TBU’s Faculty of Applied Informatics Marks 20 Years since Its Founding
4. May 2026The Faculty of Applied Informatics (FAI) at Tomas Bata University in Zlín is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its establishment this year. The milestone symbolically builds on more than four decades of teaching and research in automation and process control, with origins dating back to 1986.
The faculty was founded in 2006 as the natural culmination of the long-term development of departments focused on cybernetics, automation and computing technology, becoming the university’s fourth independent faculty. The official inauguration of the faculty and its first Dean, Vladimír Vašek, took place on 23 May 2006 at the new campus in Jižní Svahy in Zlín. From the outset, the faculty was well equipped in terms of both staff and facilities and offered degree programmes focused on process automation and security technologies.
“Over the past two decades, the Faculty of Applied Informatics has developed into a modern educational and research institution that responds flexibly to technological trends and the needs of industry,” said former Dean of the FAI and current Rector of Tomas Bata University, Milan Adámek.
Dynamic Growth in Education and Research
Since its establishment, the faculty has significantly expanded its portfolio of degree programmes. In addition to its traditional focus on automation and control, it now offers programmes in computer science, software engineering, security technologies and intelligent systems. These programmes are available at all levels of higher education – from Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees to doctoral studies and habilitation proceedings.
“Applicant interest has consistently been highest in the Bachelor’s programme in Software Engineering. We have also seen growing demand for programmes focused on robotics, automation and security technologies,” said FAI Dean Jiří Vojtěšek. Student numbers have fluctuated in line with demographic trends – currently, the faculty educates more than 1,600 students, with a peak of nearly 1,900 students recorded in 2010.
In research, the faculty has experienced substantial growth, particularly through its involvement in major national and international projects. A key milestone was the establishment of the Regional Research Centre for Security, Information and Advanced Technologies (CEBIA-Tech). Projects in artificial intelligence and contract research also play an important role.
Strong Facilities and Industry Collaboration
The faculty benefits from a modern campus with high-quality laboratory facilities. Students have access to specialised workplaces, including a unique robotics laboratory focused on industrial automation, robotics and artificial intelligence. The faculty also houses the ICT Science and Technology Park, which connects academia with businesses and supports student start-ups.
Notable Figures
The faculty is also associated with Karel Kolomazník, a distinguished scientist and recipient of prestigious awards, including the Czech Head Award for Natural Sciences. His research into processing waste from the leather industry has received international recognition, including the Rolex Awards for Enterprise.
Responding to New Challenges
The faculty actively responds to current technological trends, including the development of artificial intelligence. “We expect certain changes in the labour market, particularly in junior software development positions. Our degree programmes place strong emphasis on practical skills, ensuring that graduates remain highly employable,” added Dean Jiří Vojtěšek. In the near future, the faculty plans to reaccredit its degree programmes and further develop them in areas such as intelligent buildings, measurement and control systems.
Anniversary Celebrations
Celebrations marking the FAI’s 20th anniversary are taking place throughout 2026. In early March, the traditional FAI(n) Ball was held. The main celebrations culminated on 29 April with a ceremonial gathering at the Municipal Theatre in Zlín. In autumn, the faculty plans to host a reunion for alumni and former university staff.
As it enters its third decade, the Faculty of Applied Informatics at TBU in Zlín remains a stable and respected institution that makes a significant contribution to education, research and innovation in both the region and the Czech Republic as a whole.