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On 25–26 June 2026, representatives of the Brno University of Technology participated in two major international events in Brussels focused on strengthening cooperation between academia, industry, and the institutions of the European Union and NATO. BUT took part as part of a delegation of Czech research organizations and industry representatives coordinated by the CzechTrade agency.
Representatives of BUT who met at NATO headquarters, from left: Jiří Hlinka, Dean of the FME BUT; Ladislav Janíček, Rector of BUT; and Josef Sláma, Head of the BUT Department of knowledge transfer. | Author: BUT ArchivesThe delegation included Ladislav Janíček, Rector of BUT; Jiří Hlinka, Dean of the BUT Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (FME BUT) and the university's coordinator for defence and dual-use technologies; and Josef Sláma, Head of the Knowledge Transfer Office at BUT.
The programme, organized by CzechTrade through its Brussels office, consisted of two parts: the Czech–Belgian Business Forum, held at the Permanent Representation of the Czech Republic to the European Union, followed by a meeting at the Permanent Delegation of the Czech Republic to NATO.
The first meeting focused on presenting Czech research organizations and the outcomes of their activities. Discussions highlighted the strategic importance of technology, research, and knowledge transfer as key drivers of innovation for strengthening Europe's competitiveness and the productivity of the EU economy. Participants also agreed on the need for closer research cooperation between universities and industry.
An example of defense technology research at BUT – a team of researchers and developers working on a swarm of drones and robots from the FEEC BUT. | Author: Jakub RozboudOn Friday, the programme continued with a professional meeting between Czech research organizations and representatives of NATO's Office for Defence Technology Research Cooperation at NATO Headquarters in Brussels. The discussions focused on NATO's current technological priorities. The Czech delegation presented the key areas of domestic research and their potential for cooperation with the defence sector.
The Rector of BUT presented the university's expertise in specific technological fields with applications extending to the defence sector, where active collaboration is already underway. These include cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, telecommunications and encryption, robotics, aerospace technologies, as well as energy storage, semiconductor technologies, and other advanced technological fields.
"In the field of technology, there are very few areas of research whose outcomes do not have dual-use potential, including applications in defence. The current geopolitical situation requires us to expand cooperation in this area and direct research, development, and innovation towards applications that strengthen the security, defence capabilities, and resilience of both our country and Europe," said Rector Ladislav Janíček.
A delegation of Czech scientific and research organizations and industry representatives under the auspices of the CzechTrade agency. | Author: BUT ArchivesThe meeting also included discussions and information on the opportunities, requirements, and conditions for the participation of Czech research organizations in NATO grant programmes and supply chains supporting the development of advanced defence technologies. "We closely monitor the technological needs of the defence sector and actively participate in applied research projects in this area. We see participation in NATO programmes and the European Defence Fund (EDF) as one of the key opportunities to support cutting-edge research, develop strategic technologies, and contribute to the technological sovereignty of both the Czech Republic and Europe," the Rector emphasized.
"BUT's participation in these events confirms the university's long-term strategy of developing and supporting research in strategic fields that are important not only for industry and the economy but also for the security and resilience of Europe. Research into technologies applicable to defence is conducted across a wide range of disciplines at BUT. The breadth and diversity of this research place BUT among the Czech Republic's leading research institutions in this field. Defence is becoming increasingly important for our future. Given the international dimension, the opportunities offered by NATO programmes are also highly significant for defence technology research, especially as the Czech Republic has been a NATO member since 1999," said Jiří Hlinka, the university's coordinator for defence and dual-use technologies.The meetings also confirmed the growing importance of knowledge transfer, innovation support, and effective cooperation with industry. These areas are now among the key strategic roles of modern technical universities. "This is not only about generating direct benefits for society, the economy, and the country's technological development, but also about enhancing the international competitiveness, attractiveness, and reputation of universities. For BUT, the development of technology transfer and innovation is therefore not merely a complementary activity, but an integral part of fulfilling its mission and long-term strategy," concluded Josef Sláma, Head of the BUT Department of Knowledge Transfer.An example of defense technology research at BUT – the MobiSHIELD ballistic barrier from the FCH BUT at the IDET Trade Fair. | Author: Václav Koníček
Examples of BUT technologies with applications in the defence and security sector
Aviation, drone technologies, and space applications
Ballistic protection
Cybersecurity
Forensic expertise