How NANOPROGRESS is helping to change the face of the Czech nanotechnology industry

Nanotechnology has enormous potential to transform the world around us—from healthcare to environmental protection to industrial manufacturing. To ensure that this potential doesn’t remain confined to laboratories but is put into practice, we need to integrate research, development, and production. And that is precisely the mission of the Nanoprogress cluster, which has been systematically supporting the Czech nanotechnology industry for fifteen years and accelerating the translation of cutting-edge discoveries into real-world solutions.

From research to specific products

A key milestone was 2014, when researchers from Nanoprogress discovered the possibility of producing nanofibers using an alternating electric field – a technology that enables many times higher productivity than previously used methods. Just a year later, the first laboratory device for preparing nanofibers based on this principle saw the light of day – designed and constructed with the support of the “Cooperation – Clusters" Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Since then, the cluster has significantly expanded its activities. In 2017, its own research team was established, focused on materials development and identifying production weaknesses. The team subsequently, in cooperation with industrial partners, began developing its own equipment that allows not only the production but also the functionalization of nanofibers according to the needs of target applications.

Large-scale production of nanofibers

The next natural step was the construction of a new facility in 2021 with the aim of later industrial production of nanofibers. This opened the way to the production of advanced materials for medicine, cosmetics, water and air filtration, and protective equipment on the required scale. Development here goes hand in hand with the needs of the cluster members, and the facility thus serves as a real bridge between research and target applications.

All of this shows how strong a backbone Nanoprogress has become for Czech nanotechnology development. Its activities are today an example of how targeted support, cross-sector cooperation, and systematic work can bring about change that has an impact not only on the economy, but also on the quality of life of all of us.

“When you combine cutting-edge science with the courage to take risks and trust between partners, things are created that truly change the world.” — Luboš Komárek, Chairman of the Nanoprogress Cluster.

The story of the Nano4hope foundation, new hope for health and the planet begins with nanofibers

Endowment fund Nano4hope is an example of how technological progress can be combined with humanity and a socially responsible vision. It was created on the initiative of members of the management team of the Nanoprogress cluster organization and an expert team from Nanotech Dynamics, s.r.o., who wanted to bring Czech nanotechnology from the laboratory directly to those who need it most—sick people, injured animals, and natural environments burdened by environmental problems. 

“Our vision is to bring hope where people, animals, and nature are losing it.” — Luboš Komárek, co-founder of the foundation.

From vision to reality

The basic impetus for establishing the fund came in August 2023, when the founders realized that the technologies they had been working on for years together with members of the Nanoprogress cluster could have a much greater impact if they were made available outside the industrial sphere. Weeks of intensive discussions, proposals and preparations followed, and on December 12, 2023, the Nano4hope endowment fund was officially established.

People's health

Help in cases where conventional veterinary treatment fails and highly specialized nanomaterials need to be deployed.

Animal health

Help in cases where conventional veterinary treatment fails and highly specialized nanomaterials need to be deployed.

Environmental protection

Projects that use nanobiotechnologies to purify water, air, or otherwise revitalize damaged ecosystems.

First aid stories

The first wave of assistance from the endowment fund Nano4hope and its partners have compiled real-life stories in which nanofibers played a key role. A patient with a diabetic leg ulcer experienced significant improvement and a reduction in acute symptoms thanks to the application of nanomaterials. In a woman with a benign tumor on her forehead, a nanofiber dressing replaced the missing skin tissue, thereby accelerating post-surgical regeneration. A patient with a painful burn sustained from a lawnmower healed without infection and with minimal intervention thanks to a special nanodermis. In a female patient who had undergone head surgery, the nanofiber material promoted smoother healing and minimized scarring. Last but not least, nanotechnology aided in the rapid and smooth recovery of a knee following surgery.

Connection to the cluster community

One of Nano4hope’s greatest strengths is its connection to the Nanoprogress community. This gives the fund access to leading experts, the latest technologies, and an established infrastructure that enables it to address problems comprehensively and quickly.

The way forward

Nano4hope is more than just an endowment fund. It is a symbol of a new approach to social responsibility. It combines cutting-edge science, deep empathy and strategic vision. And as the first measurable results show, this path makes real sense.

