ZRIA Prepares Participation of Companies, the Region, and TBU at a Major Technology Conference

Final preparations for the trip of Zlín Region representatives and local companies to one of the world’s most significant technology and innovation conferences — SXSW 2025 — as well as the finalization of of a partnership agreement between Tomas Bata University and St. Mary’s University in Texas, were the main objectives of the most recent visit by representatives of the regional development agency ZRIA to Austin and San Antonio in the USA. Seven regional companies are participating in the event, actively seeking partners and investment opportunities; as part of Czech House, competitive pitch presentations also await them at the conference. The event will take place in Austin, Texas, from 9 to 12 March, with Czech House open for company presentations on 10 and 11 March.

“In addition to preparing for the conference itself, we held meetings with key Texas technology organisations and investment funds on follow-up support for the expansion of Czech startups and the establishment of cooperation between American investors and the Zlín ecosystem. An interesting part of the programme was also a tour of the Boeing Center at Port San Antonio, where we discussed the possibilities of applying similar industrial zone models in the Zlín Region,” said Petr Kubíček, Director of Strategic Development at ZRIA.

In San Antonio, cooperation between TBU and St. Mary’s University was pre-negotiated, focused on student and faculty exchange visits, joint research projects, and certification programmes. Long-term exchanges are due to begin in autumn 2025, with short-term certification programmes starting during the summer of this year. The areas of cooperation include: software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and digital innovation. The agreement that will officially launch these specific activities will be signed on 8 March directly in San Antonio.

“We also supported TBU in submitting an application for a SAEG grant (U.S. Study Abroad Engagement Grants), a special programme of the U.S. Department of State supporting academic partnerships. Our role was in brokering contacts, initiating the process, and supporting the application itself. If the grant is approved, it will help finance student exchanges, joint academic programmes, and the expansion of certifications in technology fields,” said Petr Kubíček.