PRAGUE, June 17, 2025 – Although the announcement of the results of the 5th edition of the Czech Industry Challenge focused on the announcement of a new group of Inspirational Leaders in Industry and Construction from the ranks of entities, for the first time it also presented two individual winners in managerial and employee roles. The Czech Industry Personality of the Year 2025 was Professor Ing. Stanislav Mišák, Ph.D., and the Inspirational Talent was Věra Kosová. The gala evening took place at the Grand Bohemia Hotel in Prague and was themed around the concept of space and supporting the spread of awareness of “Czech journeys to space”. The gala event was moderated by Ivana Češková, Director of the Czech Association of Science Centres.
Stanislav Mišák is the Director of the Centre for Energy and Environmental Technologies (CEET), a renowned university institute of the University of Science and Technology of the Czech Republic focused on research and development in the field of low-carbon and sustainable energy in accordance with the principles of the circular economy. He devotes his professional life to research and development of low-carbon technologies for ensuring raw material independence and energy self-sufficiency of the Czech Republic. He is the leader of the National Energy Centre, bringing together more than 30 research organisations and industrial partners in the field of modern energy. He is the principal investigator of many research and strategic projects at national and international level and is active in consortia addressing current topics such as decarbonisation of energy.
The five-member expert jury selected Professor Mišák from a shortlist of nominees for his outstanding managerial merits in the field of applied research and development of modern sustainable energy. In addition to his contribution to the Czech industry, the jury also considered how much added value this person has so far positively contributed to building the reputation of the Czech Republic abroad.
Thanks to Mišák’s emphasis on transferring research into practice, the introduction of innovative technologies in industry is being accelerated, contributing to energy self-sufficiency, reduced emissions and more efficient use of raw materials. His leadership of the National Energy Centre also creates a bridge between academia and business, supports the creation of new jobs and helps companies and regions better prepare for the transition to a low-carbon economy. The result is greater competitiveness for Czech industry, stronger international cooperation and a positive impact on the environment and quality of life.
His work achievements to date include 200 applied results; 20 patents; CEETe – a unique chain of technologies that can process alternative fuels (hence waste) and convert them into energy and H2O. Also worth mentioning are the 473 photovoltaic panels with an output of 90.5 MWh; the 193 m2 vertical garden; and the processing of up to 1.2 tonnes of waste per day, saving up to 1 tonne of CO2 compared to conventional landfill.
Photo source 2: Centre for Energy and Environmental Technologies (CEET), VŠB-TUO
Stanislav Mišák (46) is recognized for his vision, systematic approach and ability to connect experts across sectors. His colleagues and partners value his long-term commitment to sustainable energy, as well as his ability to inspiringly lead multidisciplinary teams and create an environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. He is a respected leader with the expertise to listen, build trust and strategically manage complex projects.
Finally, the motto that guides this year’s Personality in life and work is: “The only thing that limits us is our limitless imagination.”
Photo 3: Věra Kosová (right) is an Inspirational Talent in the industry. She received the award from Kateřina Vonderková of Kaprain Group/ Author of the photo – Zuzana Fajmonová
INSPIRATIONAL TALENT OF THE YEAR 2025: Věra Kosová has been working at Saint-Gobain ADFORS CZ since 2021 as a weaver. Her strong life story shows that even when life brings a person to his knees, he can come back stronger and overcome even the biggest obstacles. And then be an inspiration to others.
Vera (32) is an extremely talented young artist. She was born in 1993 in Svitavy, where she still lives. Since childhood she was inclined to creative activities, but during her adolescence she started to suffer from depression, which she solved by indulging in alcohol. After several years of addiction and withdrawal collapse, she found herself in the care of psychiatrists, where she discovered art therapy as a form of treatment.
Art therapy became her springboard for art making. Věra soon began exhibiting her work in Svitavy and the surrounding area, but her real breakthrough came with exhibitions in Prague and later abroad. She gained international recognition especially in Belgium and Italy, where she was awarded prestigious prizes such as
International Prize Pegasus for the Arts. Her works are included in art albums and catalogues, such as Contemporary Celebrity Masters Vol. III and Bruxelles Art Vue.
In 2022, she presented “Against the Odds”, a project that tells her story of overcoming alcohol addiction and achieving long-term sobriety through art and music. The project aims to help and motivate people suffering from mental illness or addiction. The programme includes video screenings, musical performances and discussions with people who have experience of addiction. Proceeds from the events are donated to the Centre for Addiction Treatment – RENADI. The project also visits high schools in the Pardubice Region to talk openly with students about prevention.
“My work is generally based on the power of emotions, and it is the human face on which emotions are highly legible. It is not for nothing that they say that the eyes are the window to the soul. By using only two primary colors, I give the observer the space to focus on the facial expression itself and take in the atmosphere of the image. The intention of my work is to remind people what is important in life. In today’s digital, property and power influenced world, basic values are often forgotten. At the same time, I want my work to emphasize the power of women”, explains the source of inspiration for her artwork Věra Kosová, painter and employee at Saint-Gobain ADFORS CZ. Věra Kosová has already had more than 50 exhibitions in the Czech Republic and abroad. As one of the few Czech artists, two of her works were projected on a large screen in Times Square in New York.
Photo archive.
“A single talented worker can help make an employer and its region more visible. It is therefore important and beneficial for the management of companies to know their employees, their interests, abilities, stories and to develop their potential,” says Kateřina Škopková, founder of the Czech Industry Challenge (CICH).
The jury, which selected this year’s winning Personality and Inspirational Talent in Czech Industry and Construction in June, consisted of Jana Chuchvalcová, Michael Málek, Ivan Heisler, Vojtěch Srnka, headed by the jury chairman, PhDr. František Petružalk. The organizing team would like to thank all the mentioned experts for their evaluation.
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