Czech Discoveries and Intentions

The Czech Republic, a country known for its rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks, is also making waves in the fields of science, technology, and innovation. From groundbreaking medical discoveries to advancements in engineering, the Czech Republic has long been a hub for intellectual curiosity and research. But beyond these accomplishments, the country is also driven by a strong sense of intention—an ambitious vision for the future that seeks to blend tradition with progress.

Electron microscope

Czech physicist Armin Delong introduced the first Czech electron microscope into production in 1949, which later led to the fact that the city of Brno is considered to be the global centre of electron microscopy.

Beer

The first pilsner-style beer was produced in Plzeň in 1842.

Sugar cubes

This common form of sugar was first produced at a sugar mill in the town of Dačice in 1843.

Robot

The word “robot” was coined by Czech writer Karel Čapek.

Lightning rod

The lighting rod was invented by Czech inventor Václav Prokop Diviš in 1754.

Semtex

The plastic explosive is named after Semtín, where it was first manufactured in 1964. The plant was later renamed as Explosia, a subsidiary of Synthesia. Semtex was invented by Czech chemist Stanislav Brebera.

Blood types

Czech neurologist Jan Jánský discovered the four basic blood types in 1907.

Soft contact lenses

Czech inventor Otto Wichterle designed and produced the first soft contact lenses in 1961.

Laws of heredity

Moravian scientist Gregor Mendel discovered the basic laws of heredity and was the first to use biostatic methods in his work, the results of which were initially presented in 1865.

Tatra

Established in 1850, the Czech company Tatra is the third-oldest car manufacturer in the world. One of the world’s oldest factory-made cars is the Tatra Präsident, which was first produced in Kopřivnice in 1897.

Polarography

Physical chemist Jaroslav Heyrovský invented polarography in 1922 and is considered to be the father of electroanalytical chemistry. He received the Nobel Prize for chemistry in 1959.

AIDS drugs

Drugs developed by Czech chemist Antonín Holý are part of the most effective available medications for fighting AIDS, as well as shingles, viral infections of the ocular mucous membranes and hepatitis B.

Kaplan turbine

In 1910-1912, Czech scientist Viktor Kaplan invented the Kaplan turbine, which became the most significant type of turbine used in large hydropower plants around the world.

Screw propeller

The inventor of the maritime screw propeller, Josef Ressel, was from the Czech lands. Ressel had a ship-propulsion system comprising a steam engine and screw of his own design patented in 1827.