Mission to Texas: TBU Strengthens Cooperation with Local University
24. March 2026From 9 to 15 March 2026, a significant business mission organised by the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade to the United States took place, led by Minister of Industry and Trade Karel Havlíček. Representatives of Tomas Bata University in Zlín were also part of the Zlín Region delegation, headed by Governor Radim Holiš, including the Rector Prof. Milan Adámek and the Dean of the Faculty of Applied Informatics Assoc. Prof. Jiří Vojtěšek.
The primary aim of the TBU’s participation in the mission was to establish and develop contacts with American academic partners. The programme began in Washington, D.C., where a series of meetings were held with founders of successful technology start-ups.
The next stop was Austin, Texas. In addition to discussions on cooperation between the academic and public sectors, the delegation also visited the renowned Tesla Gigafactory.
However, the key part of the programme was the visit to St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, a partner institution of Tomas Bata University. Following a tour of the laboratories, particularly the drone laboratory, a meeting took place with the Dean of the local faculty. The main topic of discussion was the expansion of cooperation between St. Mary’s University and Tomas Bata University. At the same time, arrangements were discussed for a one-month placement of students from St. Mary’s University at the Faculty of Applied Informatics in May this year. During their stay, the students will focus on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
The final part of the visit in San Antonio included a meeting at The University of Texas, where representatives of TBU initiated discussions on potential future collaboration with this prestigious institution.
