The 3D printers from Prusa Research are enjoying exceptional popularity at the Czech pavilion. Thousands of Japanese visitors admire the live 3D printing demonstrations every day while also searching for the hidden mascots, René.

“We see EXPO 2025 as a great opportunity to show people that 3D printers are not just specialized machines for manufacturing, but versatile tools that can assist with virtually any project. And where better to promote this idea than in Japan, where advanced technologies are a natural part of everyday life? We can see that visitors to the pavilion are genuinely excited to discover how simple 3D printing can be,” says Josef Průša, founder of Prusa Research. Prusa printers are designed to be open to user modifications, and the company strives to apply open-source principles as much as possible in both its software and firmware. At EXPO 2025, the company is thus presenting not only cutting-edge technology, but also an inspiring story of Czech ingenuity and craftsmanship.

Founded by Josef Průša in 2012, Prusa Research has, within just a few years, grown from a small Prague startup into a global player whose 3D printers are now used by customers in more than 160 countries. The company emphasizes the use of locally produced components and focuses on maximum reliability, user-friendliness, and continuous technological development. In its Prague factory, Prusa Research operates one of the largest 3D printing farms in the world, where more than 600 printers produce parts each month for over 10,000 additional machines.

The uniqueness of the Czech exposition at the world exhibition is enhanced by a live demonstration of 3D printing directly in the visitor route of the pavilion. Visitors can watch the creation of the mascot René every day – a 15 cm high figurine that takes approximately four hours to print. The printer has also been used to produce labels for exhibited and wall-mounted works, QR codes, a map of Czechia in the form of a puzzle that people can assemble during their visit, as well as organizers or door stops. This demonstrates the wide range of applications of this technology.

„When we started printing our René mascots on the 3D printer in May, we had no idea they would become such a phenomenon. The mascots were so unique that visitors spontaneously started taking them home. Instead of preventing this, we decided to turn this interest into a playful activity – we started hiding the mascots around the pavilion. Visitors are now looking for them in a similar way to the popular geocaching in Czechia. The interest is enormous, and many people return to us repeatedly – for example, two weeks ago we welcomed a lady who had already visited us for the eighteenth time,“ says Akiko Sagae, director of the Czech pavilion, and adds that the 3D-printed mascots cannot be purchased, only found in the pavilion or possibly received as a gift.

“Prusa Research is a great example of Czech ingenuity and how Czech creativity and openness to new ideas and technologies can find many supporters around the world. We are showing visitors to the Czech pavilion that 3D printing is an accessible and useful tool not only for professionals but also for everyday users. During operation at the pavilion, our attendants, or guides, will be assisting visitors,” adds Ondřej Soška, the General Commissioner of the Czech Republic's participation in EXPO 2025.

Prusa Research sees its participation in the World Expo as an opportunity to showcase Czech ingenuity, raise awareness of the possibilities of 3D printing, and as a platform for establishing new international partnerships. Visitors can admire the latest 3D printer models – the flagship Prusa CORE One and the Original Prusa XL model for printing with up to five materials simultaneously.

About Prusa Research
Prusa Research is a Czech company specializing in the development and manufacturing of 3D printers. Founded in 2012 by Josef Průša, it quickly became one of the world's leading 3D printer manufacturers. The company is known for its emphasis on the quality, reliability, and user-friendliness of its products. Its portfolio includes both FDM printers (such as the MK4S, XL, MINI+, and CORE One models) and SLA printers (SL1S), as well as the Prusa Pro professional series designed for industrial use.

Prusa Research supports its products with a robust software ecosystem, including its own slicer PrusaSlicer, an online version for web browsers called EasyPrint, and the community platform Printables.com. While the main part of production, with a capacity of over 10,000 printers per month, remains in Prague, Prusa Research has recently expanded its production capacity to North America. Its subsidiary, Printed Solid Inc. in Delaware, now provides local production of 3D printers and filaments for the American market, in addition to service and distribution.

About the Czech Pavilion at EXPO 2025
The Czech Republic is participating in the World Expo as an independent state for the sixth time. Ondřej Soška has held the position of General Commissioner since September 2022. The design of the pavilion, in the shape of a glass spiral, emerged from an open architectural competition won by Apropos Architects in March 2023. The supporting structure of the building consists of modern wooden CLT panels, while the facade features artistic glass, which has a centuries-old tradition in the Czech Republic. The national pavilion offers a dignified base for the Czech Republic's participation in EXPO 2025, which takes place from April to October 2025 on the artificial island of Yumeshima in Osaka Bay. The pavilion houses a permanent exhibition, the Daisue Hall multifunctional auditorium, facilities for business meetings, a restaurant, a CTP lounge, and a relaxation zone with a sea view for visitors in front of the pavilion. Cultural performances are held almost every week from Friday to Sunday. The pavilion was successfully approved in early April 2025 and is the largest wooden structure of its kind without a metal supporting structure in Japan. It officially opened to the public on April 13, 2025.