Velvet Innovation: Ambition as the Engine of Business and Innovation. The International Conference in Brno Unveils Its Program

The conference will kick off with a keynote lecture by John Elkington, a leading British expert in sustainable business. His presentation will launch a segment focused on alternative business approaches that transform entire industries. Following him will be another prominent figure, Erinch Sahan from the Doughnut Economics Action Lab, based on the concept by Kate Raworth from Oxford University. In his talk, he will present the model of the so-called doughnut economics, which shifts the focus from economic growth to include the planet's ecological boundaries. Sustainability in leadership and company management will be addressed by Lenka Novotná from Plastia and Vratislav Kalenda from Applifting. Sustainability will be a recurring theme at the conference, with Cyril Klepek from Cyrkl speaking specifically about economic sustainability in companies.

The "Business of Feeling Good" segment will feature presentations and discussions mainly concerning the health-tech and well-being sector. It will begin with a keynote by Matthew DiFranca on the future of health technologies, followed by a panel discussion with Lukáš Loun from MAIA Labs and Tomáš Studeník from Caelestinus Health Tech Incubator about startups and investments in this sector.
 

There will also be a selection of the best regional innovations and startups. Moderator Soňa Baranová will showcase representatives from successful companies such as Runecast (Stan Markov) and Sewio (Milan Šimek) in fireside chats.
 

Another program block will discuss how the academic sphere can transform top-tier research into thriving startups. Markéta Filipenská will moderate a panel discussion with Petr Přidal, Kaija Pöysti, and Julie Dobrovolná, who will share their experiences in founding academic startups and supporting student entrepreneurship both locally and globally.
 

The program will also include a Startup Showcase, highlighting selected Central European startups showcasing innovative projects with the potential to shape the future of various industries.
 

The conference is intended for representatives of startups, small and medium-sized enterprises, corporations, investors, as well as experts in research, development, academia, and public administration. Tickets are available on the event’s website.

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