Czech research organisations and innovative companies are expanding their collaboration with Canada through strengthened ties under Horizon Europe. In September, a high-level delegation representing fourteen major Czech universities, research institutes and tech firms visited Canada to deepen cooperation in life sciences, biotechnology, engineering, automation and advanced manufacturing.
The mission focused on enhancing Czech participation in Horizon Europe Pillar II – Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness, which Canada officially joined last year. Canada’s association means Czech institutions can not only join international consortia but also coordinate and lead them, significantly broadening access to world-class research funding and collaborative opportunities.
A Major Step in Czech Internationalisation Strategy
The visit represents an important milestone for the Czech Republic’s long-term strategy to internationalise its research and innovation sector. Delegates drew insights from Canadian best practices in technology transfer, academia-industry cooperation and building competitive innovation ecosystems. The exchanges further helped establish new strategic relationships that will feed into future Horizon Europe calls.
The delegation included representatives from Charles University, the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Brno University of Technology, the Technical University of Liberec and the University of Hradec Králové. Research bodies such as the Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences and the University Hospital in Hradec Králové also took part. Innovative companies including Amires, Betthera and Intemac joined the mission, along with the Central Bohemian Innovation Center.
Strengthening Czech–Canadian Links Through Joint Events
CzechInvest and the Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Toronto organised two major networking events during the mission. These meetings brought together dozens of Czech and Canadian researchers, academics and industry stakeholders to initiate new Horizon Europe projects, bilateral R&D partnerships and long-term academic collaborations.
Visits to Canada’s Leading Innovation Institutions
The five-day programme took participants across Ontario and Alberta, with visits to top Canadian institutions such as:
-
University of Waterloo, considered one of Canada’s most innovative universities
-
McMaster University, a leader in engineering, nuclear research and life sciences
-
Toronto Metropolitan University, known for applied research and strong industry links
-
University of Alberta, globally recognised for expertise in engineering, energy, natural sciences and medical research
-
University Health Network, a leading centre for AI-driven medicine, cardiovascular care and transplantation
-
Amii Institute, a major AI research centre already collaborating with Czech partners
A Strategic Partnership for a Changing Global Landscape
In the current geopolitical and economic climate, deeper cooperation between the Czech Republic and Canada is of strategic importance. Horizon Europe provides a powerful framework enabling both countries to develop high-impact, long-term scientific collaborations. The mission lays the groundwork for joint research projects, innovation partnerships and resilient transatlantic cooperation.
