Zlín research heads to space. TBU Centre of Polymer Systems showcased at Czech Space Week 2026
9. November 2026What applications can advanced polymeric materials find in space technologies? Representatives of the Centre of Polymer Systems (CPS) at Tomas Bata University (TBU) in Zlín searched for answers to this question as well, attending the international Space2Business event as part of the Czech Space Week 2026 festival on November 3 and 4. The event took place in the prestigious premises of the Czernin Palace in Prague, offering an opportunity to meet with experts, companies, and research institutions active in the space industry.
Tomas Bata University was represented by Prof. Ivo Kuřitka, Dr. Pavel Urbánek, and other scientists from the Centre of Polymer Systems. Their participation follows the center’s strategic interest in researching materials and technologies applicable to space activities.
“The space industry represents an extraordinarily interesting field where cutting-edge technology, materials research, and innovation intersect. For us, it is essential to offer expert knowledge and research outcomes while connecting with partners who can directly apply them. Participating in Czech Space Week allows us to showcase our capabilities and seek new opportunities for collaboration. It is a exceptionally well-organized event that brings together key representatives of the Czech space industry in one place,” says Prof. Ivo Kuřitka from the Centre of Polymer Systems at TBU, who serves as the guarantor of the Nanomaterials and Advanced Technologies research group.
Polymer Materials Have Their Place in Space
Materials used in space technologies must meet exceptionally demanding requirements. Depending on their specific application, they must withstand conditions such as vacuum, extreme temperature fluctuations, ultraviolet and ionizing radiation, or the effects of atomic oxygen. This is precisely where opportunities open up for the application of advanced polymer systems, composite materials, and nanotechnologies.
However, before new materials can be utilized, they must be thoroughly tested. This is one of the reasons why the Centre of Polymer Systems at TBU is building a research infrastructure capable of testing materials on Earth under selected simulated space environment conditions. Particular attention is given to the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) environment, where thousands of satellites are currently launched every year.
Developing research activities in fields such as aerospace, the defense industry, and space technologies contributes to creating and growing an innovative ecosystem that connects key players involved in research and manufacturing within these sectors.
“We see a major opportunity primarily in connecting our research competencies with the specific needs of companies and other organizations active in the space sector. It is important not only to present what we can do, but also to understand the technological challenges our partners are solving and where specifically we can contribute—whether through the development of advanced materials, the characterization of their properties, or the development of testing methods for their durability. Personal meetings and expert discussions are vital for fostering such collaboration. And it is certainly no surprise that our center is directing considerable energy into innovative research in this field, given that many companies with a strong presence in the aerospace and space industry operate in the Zlín Region. This field is also one of the strategic domain pillars of the regional innovation strategy of the Zlín Region,” adds Dr. Pavel Urbánek from CPS TBU.
From Research to Concrete Collaboration
Space2Business is the largest industry event focused on the space sector in Central and Eastern Europe. Every year, it brings together Czech and international companies, startups, investors, research organizations, universities, and government representatives. The program features expert discussions, workshops, and targeted B2B meetings.
For the Centre of Polymer Systems at TBU, participating in this event is part of a systematic effort to build contacts with partners in the space, defense, and aerospace sectors. Last year, representatives of the center successfully conducted a series of meetings with industrial partners that led to joint project preparations, while also establishing contacts with research institutions, including Istanbul Technical University.
The goal of these activities is to strengthen Tomas Bata University’s position in both the domestic and international research environments and to explore new opportunities to transfer the results of Zlín’s materials research into technologically demanding industrial sectors.
