Three, two, one, go! It’s finally here. After four years of preparation, a new educational laboratory opened in České Budějovice on Friday, September 25, 2026. The grand opening was attended by over a hundred prominent representatives of public administration, politics, business, innovation, science, and education.
The ceremonial ribbon was cut by the key supporters of OpenLab České Budějovice: Pavel Kozák, Rector of the University of South Bohemia; Jakub Rybář, Government Commissioner for the Popularization of Science (Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports); Dušan Brinzanik, Director of the IOCB Foundation; Miroslava Anděrová, Vice-President of the Czech Academy of Sciences; Dagmar Škodová Parmová, Mayor of the Statutory City of České Budějovice; Libor Grubhoffer, Director of the Biology Centre CAS; and Vojtěch Stehel, Director of the South Bohemian Science and Technology Park.
Three „godmothers“
- Jarmila Ichová – a biology teacher at the Gymnázium Jírovcova in České Budějovice
- Martina Sokolíková – a police officer from the South Bohemian Region, specializing in the prevention of cybercrime
- Alexandra Kala – founder of the company Profimed, entrepreneur, and philanthropist
wished OpenLab České Budějovice a bright future and thousands of enthusiastic students, teachers, and parents.
„It is important to give children and students the chance to try out experiments, look through a microscope, and develop an affinity for science. This is where talents and future discoverers will emerge—bringing forth ideas and amazing breakthroughs that will benefit the entire Czech Republic, and perhaps even the world. What you are doing is wonderful. I am truly delighted by it. I hope this initiative will spread throughout the entire Czech Republic,“ says Alexandra Kala.
Jitka Richtová, head of OpenLab České Budějovice, guided the first visitors through the new educational laboratory. Guests were able to observe children working on experiments under the guidance of lecturers.
The educational laboratory OpenLab České Budějovice was opened under the auspices of the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel; the Governor of the South Bohemian Region, Martin Kuba; and the Mayor of the Statutory City of České Budějovice, Dagmar Škodová Parmová.
Many thanks to all partners and supporters! OpenLab České Budějovice looks forward to welcoming the first school classes.
Watch the video from the grand opening.
