Pražský inovační institut

What Pražský inovační institut does

Pražský inovační institut (Pii) is a public benefit organization (z. ú.) founded by the Capital City of Prague in January 2020 and registered in Prague, Czech Republic, operating with approximately 42 employees out of headquarters at Mariánské náměstí 2 and the Enterprise and Innovation Center at Škodův Palác. Its mandate is to implement Prague's Regional Innovation Strategy (RIS3) and Circular Prague 2030 by serving as the structural intermediary between public administration, academia, and business; the institute runs three concurrent program pillars — startup and entrepreneur support (Student 2 CEO, Startuping in Prague, Business in Prague, and business consulting), education innovation (iDZ Praha, Circular Schools, Invenio talent identification, Prague Game Accelerator), and city-level circular economy and urban innovation projects.

Pii's technology footprint centers on orchestrating externally developed software and platforms rather than building them in-house. Its proprietary-feel features include Cogni Trainee (an audiovisual cognitive function monitoring system built with T-Mobile and CIIRC CTU targeting over-65 populations for early detection of neurodegenerative diseases), Invenio psychodiagnostic games (Glyfy, Triton, Lin) used to assess giftedness in primary school students, and the Czech localization of Cambridge's GoViral! disinformation education game. Through EDIH CTU, Pii helps deliver AI Helpdesk advisory services for EU AI Act compliance, Test Before Invest services, and digital transformation training to Czech SMEs and public sector bodies; this is distribution and advisory work rather than primary AI research.

The business model is non-commercial. Pii does not sell services to end users; instead, all programming is provided free of charge to students, startups, educators, and Prague institutions. Funding flows from the founding body (City of Prague) plus a portfolio of EU operational programs (OP VVV, OP JAK, OP TAK, Interreg Europe, Erasmus+) and project-specific grants; iDZ Praha alone secured over 60 million CZK from OP JAK plus City of Prague co-funding for 2025-2028. Major partners include Czech Technical University (ČVUT and CIIRC), Charles University, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, CzechInvest, Czech Academy of Sciences, the Ministry of Education, T-Mobile, and the National Institute of Mental Health; go-to-market is primarily event-driven and mandate-driven rather than sales-led.

Name

Pražský inovační institut

Legal name

Pražský inovační institut, z. ú.

Website

https://prazskyinovacniinstitut.cz

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Pražský inovační institut is a non-profit public benefit organization founded by the City of Prague in 2020 that delivers free startup support, education innovation, and circular economy programs, connecting public administration, academia, and business across Prague.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Innovation Agency / Public Sector Consulting

NAICS

Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services (5416), Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (54)

SIC

Services-Management Consulting Services (8742), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYBPADAEAA

Program & Project Implementation (TA Delivery)

Business & Public Services/International Organizations & Development/International Development & Technical Assistance

SECONDARYBPAIANAJ

Smart Cities & Urban Innovation Programs (Digital Planning, Civic Tech for Cities)

Business & Public Services/Public Sector & Government Administration/Housing, Urban Planning & Community Development

SECONDARYBPADAKAC

Teacher Training, Professional Development & Education Leadership

Business & Public Services/International Organizations & Development/Education & Skills Development Programs

Keywords

• Innovation agency services
• Startup support programs
• Education innovation programs
• Circular economy consulting
• Regional innovation strategy

Headquarters

HQ city

Prague

HQ country

Czechia

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Government Funding from City of Prague: Primary funding from the founding institution, the Capital City of Prague. The public benefit organization was established and is funded by the City of Prague. Funding covers operational costs and project activities.
2. EU Funding Programs: Co-funding through European Union operational programs including OP VVV, OP JAK, OP TAK, Interreg Europe, Erasmus+, and others. EU funding supports specific projects such as Prague Smart Accelerator, iDZ Praha, EDIH CTU, Circular Schools, and Moving Towards Aerospace (MAE).
3. Future Private Funding: The organization's founding documents anticipate private funding becoming relevant in the future through operation and development of innovation infrastructure and provision of services to knowledge economy entities.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Pražský inovační institut is a public benefit organization operating as Prague's regional innovation agency. It delivers free consulting and program services for students, startups, and entrepreneurs (Student 2 CEO, Startuping in Prague, Business in Prague), runs innovation-in-education and circular-economy programs for schools (iDZ Praha, Circular Schools), coordinates Prague's RIS3 regional innovation strategy, and implements flagship projects including the Prague Smart Accelerator+, the Prague Game Accelerator, the EDIH CTU digital innovation hub, the Cogni Trainee cognitive screening tool, and the Moving Towards Aerospace Interreg project. Services are funded by the City of Prague and EU operational programs and delivered free of charge to beneficiaries.

