At NATO headquarters in Brussels, discussions typically focus on defense strategies, alliance policy, or international security. At the end of June, however, scientists also gathered around the negotiating table. Among the representatives of Czech research organizations was the Technical University of Liberec with its Institute for Nanomaterials, Advanced Technologies, and Innovation (CXI TUL). The topic was surprisingly practical: how to get the results of university research to those who truly need them.
The event, titled “Meeting of Czech Research and Innovation Representatives with NATO Structures,” brought together Czech universities, research institutions, and representatives of key NATO structures responsible for science, technology, and defense innovation. On one side of the table sat researchers; on the other, decision-makers who determine which technologies have the potential to move from the laboratory to real-world deployment.
However, the event was not about presenting finished products or seeking military contracts. The purpose of the meeting was to showcase the capabilities of Czech research and identify areas where new technologies can help address specific security challenges.
CXI TUL presented several technologies that find applications not only in industry but also in crisis management and the protection of critical infrastructure. These include systems for fusing data from multiple sensors, advanced artificial intelligence and computer vision, digital twins, autonomous electric vehicles for cargo transport, additive manufacturing of replacement parts using 3D printing, technologies for protection against cyberattacks, and RESISTCAM multispectral camouflage.
“It is important for us not just to present a list of projects, but to demonstrate how TUL’s research can help address specific security needs. The university can offer cutting-edge know-how, testing, prototyping, and the ability to quickly validate new technological concepts. The key is to find the right user, an industrial integrator, and a path to practical deployment,” says Adam Blažek, head of the Industry Cooperation Department at the Technical University of Liberec.
Although the meeting took place at NATO headquarters, its impact extends far beyond the military. The technologies developed by universities are also finding applications with fire departments, police, emergency services, airports, energy companies, and critical infrastructure operators. The ability to bridge the gap between academic research and the needs of these organizations was one of the main themes of the day.
In addition to the technologies themselves, discussions also focused on how to streamline the path from scientific discovery to real-world application. It is not enough to have a cutting-edge idea—it is equally important to find a partner who will test the technology, help further develop it, and put it into practice.
For CXI TUL, therefore, the work does not end with the meeting. Next will be the preparation of so-called “capability briefs”—concise technology profiles that clearly describe the capabilities of individual solutions, their level of readiness, and potential areas of application. At the same time, the university plans to further develop cooperation with Czech and international partners and actively participate in international programs focused on security research.
The Brussels meeting demonstrated that the path from university research to practical application need not lead solely through industry. Increasingly, it is also leading to areas where technology helps protect infrastructure, enhance societal resilience, and respond to new security challenges. And it is precisely in this area that Czech universities certainly have much to offer.
