Key topics—regulation, infrastructure, the use of AI in companies, and talent development—were on the agenda of the “Igniting AI Ambitions” conference, organised by the Czech Association for Artificial Intelligence (of which Palacký University is a member) at the Hybernia Theatre in Prague. The event featured discussions on strategic areas of AI development and digital sovereignty. It was attended by Jitka Machalová and Rostislav Vodák, representatives of the Department of Mathematical Analysis and Applications of Mathematics at the UP Faculty of Science.
The conference was structured as a series of four panel discussions involving representatives from public administration, academia, and the private sector. The debates reflected the current challenges and ambitions of the Czech Republic in the field of artificial intelligence, with the need to strategically anchor AI as a key tool for future competitiveness repeatedly emphasised.
AI Regulation
“The first panel addressed the issues of AI regulation, currently one of the hottest debated topics. There appears to be no clear consensus among European stakeholders. On the one hand, there is an emphasis on safety and regulation, which may, however, slow innovation; on the other hand, there is a push for a more flexible approach that supports faster technological development. For the academic community, this implies the need to actively monitor legislative developments, particularly in the context of developing and making proprietary models available,” said Rostislav Vodák.
The second panel discussion focused on AI infrastructure. “We learned that the current capacities of computing and storage systems in the Czech Republic are reaching their limits. The issue of digital sovereignty was also discussed—that is, to what extent data and computing capacities should be under the control of European or national entities,” added Jitka Machalová. In this context, the need for strategic decision-making by institutions regarding where data is stored and who has access to it was also raised. Another interesting topic was the possibility of hybrid computing models combining classical processors with emerging quantum technologies.
How Companies Use AI in Practice
The third panel focused on the implementation of artificial intelligence in companies. The discussion revealed that many businesses are still seeking effective ways to integrate AI into their processes. The most common uses currently centre on supporting administrative and communication activities, such as generating emails or summarising information. Examples were also given of the development of advanced AI agents that could automate the flow of information within organisations. This development raises questions for the university environment as well, particularly regarding how to guide students toward the responsible and meaningful use of AI tools.
The final panel focused on AI talent in the Czech Republic. “The discussion centred on the need to strengthen support for basic research and create conditions that would enable universities to attract and retain top experts. A key role here is played not only by state support but also by collaboration with the applied sector, which is currently focused primarily on supporting the startup ecosystem,” added Rostislav Vodák.
AI Day at Palacký University
Palacký University is a member of the Czech Association of Artificial Intelligence, with the Department of Mathematical Analysis’s Technology Platform entrusted with managing this membership. Jitka Machalová and Rostislav Vodák are active members who help connect the academic community with the national AI community.
“We would like to invite everyone interested to AI Day, themed ‘Artificial Intelligence in Education,’ which will take place on June 16, 2026, at the Faculty of Arts of Palacký University,” said Jitka Machalová.