Product overview

Pražský inovační institut (Pii) is a public benefit organization and regional innovation agency established by the City of Prague in January 2020. Rather than offering a single unified product, the institute provides a portfolio of interconnected programs and services organized around three pillars: (1) Business/Startups - including Student 2 CEO, Startuping in Prague, and Business in Prague services; (2) Education - through iDZ Praha and Cirkulární školy programs; and (3) City Development - via circular economy initiatives and RIS3 strategy coordination. Key flagship projects include Prague Smart Akcelerátor+ (PSA+), the Prague Game Accelerator, EDIH CTU for AI/digital transformation, Cogni Trainee for cognitive health monitoring, and Moving Towards Aerospace (MAE) for aerospace industry support. The institute serves as a connector between public administration, academia, and business, operating the Enterprise and Innovation Center in Škodův Palác.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Prague Innovation Institute: English trade name and primary brand used for international communications

Products and services

• Student 2 CEO Program for students with a business idea who want to start a business, helping them transform their project into reality. Services are free of charge and delivered as part of Pii's startup pipeline.
• Startupuj v Praze (Startuping in Prague) Startup emergency support providing one-time assistance for tackling business challenges, plus a startup studio focused on growing startups with mentoring. Offered free of charge to Prague-based entrepreneurs.
• Business in Prague Services for established businesses in Prague looking to expand or scale, including investor matching, financing solutions, and partnership connections. Free of charge through Pii's team.
• Consulting Services (Poradenství) Business advisory services helping entrepreneurs overcome challenges, connect with business partners, find financial resources, and develop entrepreneurial skills. Free of charge to Prague-based beneficiaries.
• Prague Smart Akcelerátor+ (PSA+) EU-funded project ensuring development of capacities for implementing Prague's Regional Innovation Strategy (RIS3), supporting Prague's innovation ecosystem through talent support, pilot projects, and educational programs.
• iDZ Praha (Inovace ve vzdělávání) Educational innovation project providing free training programs for Prague secondary school management, teachers, and students in innovation, creativity, modern technologies, and entrepreneurship (2025-2028).
• Pražský hernÍ akcelerátor (Prague Game Accelerator) First gaming accelerator in Prague supporting student teams from Prague schools with mentoring, workshops, up to 200,000 CZK funding, and workspace for game development projects.
• Moving Towards Aerospace (MAE) Interreg Europe project bringing together partners from 7 regions to support transformation of aerospace industry supply chains and public policy tools for SMEs in the space technology sector.
• Cogni Trainee (Systém sledování kognitivních funkcí) Audiovisual software tool for early detection of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and dementia, developed with CIIRC CTU, T-Mobile, and the National Institute of Mental Health. Targets the population over 65 years of age with gamified cognitive testing as an alternative to traditional paper-based tests.
• Cirkulární školy (Circular Schools) Program transforming schools into circular hubs where students, teachers, and staff experiment with circular economy principles in composting, reuse, and food cycle areas. Delivered with partners including Kokoza, reKáva, SWAP Prague, and Zachraň jídlo.
• EDIH CTU (European Digital Innovation Hub CTU) National-level European Digital Innovation Hub coordinated by CTU, providing AI/ML services including Test Before Invest, training, innovation ecosystem support, and AI Helpdesk for EU AI Act compliance to Czech SMEs and public sector organizations.
• Cirkulární ekonomika Prahy (Circular Economy Prague) Implementation of Circular Prague 2030 strategy, supporting Prague's transition to circular economy through projects in construction, water, agriculture, and waste management sectors.
• RIS3 Praha (Regional Innovation Strategy) Regional innovation strategy for smart specialization, coordinating innovation activities across Prague's priority domains: biotechnology, space/aerospace, AI/software, and creative industries.
• Prague Smart Accelerator (PSA) EU project connecting academia, business, and public administration to support Prague's innovation ecosystem through data support, vouchers, startup mapping, and talent development.
• Prescreening měření míry nadání (Talent Identification) Project using the Invenio diagnostic tool to identify gifted students in Prague elementary schools through game-based assessment methods (3rd and 4th graders), measuring fluid intelligence, inductive reasoning, and spatial abilities via psychodiagnostic games including Glyfy, Triton, and Lin.
• GoViral! (Czech version) Czech version of the GoViral! educational game developed by Cambridge University, helping people understand common disinformation tactics about COVID-19.

