Minister for Regional Development Petr Kulhánek visited the EXPO in Osaka
On July 8 and 9, 2025, the Minister for Regional Development visited the World EXPO 2025 in Osaka, Japan. On the first day of his visit, he inaugurated the Autonomous Technologies Week at the Czech Pavilion. On the second day, he visited the pavilions of thirteen other countries as well as that of the European Union.
Autonomous Technologies Week presented Czechia’s vision as a country actively shaping the digital future, with a strong focus on security, sustainability, and technological advancement. The event, held from July 8 to 10, brought together innovations from Czech technology companies, research institutions, and public administration. Key topics included smart mobility, next-generation emergency systems, and infrastructure digitalization. Visitors to the Czech Pavilion had the opportunity to explore projects demonstrating the practical benefits of autonomous systems, particularly in crisis response scenarios.
One of the program’s highlights was the presentation by the Information Technology Administration of the City of Plzeň (SIT). Their representatives showcased unique drones for technical inspections of bridges, underground spaces, and waterworks, including an autonomous submarine and the SARAH project for aerial scanning of national parks. Visitors could also try virtual reality simulations, including firefighting and search-and-rescue missions. The event also featured the PINE platform and results from research projects such as HORIZON2020 and IZS2022, focused on public space safety — including 3D-printed equipment for integrated rescue services. Developers from the Czech Technical University in Prague presented an autonomously driven Formula car.
The Ministry of Regional Development actively supports the deployment of autonomous and smart technologies through both European and national programs. For example, under the National Recovery Plan, more than 60 projects worth over CZK 900 million have already been supported through calls for 5G network demonstration applications — including autonomous transport in Plzeň and vehicle-to-vehicle communication in the Karlovy Vary Region. Currently (until August 29), applications are open for the “Support for Smart Cities, Municipalities, and Regions” program (PORR), with a budget allocation of CZK 80 million.
“I see autonomous technologies and the development of smart solutions as a way to kick-start economically and socially vulnerable areas of Czechia — especially the so-called transformation regions that need it most. I strongly support the idea of launching more projects, testbeds, and innovation centers in these areas. I believe this is the way not only to retain but also to attract new qualified professionals in the future,” said Petr Kulhánek, Minister for Regional Development. On the second day of his visit, he toured the pavilions of Austria, Switzerland, France, Poland, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Germany, the European Union, and the joint Nordic pavilion representing Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland.
“Each pavilion I visited had its own unique character. But what clearly united them was the theme of sustainability — though expressed in different ways. For example, the Nordic pavilion focused on harmony with nature and circularity, while the Japanese pavilion emphasized energy self-sufficiency and the use of organic, biodegradable materials. From this perspective, I found the visit to EXPO to be an exceptionally inspiring experience for advancing our own sustainable development goals,” added Petr Kulhánek.
“I see autonomous technologies and the development of smart solutions as a way to kick-start economically and socially vulnerable areas of Czechia — especially the so-called transformation regions that need it most. I strongly support the idea of launching more projects, testbeds, and innovation centers in these areas. I believe this is the way not only to retain but also to attract new qualified professionals in the future,” said Petr Kulhánek, Minister for Regional Development. On the second day of his visit, he toured the pavilions of Austria, Switzerland, France, Poland, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Germany, the European Union, and the joint Nordic pavilion representing Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland.
“Each pavilion I visited had its own unique character. But what clearly united them was the theme of sustainability — though expressed in different ways. For example, the Nordic pavilion focused on harmony with nature and circularity, while the Japanese pavilion emphasized energy self-sufficiency and the use of organic, biodegradable materials. From this perspective, I found the visit to EXPO to be an exceptionally inspiring experience for advancing our own sustainable development goals,” added Petr Kulhánek.
Source: Ministry of Regional Development CZ, author’s adaptations