
The Czech Republic has launched the TWIST Program (Transfer, Research, Development, and Innovation for Strategic Technologies) as a key part of its strategy to enhance technological innovation and economic growth. Approved by the government on June 5th, 2024, the program is scheduled to run from 2025 to 2031, with a significant budget of 5 billion CZK. TWIST is designed to promote development in innovative fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technologies, semiconductors, and microelectronics.
The primary goal of the TWIST program is to transform research and development outputs into practical applications, ensuring that innovations contribute directly to the country’s economic competitiveness and global technological standing.

Program Structure and Subprograms
The TWIST program is organized into three subprograms, each addressing a specific dimension of innovation:
1. Applied Research in Strategic Areas
This sub-program supports projects that combine industrial research and experimental development, aiming to improve production efficiency and introduce new products or services. Eligible applicants include enterprises, with the possibility of partnering with research organizations.
2. Innovation into Practice
Designed to integrate innovations into business operations, this subprogram emphasizes the practical application of research and development results. Eligible applicants are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
3. Knowledge Transfer Vouchers
This sub-program aims to support projects that utilize existing scientific research results in business practice, facilitating the acquisition of necessary know-how through licenses or equity purchases from research organizations. Eligible applicants include small and medium-sized enterprises, startups, and spin-offs.

First Call for AI Projects
On December 3rd, 2024, the Ministry of Industry and Trade issued the first public call for projects under Subprogram 1, targeting proposals that incorporate artificial intelligence to develop advanced products or business processes. This initiative has earmarked 700 million CZK for funding, with individual projects eligible for up to 30 million CZK, covering a maximum of 70% of eligible costs.
Eligible applicants include businesses of all sizes across the Czech Republic. Each project must deliver at least one of the specified outcomes, such as a utility model, industrial design, prototype, functional sample, semi-operation, verified technology, software, or a digital solution as defined in the call documentation.
Key details for this call include:
- Project Duration: Maximum of 24 months, starting between March 1st and September 1st, 2025.
- Application Period: From December 4th, 2024, to February 12th, 2025.
- Application Submission: Through the MPO TWIST portal: https://aisportal.mpo.gov.cz/TWIST/
- Results Announcement: By August 13th, 2025.
Strategic Alignment and Goals
The TWIST program is firmly rooted in national and European strategies. It aligns with the National Research and Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialization (RIS3) 2021–2027, prioritizing the enhancement of firms’ innovation capacity and the adoption of digital technologies. It also supports the goals outlined in the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and the Digital Economy and Society Concept, focusing on driving digital transformation across industries.
Key objectives of TWIST include:
- Boosting Innovation in Established Firms: By supporting industrial transformation and technological adaptation, TWIST strengthens value creation, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), while improving their integration into global value chains.
- Encouraging New Business Growth: TWIST creates favorable conditions for the emergence of technology-driven startups in high-growth sectors, fostering entrepreneurship and increasing the number of innovative firms in the Czech Republic.
- Advancing Digitalization and Technology Adoption: With an emphasis on AI, blockchain, robotics, and Industry 4.0 principles, the program supports modernization across industries, ensuring the Czech economy remains competitive globally.
Expected Impact
By promoting collaboration between research institutions and businesses, TWIST seeks to transform the Czech Republic’s innovation ecosystem. The program accelerates the adoption of advanced technologies, drives digital innovation, and supports the growth of new and established businesses. This approach is expected to boost economic growth, increase value-added production, and create lasting benefits for the country’s economy. With its robust funding and strategic vision, TWIST positions the Czech Republic as a leader in global technological innovation.
https://www.enovation.cz/eu-dotace/operacni-program/programy-mpo/program-twist
https://www.mpo.gov.cz/cz/podnikani/podpora-vyzkumu-a-vyvoje/program-twist/program-twist–282314/
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