interview If you want to quickly solve essential issues with the help of science, you have to cooperate with the best people and have the necessary know-how. The story of Ladislav Mareš and Nanospider technology is absolutely unique. He is probably the only person in the world who was able to connect all the top nanofiber professionals and promote cooperation. And now new nanofiber materials for water filtration are being created with Professor Seeram Ramakrishna from Singapore, who is the world´s top scientist in nanofiber technologies. Is your work more managerial than purely scientific? It is both, it cannot be separated. Amongst other things that Nafigate brought to the global market, there is the development of new energetically efficient technologies for the generation of nanofiber membranes for water and air filtration, the textile industry, and batteries. This sounds quite complicated for a nonprofessional. Yet, it is basically marketing. Sure, marketing definitely plays a key role in introducing and explaining new projects. We must clearly explain what is new about the technology or an application, especially what benefits it brings. It is neither easy nor cheap to do so. Is science marketing very specific? Yes, it must present complicated ideas to nonprofessionals, ideas from another world, from an academic environment. On top of this, academic people often perceive marketing negatively, as a degradation of their work. This year we had great success in our marketing. For the Czech-Chinese project Hydal Biotechnology, we received an award equivalent to a technological Oscar - The Frost and Sullivan Innovation Award. Is it hard to persuade technological companies of the need to present their ideas? Regarding technological companies, it is easier than with the academic community. Companies are commercial enterprises and they understand that they have to sell, and in today´s world it is not easy to persuade someone to buy what they don´t want. It is much more difficult with scientific discoveries and ideas coming from the academic sphere. The problem is not only a minimal understanding of science and research marketing, but a total underestimation of the financial side. Marketing must be professional and it costs a lot of money. Why have you started the first global portal on the subject of nanofibers? Was there a lack of information from the field? Nanotechnologies are a very young field, and there is not enough awareness about them, especially among the public. Therefore we decided to create a portal as a tool for building a nanofiber community. What is the connection between Nafigate and the world exposition EXPO 2015 in Milan? Where can visitors find you?
IN COOPERATION WITH Czech LEADERS
From left: Gary Jeffery, Partner, Director - UK Operations Frost & Sullivan, Daniel Pohludka, Project Manager, Hydal Biotech, Lenka Mynářová, Member of the Board, Nafigate Corporation a.s., and Kamil Švéda, Strategic Consultant, Nafigate Corporation
The Nafigate Corporation is one of the partners of the Czech Republic at EXPO Milan. Visitors will see us right next to the entrance to the EXPO, as well as in the pavilion. Outside, in the swimming pool, there is an amazing monument which people call “bird-car”. It is a monument by Lukáš Rittstein which is called Hydal – Free FormGate. Its heart beats on bioplastic from Hydal technology. It is unique for the fact that it runs on used deep-frying oil. The oil is 100% waste material, and therefore the technology does not take plants from the food chain for energy. The monument is also a fountain, because in the Life Laboratory you will have an opportunity to see our demonstration device for water filtration. You will see dead water become living water. Have you seen the Czech pavilion yet? Where else will you be present? Yes, I have seen the pavilion and I like it very much. Of course, I am most proud of our monument. It is an expression of the world of nature and the world of science, and the techniques we use to connect the two. And that is the very thing our technology is doing – it gives nature, our planet and its people what they need. They eyes of the whole world will focus on Milan. What is the position of Czech scientists in comparison to the rest of the world? What about in your area? In nanofibers and Hydal Biotechnology we are the best in the world. This is illustrated by the Frost and Sullivan Award, where we received an independent evaluation from tens of experts from all over the world, and their evaluation was excellent. All of our conclusions are reached in connection with Czech or international scientists. So, we may serve as an example that cooperation is possible, and that you
can reach the top of the world right here from the Czech Republic. What are your plans for after the EXPO? Are you planning a conference in Prague or something similar? The EXPO, projects in China and Singapore, and projects in the Czech Republic and other countries have been really exhausting and demanding. I have also participated in an international conference on bioplastic, where I was a key speaker, and another one is awaiting me at the end of May. We want to handle all activities in the best possible manner. So, I will leave any future planning for when it is all over. Did you somehow use your managerial skills while bringing up your four children? Well I don´t really know, you will have to ask them. However, I certainly used my knowledge of where the world is heading. So in our family the following specializations are “allowed”: nanotechnology, mechatronics, biotechnology, and IT. These specializations really guarantee that you will get a job anywhere in the world. One of my sons follows in my footsteps and focuses on marketing. What makes a leader, in your opinion? For me, a leader is a person who has a vision of the future. And the inner strength to realize this vision, and get other people to believe in it. A leader also bears the responsibility of realizing their goals, and overcomes hard times. Last but not least, a leader has morals and character. Today there is a critical shortage of leaders. And the same goes for talent. Prepared by CL ■ české znění naleznete v elektronické verzi magazínu na www.czechleaders.com
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