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.

How do you encourage young people to take up sports, engage with culture, or adopt healthier habits? In Liberec, students had 24 hours to come up with answers. A total of 63 high school and university students took part in the sixth edition of the Liberec Ideathon competition, presenting concrete and inventive solutions for the region. The jury was most impressed by the TULgether and Linserka HUB applications. The competition took place at the 101010 Cultural Centre in Vratislavice and was organised by the Regional Development Agency, CzechInvest and the Liberec Region.

What if it really works out? What if the ideas and visions that may sound almost improbable today become reality within just a few years? This is the central premise of the conference MoonshotX Liberec – What if we get it right?, which will take place on Wednesday, May 6, from 4 p.m. at Linserka in Liberec. The event will offer inspiration and remind audiences that behind every great achievement, there is ultimately a courageous person willing to do something for others.

How good is the weld or surface finish on my product or a component supplied to me? Was a defect caused by improper handling, or was there a hidden material flaw from the start? These are examples of questions that the team at the CXI TUL university research institute can answer very quickly. Thanks to the SUPPORT4SME project, companies can now access help with specific production issues, consultations, analyses and other services provided by a top-tier scientific workplace at minimal cost. The offer is intended for small and medium-sized enterprises with up to 250 employees from the Liberec, Ústí nad Labem and Karlovy Vary regions, as well as from Saxony.