New law on research, development, innovation and knowledge transfer
Good news for innovation! The new law on research, development, innovation and knowledge transfer from January 2026 simplifies cooperation with research organizations.
Three specific benefits for startups and long-term innovating companies:
1️⃣ FASTER ACCESS TO LICENSES Organizational units of the state and state contributory organizations will be able to conclude licensing agreements for the results of their own research without the consent of the founder. Shorter negotiations, less bureaucracy.
2️⃣ MORE FAVORABLE COOPERATION CONDITIONS Providers of targeted support for applied research and innovation projects should set criteria supporting cooperation with business entities when evaluating projects. The government will also establish clear rules for sharing results and intellectual property rights – clear conditions from the beginning of cooperation.
3️⃣ SAFER RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT, INVESTMENT PROTECTION The law introduces mandatory protection systems against illegitimate influence on research, cybernetic and information security of research, and systematic assessment of security risks for all foreign collaborators and interns. Research organizations must ensure that sensitive results and technologies cannot be easily misused or replicated in unexpected ways, thereby ensuring more effective protection of investments in joint research.
Are you interested in specific opportunities to utilize these changes in your field? Contact one of our partners at Michal Matějka.