Become a partner or supporter of Nano4hope

We believe that real change comes when we join forces. Endowment Fund Nano4hope is built on the principles of trust, expertise and shared responsibility. Every donation, every connection with an expert or institution, every helping hand helps bring innovative technologies to where they are needed most – to sick people, injured animals and to nature crying out for restoration. Come and join us on this journey, join us as a partner, supporter or ambassador for change. Together we can do it.

www.nano4hope.cz

Building a sustainable European ecosystem, a story of cooperation without borders

Nanoprogress has long sought to bridge the gap between scientific research and industrial practice, not only in the Czech Republic but also at the international level. The goal is to build a strong, resilient, and sustainable innovation ecosystem across Europe that will facilitate the sharing of know-how, accelerate the implementation of innovations into specific products, and contribute to addressing key societal challenges.

From projects to structures

It all began in 2014, when Nanoprogress first became involved in the preparation of an international project aimed at supporting cluster cooperation. The INNO-DROP project laid the groundwork for improving the quality of cluster management in the EU. This was followed by the AdPack and AdPack2 projects, which aimed to support the internationalization of small and medium-sized enterprises. These efforts culminated in 2018 with the establishment of the European Economic Interest Grouping (EEIG) Ad-Pack EEIG, which enabled legally formalized cooperation across European clusters.

A new chapter: CEDEG as a metacluster of the future

The experience gained through Ad-Pack EEIG led to the next logical step—the creation of an even more robust and open platform. Thus, in 2021, the CEDEG, z.s. association was founded, which took up the baton and expanded collaboration to include new fields such as digitization and green technologies. CEDEG is not merely the legal successor to the original association, but a fully-fledged umbrella organization that today brings together over 2,240 entities from 16 European countries, including nearly 1,800 companies and more than 330 research institutions.

An ecosystem that connects Europe

Thanks to CEDEG, we are able to develop specific international projects, support shared infrastructure, advocate for common interests in European cluster support policies, and create the conditions for truly cross-border innovation. As a co-founder of CEDEG, Nanoprogress actively contributes to its strategic direction and, through its membership, builds a bridge between Czech researchers and the European innovation ecosystem.

“The original idea of ​​creating structured European cooperation has become a functioning ecosystem with real impact. CEDEG is proof that when vision, expertise and trust come together, borders and intellectual limits can be crossed.” — Luboš Komárek, Vice-Chairman of CEDEG and Chairman of Nanoprogress.

www.cedeg.eu

Innovation in motion or how the first spin-off from the Czech cluster was created

The story of the company's founding Nanotech Dynamics, s.r.o. is an example of how an innovation ecosystem can move from idea to real change. This company represents the first ever spin-off to emerge from a cluster organization in the Czech Republic – specifically from the dynamic environment of the Nanoprogress cluster. Its creation is not just an organizational innovation, but a fundamental step towards bringing the results of collective research and development into the real world.

From idea to reality

Behind the whole story was the strong innovation ecosystem of the Nanoprogress cluster, which has long supported cutting-edge research and its transfer into practice. In 2020, the decision was made to transform the advanced research and technological potential into a new business entity. The goal was not only to maintain the continuity of the development of the unique AC electrospinning technology, but above all to create a strong foundation for its launch on the market.

"By establishing the first spin-off company, we wanted to create a bridge between research and the market. I believe that Nanotech Dynamics will help Nanoprogress members accelerate the development of new products, effectively launch them on the market, and thus create a real synergistic effect. It is a tool to get the results of joint research and development where they will really help - into practice." — Luboš Komárek, Chairman of Nanoprogress.

Historical first and inspiration for others

Origin Nanotech Dynamics, s.r.o. represents a breakthrough in how cluster organizations can approach the commercialization of research. While in the past spin-offs were the domain of universities and large research institutions, Nanoprogress, as a pioneering cluster organization, has shown that even an association of companies, research organizations and experts can give rise to an innovative company with global ambitions. Its creation has become an inspiring precedent for other cluster organizations in the Czech Republic and abroad, which are just beginning to consider a similar path.

Solid foundations and a quick start

The core of the newly established company was formed by members of the research and management team of the Nanoprogress cluster, who brought not only know-how but also vision to the company. From the very beginning, maximum attention was paid to stabilizing human resources, technological development and building production infrastructure. In the first two years of operation, the company purchased and renovated its own production and development facility, acquired state-of-the-art equipment and began preparing a product portfolio.

Cluster heritage, vision of the future

Today is Nanotech Dynamics, s.r.o. is fully operational, has a high-purity laboratory and is delivering the first batches of its products. Its establishment has brought new impetus to the cluster community and is becoming an inspiration for other organizations looking for ways to more effectively transfer the results of joint research and development into the real world.

This story shows that combining science, strategic collaboration, and the courage to take a new path can lead to results that change not only the market, but also the entire innovation support ecosystem.

www.ntdynamics.com