Innovator brought science closer to high school students. BUT presented space and e-mobility

A unique week of discoveries, inspiration, and creativity is behind us. The Innovator program, held last week at the VIDA! science centre in Brno, offered a diverse range of lectures, workshops, and science shows, bringing the world of science closer to secondary school students. Brno University of Technology, which concluded the event on Friday, prepared a day full of technical topics for the participants.

BUT joined the Innovator event. | Author: Václav Koníček

Experts from the Brno University of Technology introduced students to the fields of space technology, mechanical design, biotribology, electromobility, and student start-ups. In addition to lectures, high school students could also visit the interactive VIDA! exhibition, various workshops, and the mobile FabLab truck equipped with 3D printing, a laser cutter, and other technologies.

Representatives from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of BUT presented tribology – both space and biological. They explained how scientists deal with friction, lubrication, and wear of components in the extreme conditions of space and why biotribology plays a key role in treating joint diseases or dental filling wear. Alongside tribology, students also learned about the design and construction of mechanical components such as screws, shafts, or bearings, and their functional principles.

Innovator 2025. | Author: Václav Koníček

Experts from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication of BUT showed students how to build their own satellite and send it into space, as well as what the future of mobility on roads and in the air might look like. They learned about the development of small satellites, the university team YSpace and its goal to send the first student-built satellite into orbit, and about the challenges electromobility will face in the coming years.

An expert on technological start-ups from the Faculty of Information Technology of BUT explained how a student idea can grow into a real company. He showed that university is not just about lectures, but often a place where projects are born that may eventually grow into successful businesses. He concluded by outlining how such projects are supported by the Brno University of Technology and its units.

“It was clear that there was a great deal of interest in the program, all our lectures filled up quickly. Although boys were in the majority, many girls also attended. Moreover, students came not only from technically oriented schools but also from grammar schools, both from Brno and the surrounding towns. For us, it’s a sign that events like this truly make sense,” said Lenka Svobodová, the event coordinator on behalf of BUT.

Innovator is a week-long program of the VIDA! science centre in Brno, designed for secondary school students. Through lectures and workshops, it offers real contact with modern technologies, current scientific topics, and representatives of universities.