Quantifiable outcome

• 169 educational programs for students and 21 consultations for educators delivered; 2,684 students and 159 educators directly supported in Circular Schools pilot
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability3 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

26 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Czech Technical University in Prague (ČVUT)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020ČVUT is a key strategic partner in multiple projects. ČVUT coordinates the European Digital Innovation Hub CTU (EDIH CTU), in which Pii participates. The Czech Institute of Informatics, Robotics and Cybernetics (CIIRC) at ČVUT collaborates with Pii on the Cogni Trainee cognitive function monitoring system and polytechnic education projects. Pii also participates in the Prague Smart Accelerator and other innovation initiatives with ČVUT.
• Charles University (UK / Univerzita Karlova)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Charles University is a key academic partner in Prague's innovation ecosystem. UK researchers are represented on the Prague Innovation Council (Pražská inovační rada). UK is a partner in the iDZ Praha project for education support. University representatives participate in innovation platforms coordinated by the institute.
• CISE – Centre for Innovation and Economic Development (Italy)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020CISE (LP01) is the lead partner in the Moving Towards Aerospace (MAE) Interreg Europe project. The project involves partners from 7 regions working to support small and medium enterprises in the aerospace and space technology sector through policy improvements and ecosystem development.
• University of Chemistry and Technology Prague (VŠCHT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVŠCHT is a key academic partner in the Prague innovation ecosystem, participating in the iDZ Praha education project. Representatives are on the Prague Innovation Council. The university brings expertise in chemistry, biotechnology, and sustainable technologies relevant to circular economy initiatives.
• Municipality of Forlì (Italy)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPP02 partner in the MAE Interreg Europe project. Collaborates with other European regions to support transformation of manufacturing supply chains in the aerospace sector.
• South-West Oltenia Regional Development Agency (Romania)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPP03 partner in the MAE Interreg Europe project focused on aerospace industry transformation across European regions.
• Nordland County Council (Norway)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPP04 partner in the MAE Interreg Europe project focused on aerospace sector transformation in European regions.
• Galicia Innovation Agency (Spain)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPP05 partner in the MAE Interreg Europe project for aerospace ecosystem development.
• Delft University of Technology (Netherlands)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPP06 partner in the MAE Interreg Europe project. TU Delft contributes expertise in aerospace technologies and innovation ecosystem development.
• Clare County Council (Ireland)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPP08 partner in the MAE Interreg Europe project for aerospace industry transformation across European regions.
• City of Delft (Netherlands)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerASP partner in the MAE Interreg Europe project contributing to aerospace ecosystem development.
• KokozacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKokoza is an associated partner in the Circular Schools program, providing expertise in composting and urban agriculture. The organization conducts practical workshops with students and teachers in Prague schools on circular economy topics including composting and food waste reduction.
• ReKávacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerReKáva (Re- Káva) is an associated partner in the Circular Schools program, focused on reuse and upcycling activities. The organization conducts creative upcycling workshops for children and supports swap events in schools.
• SWAP PraguecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSWAP Prague is an associated partner in the Circular Schools program, contributing to reuse and circular economy education. Supports schools in organizing swap events as part of the circular schools initiative.
• Zachraň jídlocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerZachraň jídlo (Rescue Food) is an associated partner in the Circular Schools program, focusing on food waste prevention. The organization delivers the 'Zachraň jídlo, neplýtvej' workshop combined with cooking 'rescue' recipes in schools.
• Institut INPROminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInstitut INPRO is the Czech partner in the Erasmus+ Circular Schools – Towards Circular Schools through Inclusive Education project. Collaborates with Pii and partners from Slovakia, Italy, and Portugal.
• Živá záhrada (Slovakia)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSlovak partner in the Erasmus+ Circular Schools project. Hosted an international meeting at their composting social enterprise in Leopoldov. Contributes to the development of circular education tools across European schools.
• CEIPES (Italy)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPalermo-based organization representing Italy in the Erasmus+ Circular Schools project. Participates in international meetings and development of educational tools for circular economy in schools.
• AINOVA (Portugal)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization from Amadora, Portugal, participating in the Erasmus+ Circular Schools project. Hosted the third international meeting in Lisbon. Contributes to developing circular education resources across Europe.
