RVactuators Launches in Dolní Břežany: A Strategic Hub for Scientific Innovation

Dolní Břežany—a unique innovation cluster near Prague—is now home to RVactuators, a scientific startup set to redefine actuation technologies by merging materials science, precision physics, and real-world industrial applications.

In 2024, we officially launched RVactuators with a bold mission. When deciding where to base our headquarters, one location stood out — Dolní Břežany, Czech Republic.

Why Dolní Břežany?

On the map, it may look like an ordinary village south of Prague—just 45 minutes from the center. But stepping into Dolní Břežany feels like entering the future. Its village center resembles a university campus, with clean, modern architecture and green, walkable spaces designed for people.

Thanks to collaboration between local government, the Academy of Sciences, EU funding, and high-tech R&D centers, Dolní Břežany fosters one of the most inspiring research ecosystems in Europe. Together with Vestec and Zlatníky-Hodkovice, it forms the STAR Region, home to over 1,000 scientists in a community of just 10,000.

“From the moment I arrived, I felt at home as a scientist. The technical discussions with colleagues and the supportive environment are both enriching and inspiring.”
— Prof. Dr. Rastislav Varga

Strategic Proximity to Research Excellence

Dolní Břežany provides direct access to the Czech Academy of Sciences, particularly the Institute of Physics, where our co-founder and chief advisor, Prof. Varga, leads groundbreaking research. This close relationship allows us to collaborate with top physicists and engineers daily, while using infrastructure like advanced laser systems and material testing tools—resources rarely available elsewhere.

A Scientific Powerhouse Disguised as a Town

Dolní Břežany may appear as a quiet municipality south of Prague, but it sits at the heart of the STAR Region (Science and Technology Advanced Region). This geographic cluster includes Dolní Břežany, Vestec, and Zlatníky-Hodkovice. This region boasts:

ELI Beamlines: Europe’s flagship laser research center, home to the most intense laser systems in the world. As the European Laser Research Center and part of the scientific organization, the Extreme Light Infrastructure ERIC provides international scientific teams with access to unique laser technologies. At ELI Beamlines, a big international team of scientists works on the most powerful laser systems in the world. These technologies give researchers access to unique tools enabling groundbreaking research not only in physics and materials science, but also in biomedicine and laboratory astrophysics. ELI is a center focused on fundamental physical research and represents the largest scientific project in the history of the Czech Republic. Currently, we employ 330 staff members from over 30 countries worldwide.

HiLASE Centre: Leading research & development centre that provides innovative laser technologies and solutions by connecting scientific excellence with industrial demands, focused on laser development for industrial and medical applications. Under one roof, HiLASE Centre develops the next generation of high-power Diode Pumped Solid State Lasers, while at the same time, exploits these unique light sources for a wide range of hi-tech industrial applications such as Laser Shock Peening, Laser Induced Damage Threshold testing, and Laser Micro-Machining.

BIOCEV: A cutting-edge biomedical and biotechnology center. BIOCEV is a joint project of six institutes of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic (Institute of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biotechnology, Institute of Microbiology, Institute of Physiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, and Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry) and two faculties of Charles University in Prague (Faculty of Science and 1st Faculty of Medicine). The project’s goal is to establish a European Centre of Excellence in biomedicine and biotechnology.

InnoCrystal: An innovation and business support center for technology startups. A unique biotech incubator housed in a space with distinctive architecture and interiors, bringing together ideas, people, companies, and projects.

Rigaku Innovative Technologies Europe: One of the three key R&D and innovation centers of Japanese company Rigaku Corporation, together with the research centers in Tokyo and Detroit. Rigaku develops and manufactures X-ray instruments for research and industry. RITE was established as a specialized European branch focused on research, development, and production, primarily in the areas of X-ray optics, X-ray detectors, and other specialized products.

DIANA Biotechnologies: A biotech company at the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry (IOCB), Academy of Sciences in Prague, to build on its global reputation and strong track record in drug discovery. The company has raised substantial venture capital funding and has been awarded exclusive global rights to the DIANA technology. The team combines a unique set of expertise in medical and organic chemistry, biochemistry, and pharmacology, enabling us to harness the power of DIANA technology in clinical diagnostics, academic research, and the development of monoclonal antibodies and drug discovery services.

Brain4Industry: The consortium of research institutes, top scientific institutions, and technology companies that helps small and medium-sized manufacturing companies to use innovative digital solutions, additive manufacturing systems, material characterization and prototyping, artificial intelligence, and accompanying educational and consulting services to strengthen their competitiveness and transform production towards higher value products.

Motivation, Mindset, and Momentum

RVactuators thrives in Dolní Břežany not only due to the infrastructure, but also because of its motivating atmosphere. The town and its surrounding institutions form a tight-knit, yet internationally connected community of visionary entrepreneurs, expert researchers, ambitious students, and professionals.

Every meeting, seminar, or coffee break presents opportunities to exchange ideas, initiate collaborations, and uncover new scientific insights. We are here because of the people, the culture of innovation, and the collective momentum that drives deep-tech ventures forward.

A Supportive Ecosystem for Startups

The STAR Region isn’t just about science; it’s about turning science into real-world solutions. As a startup, we benefit from:

• EU-backed innovation programs and funding opportunities
• Tailored educational and mentoring programs via B4I Academy
• Proximity to Prague and its world-class universities
• A supportive local government that values research and entrepreneurship

Notably, the long-serving former mayor of Dolní Břežany, Ing. Věslav Michalik, CSc., was himself a nuclear physicist and champion of transforming the area into a research and innovation hub. After his impactful service as the mayor from 2004 to 2022, the main square holds his name.

A Place That Embodies Our Mission

RVactuators is building the future of:

• Robotics
• Energy systems
• Smart infrastructure

And Dolní Břežany helps us bring this future to life. Here, we can:

• Test and prototype advanced materials
• Work alongside world-class experts
• Scale research into practical, industrial applications

Dolní Břežany is not just where we work—it’s a part of who we are.

This village is more than our headquarters—it’s our launchpad, our scientific base, and our innovation community. Here, the future is engineered, not imagined.

We’re proud to grow our roots in Dolní Břežany and invite fellow innovators to discover why this place is so extraordinary.