Young people today are not waiting for experience, permission or the right moment. They are founding companies, advising governments, reshaping the way we think about sustainability and reforming prison systems. These were the kinds of people brought together by MoonshotX, an international conference that welcomed young innovators from across Europe to the Linserka cultural centre in Liberec — including Liberec-born Yemi A.D. The event was organised by the Regional Development Agency, the Liberec Region and the Moonshot Platform Foundation, and formed part of this year’s Anifilm international festival of animated films.

This year, early-stage entrepreneurs, start-up founders and innovative companies can once again apply for support from the Regional Innovation Programme for their ideas and projects. Support is available in the form of start-up, innovation and technology vouchers.

When I reach the end of my service life, I want to be recycled – so I can keep serving. That is how appliances given a new purpose by PRAKTIK system might speak. The company has been dealing with the disposal of electrical appliances and plastics from the electrical and automotive sectors for more than 30 years, with a strong focus on processes that return recycled materials back into production across Europe.

Three companies and seven technical challenges for 25 students. That was the second edition of TechStarter, a six-month intensive program connecting schools with industrial companies in the region. At the ceremonial closing event, secondary school students presented their projects. There was no shortage of healthy confidence or lessons learned from mistakes. The event concluded with financial awards being presented to the successful participants.

The frame of an e-bike is tensioned on a pneumatic device, handlebars are bent in a testing rig to the verge of breaking, and brakes are made to withstand a simulated downpour. This is what an ordinary day looks like at the Engineering Test Institute in Jablonec nad Nisou. It is here, too, that decisions are made on whether new products will pass the safety filter and meet the demanding requirements of the market.

How can modern technologies help in paediatric oncology? How can artificial intelligence be used in the prevention of heart disease, or virtual reality in the training of healthcare professionals? These questions were explored by nearly 280 doctors, healthcare managers and representatives of technology companies from across the country at the TechCare 2026 conference, held in Liberec on 25 February.