• T-MobilecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerT-Mobile was selected as the winner of the public procurement for developing the Cogni Trainee audiovisual software system for early detection of neurodegenerative diseases. T-Mobile brings Deutsche Telekom's e-health capabilities and enterprise market expertise to the project, collaborating with the National Institute of Mental Health.
• National Institute of Mental Health (Národní ústav duševního zdraví)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners with Pii and T-Mobile in the Cogni Trainee cognitive function monitoring project. Provides clinical expertise for the development of early detection tools for neurodegenerative diseases.
• CzechInvestcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCzechInvest is a key ecosystem partner. The institute cooperates with CzechInvest on initiatives like the Prague Smart Accelerator and the Innovate Prague brand. CzechInvest's Dealroom platform provides data for the Prague Innovation Report. Representatives participate in the Prague Innovation Council.
• Czech Academy of Sciences (AV ČR)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Czech Academy of Sciences is represented on the Prague Innovation Council and participates in Prague's innovation ecosystem coordination. Contributes research expertise to innovation platforms and strategy development.
• City of Prague / Prague City Hall (Hlavní město Praha / MHMP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe City of Prague is the founder and primary funder of Pii. The city council provides strategic direction through the Prague Innovation Council (Pražská inovační rada), approves the regional innovation strategy (RIS3), and co-funds projects including iDZ Praha, Prague Smart Accelerator, and others.
• Czech Technical University / CIIRC ČVUTcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCIIRC (Czech Institute of Informatics, Robotics and Cybernetics) at ČVUT collaborates with Pii on the Cogni Trainee project for early diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases and on polytechnic education innovation. CIIRC is represented on the Prague Innovation Council.
• Czech Gaming Association (Česká asociace herních vývojářů)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Czech Gaming Development Association (GDA), led by Pavel Barák, supports the Prague Game Accelerator. The association's expertise validates the program and provides industry connections for participating student teams.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Helsinki Partners: City of Helsinki-owned entity driving investment, talent and innovation attraction for the capital region. Comparable in mandate (city-led innovation and talent funnel) and structure (public-benefit city-owned vehicle), though anchored in a different geography.
• Estonian Business and Innovation Agency (EIS): Publicly funded national/city-level agency delivering startup support, innovation policy and EU-funded digitalisation programmes across Estonia. Highly comparable as a public-purpose innovation intermediary combining programme delivery, internationalisation, and EU project participation.
• Tehnopol Science and Business Park: Estonian state-backed science and business park providing incubation, acceleration and innovation services to startups and SMEs. Comparable as a publicly mandated tech/innovation hub combining events, programmes, and ecosystem coordination.
• Jihomoravské inovační centrum (JIC): South Moravian regional innovation agency supporting startups, education, and smart specialisation around Brno. Closest Czech analogue: both Pii and JIC act as publicly backed single-region orchestrators of RIS3-style activities, talent programmes, and university partnerships.
• Barcelona Activa: Municipal economic development agency of the City of Barcelona supporting entrepreneurship, business growth, education-to-employment programmes, and city innovation strategy. Closely mirrors Pii's mix of city-mandated programmes spanning startups, training, and urban innovation.
• Vienna Business Agency: City of Vienna's business and innovation agency offering free consulting, incubator programmes, grants, and EU-project support to startups and SMEs. Near-perfect functional analogue to Pii within another EU capital.

Others

• European Digital Innovation Hubs Network (EDIHs): Pan-EU network of EDIHs delivering "Test Before Invest", training, and AI Helpdesk services under the Digital Europe Programme. Pii participates via EDIH CTU; the network itself is the natural comparator for evaluating the institute's AI/digital delivery footprint within the Czech and EU ecosystem.
• Invest in Prague: Sister economic-development and promotion entity associated with Prague City Hall, focused on attracting investment, talent and events to Prague. Adjacent rather than directly competitive, but operates in the same municipal economic-development orbit and shares stakeholder base.

Broad incumbents

• CzechInvest: National investment promotion and innovation development agency under the Czech Ministry of Industry. Operates one organisational layer above Pii (national vs. regional), but is a core partner on the Prague Innovation Council, Innovate Prague branding, and Prague Smart Accelerator, with a broad mandate covering FDI, startups, and innovation support.
• Nesta: UK innovation foundation working on education, innovation policy, and city/scale-up programmes. Analogous at the broader level as a purpose-driven organisation applying programme design and research to innovation and education outcomes, though at national rather than city scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/prazsky_inovacni_institut
• Facebookfacebook.com/prazskyinovacni
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/prazsky-inovacni-institut

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Pražský inovační institut