At first glance, it may seem like just another startup showcase. In reality, however, it serves as a barometer of the Czech creative industry’s transformation and ambitions. This is precisely how the final evening of the national Creative Tech startup competition could be described, held on April 15, 2026, at the Automatické Mlýny venue in Pardubice.
A record 65 startups applied for this year’s competition, and their diverse focus demonstrated how broadly the term Creative Tech can be understood today. Alongside virtual and augmented reality, there were product companies, design-driven software, and solutions at the intersection of media, data, and user experience.
From the ten finalists, NABERIUS TECH emerged as the winner. The company develops technology that enables the creation of realistic digital environments where artificial intelligence, robots, and autonomous systems can be tested and trained before being deployed in the real world. The project’s founder, Lukáš Herrmann, has more than twenty years of experience in visual effects, including work on Hollywood film productions. It was precisely this background—where reality is digitally created—that inspired him to simplify and automate the entire process.
“Creating digital environments is extremely complex. We have developed our own engine that significantly simplifies and automates the process. The goal is to allow a much broader range of people to create virtual reality and make the production of virtual worlds more accessible and scalable.”
The company has developed its proprietary IRIS technology, which combines precise geolocation data with advanced rendering. The result is virtual worlds that are not only visually convincing but also spatially accurate. This level of precision is a key differentiator compared to most conventional VR applications.
“NABERIUS TECH and similar projects clearly demonstrate where Czech Creative Tech is heading. We see a stronger emphasis on proprietary technological development, clearly defined products, and the ambition to scale globally from the outset.”
The jury, composed of representatives from the startup ecosystem, investors, and industry, evaluated projects based on several key criteria. These included product or service quality, scalability, team strength and readiness, and a clearly defined business model. In other words, it was not just about creativity itself, but about its ability to succeed in the market—which is crucial today.
Creative Tech Establishes Itself as a Rapidly Growing Category
Second place went to FLAE Robotics with its virtual receptionist BE-A. Third place was awarded to QuaternAR, which develops technology enabling the conversion of existing 3D applications into augmented and virtual reality environments without the need for reprogramming.
The Audience Award went to Knither. Its founder, Oldřich Voyta, focuses on the design and development of an advanced, customizable, and technologically innovative material that fully replaces leather, with applications in footwear, furniture, and the automotive industry. He impressed the audience with both his presentation and approach.
“I recommend every startup project to participate in similar events. Their value lies not only in the potential to win, but above all in contacts, networking, and access to investors and other opportunities.”
“The contestants impressed me with their level of preparation and the quality of their presentations and ideas. It was clear that only the very best projects made it to the finals, and their overall level was extremely high. Many of these companies have the potential to succeed globally, and their business models showed they know exactly who they want to target.”
According to him, Creative Business Czechia 2026 demonstrated that the next generation of successful Czech technology companies is being formed at the intersection of virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and business.
“Creative Business Czechia shows that the combination of technology, creativity, and entrepreneurship has enormous potential in the Czech Republic. As a platinum partner together with Dassault Systèmes, we see this platform as key to supporting projects with ambitions to succeed on global markets. This year’s winning project is a great example of how Creative Tech can deliver real value and international competitiveness.”
The Winner Heads to the International Stage
At the beginning of June, NABERIUS TECH will join an official Czech business mission organized by CzechInvest in cooperation with the British Embassy in Prague and the Czech Embassy in London. CzechInvest’s foreign office will provide comprehensive support, including connections to the UK startup ecosystem and investors.
The mission will culminate in an exclusive networking evening for startup founders at the Czech Embassy in London. Delegation members will also attend London Tech Week, one of the most significant technology events in Europe.
London is not just a symbolic destination. Its technology ecosystem is among the strongest in the world and represents an environment where investment decisions, partnerships, and global growth are shaped.
“London Tech Week is a gateway to global capital and strategic partnerships. For Czech startups, it is an opportunity to significantly accelerate their expansion.”
The 10th edition of the competition was held with the support of partners including Dassault Systèmes, SolidVision, Parádní kraj, Ambit, BrandCloud, CzechStartups, ERA, Gočárova Galerie, Netwo, Pardubice Business Incubator P-PINK, Startup Kitchen, SFÉRA Education Center, and VUCH.
