and time pressure. EU Policy: The European Commission’s 2026 European Semester Spring Package maps EU resilience, skills, competitiveness, decarbonisation and housing priorities while pushing fiscal sustainability. Health Research: New collaborative work highlights that palliative care nurses engage better with clinical supervision when it’s trusted, psychologically safe, and given protected time. Biotech: SOTIO’s SOT106 gets U.S. FDA Orphan Drug Designation for osteosarcoma, with a first-in-human trial planned for late 2026. Energy & Markets: World Gold Council data shows Czech central bank gold buying continuing (3 tonnes in April, 38th straight month), alongside Poland and China leading purchases. Climate in Czechia: CHMU reports the driest Czech spring since 1961, with below-average rainfall and above-average temperatures.

Biotech & Clinical Trials: SOTIO Biotech (PPF Group) says the FDA granted Orphan Drug Designation to SOT106, an LRRC15-targeting antibody-drug conjugate for osteosarcoma, with a first-in-human study planned for the second half of 2026. Space & Industry: A report says SpaceX’s upcoming IPO could enrich Trump administration officials, after disclosures showed holdings in SpaceX or xAI. Environment & Public Safety: The EU launched its largest-ever wildfire response under the Civil Protection Mechanism, pre-positioning 777 firefighters across high-risk regions plus aircraft and helicopters, with Copernicus and EU monitoring support. Healthcare Access: Poland’s “Drug Policy 2.0” aims to cut delays to new medicines, while the Czech Republic is highlighted as a regional benchmark in an Access GAP index. Local Tech & Climate: Czech Hydrometeorological Institute reports the driest spring since 1961, with drought impacts starting early. Czech Science in the Spotlight: A Czech castle in Becov nad Teplou restored 130-year-old Chateau d’Yquem bottles after decades hidden under the floor, with laboratory tests confirming authenticity. Cybersecurity: Coverage flags China-linked cyber operators using cloud evasion and spearphishing tactics targeting Czech organizations.