Data Report
brnoregion 2025

Explore the latest insights into the Brno region innovation ecosystem. Export cited data on research & development, innovation, business, and employment in South Moravia and Brno. The data report is issued annually by JIC. 

 

Key Sectors

The Brno region is home to hundreds of innovative companies and research teams operating across dozens of industries – from traditional to the most advanced. This diversity is what makes the innovation ecosystem of South Moravia so strong. At the same time, there are areas where we have the potential to join the global elite or, in some cases, already belong there.

Semiconductors and Chips: Brno on the Global Map, a Leader in Design

Semiconductors are a strategic resource of the digital age – they determine the competitiveness of both companies and nations. That is why Europe is launching the Chips Act initiative, aimed at strengthening its technological self-sufficiency.

Brno is the natural centre of chip development in the Czech Republic. It is home to hundreds of experts in chip design and electronic design automation (EDA) tools. Companies like Codasip, onsemi, and NXP Semiconductors design and test technologies here for the global market. They are complemented by cutting-edge research at institutions such as Brno University of Technology (BUT) and CEITEC.

In 2025, the Czech Semiconductor Centre also began operations – a national competence hub connected to a European network of similarly focused institutions. Its mission is to accelerate chip development, provide access to pilot technologies, support the creation of new companies, educate specialists, and connect companies with European funding opportunities.

Meanwhile, Codasip has strengthened its position as a European leader in RISC-V architecture. The company joined the DARE consortium (EUR 240 million) and secured a prestigious investment from the EIC Accelerator programme. Only two other companies from the Czech Republic have achieved this. Across Eastern Europe, just 50 companies received support, while the remaining 929 investments were primarily based in Western Europe and Israel.

Rožnov pod Radhoštěm also plays a strategic role, where onsemi announced the largest direct investment in Czech history – EUR 1.8 billion to expand its chip manufacturing operations.

Czech Semiconductor Centre Focus Areas and Key Partners

 

High-Performance Chips of the New Generation 

Semiconductors with a wide bandgap (e.g. SiC) for power electronics and new semiconductor structures with high efficiency.


Development of Chips with Open Architecture and Smart Memory 

Open RISC-V architecture enables the creation of chips for AI, cybersecurity and automotive applications. The CHERI memory system increases both security and performance.


Design Tools and Manufacturing Quality 

Analytical tools for chip design, verification and prototyping – including quality and efficiency control during production.


AI in Manufacturing 

The use of artificial intelligence in manufacturing processes and applications–from cybersecurity to biomedicine, space technologies,
and intelligent sensors.


Energy-Efficient and Adaptive AI

Low-power, self-learning AI for autonomous systems – applicable in next-generation IoT, energy, aerospace and automotive sectors.


Source: Dealflow.eu

Source no. 2: Codasip

 

Electron Microscopes: One in Three Made in Brno. Local Companies Generate over EUR 110 Million

Modern science, medicine, the semiconductor industry, and the development of new materials all rely on electron microscopes. And one third of all these microscopes worldwide are produced in Brno.

Electron microscopy is an exceptionally knowledge-intensive field – according to the Global Economic Complexity Index, it ranks among the ten most sophisticated manufacturing sectors in the world. Companies like Thermo Fisher Scientific, TESCAN, and Delong Instruments have made Brno a global hub for microscopy. These three companies alone employ over 2,800 people and generated over EUR 110 million in revenue in 2023. That marks a 40% year-on-year increase, accompanied by a rise in R&D investments to EUR 72.5 million. In total, the sector employs up to 5,000 people.

Brno’s strength lies in its interconnected ecosystem, linking businesses, research, and education. Alongside top-tier institutions such as CEITEC, the Institute of Scientific Instruments of the Czech Academy of Sciences, and Brno University of Technology, Masaryk University established a new master‘s programme in Microscopy, and the Academy of Sciences recently created a Centre for Electron Microscopy.

Additionally, in 2024, the Brnoregion Microscopy platform began operations. It supports collaboration, connects the community, attracts new talent, strengthens the integration of local companies into global value chains, and supports the commercialization of research results. Its creation demonstrates the strength and trust-based connections that have developed within the region’s ecosystem in recent years.

  


1/3 of Global Production 

Every third electron microscope in the world is made in Brno.


2,800+ Employees 

This is the number of employees working in microscopy-focused companies in Brno.


EUR 110+ Million 

Revenue generated by Brno-based electron microscope manufacturers in 2023.

Brno Reaches for Space: Space Industry Workforce Grew by a Quarter in Just Three Years

Navigation systems in cars, meteorological models, telecommunications, and planetary research – satellite and space technologies are now a key part of everyday life and strategic development. And in this rapidly growing field the Brno region is gaining an increasingly strong position.

More than 30 companies in the region are now focused on space technologies. They employ over 400 highly qualified specialists, with 120 new talents joining in the past three years alone.

The annual revenue of space-related companies in the region is around EUR 40 million. Since 2020, they have been connected through the Brno Space Cluster, a platform that facilitates collaboration on international contracts, including projects with the European Space Agency (ESA).

Brno’s space industry builds on a strong tradition of precision engineering and microelectronics. While companies in the region once served primarily as subcontractors, they are now capable of leading their own projects from concept to completion.

Education also plays a crucial role. In 2021, Brno University of Technology launched an English-taught master’s programme in Space Applications, focused on designing and developing space technologies. From 2025, the programme will double its intake from 20 to 40 students. Startups benefit from the ESA BIC incubator, which has already supported 16 companies, some of which have secured venture capital funding.



 

Source: Brno Space Cluster

 

Cybersecurity Companies: Attracting the Most Venture Investment in the Region

Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing technology sectors. Over the past two decades, Brno has established itself as a major European hub in this field, with cutting-edge research, top-tier companies, and substantial investment inflows.

In early 2025 alone, Brno-based companies Whalebone, Threatmark, and Safetica secured a combined total of over EUR 40 million in investments. Over the past 20 years, more than EUR 1.5 billion has flowed into the region’s cybersecurity companies. Milestones include the acquisition of Flowmon Networks and the 36 million EUR sale of Runecast. Brno’s first “unicorn” emerged back in 2016, when AVG Technologies was acquired by Avast in a deal exceeding 870 million EUR.

Alongside startups, the region is also home to global players such as SolarWinds, Jamf, and Slovak-based ESET. Brno is additionally the seat of the National Cyber and Information Security Agency, further reinforcing the city’s role as the national centre for digital security.

In 2020, the CyberSecurityHubCZ was established – an expert platform founded by Masaryk University, Brno University of Technology (BUT), and the Czech Technical University in Prague (ČVUT). It connects research, businesses, and public institutions, helping to strengthen the region’s innovation ecosystem.
 


EUR 1.5B Invested 

The amount of money invested in Brno-based cybersecurity companies over the past 20 years.


1,500+ Experts in the Field 

Hundreds of professionals in Brno specialize in digital security.


Brno’s First Unicorn 

AVG Technologies became the first startup from Brno to surpass a valuation of one billion dollars.


Source: Czechcrunch

 

Brno – Game Dev City: 40 studios and 900 developers

The gaming industry is now one of the world’s largest creative sectors – and Brno holds a strong position within it. Games developed here are played by audiences around the globe. Each year, not only the number of titles grows, but also the number of people behind them.

More than 40 game development studios operate in the region. The five largest – Bohemia Interactive, Hangar 13, Ingame Studios, Madfinger Games, and Ashborne Games – employ around 450 people.

In total, the local community includes over 900 game developers. Some of the most well-known titles created in Brno include Mafia, Arma, Machinarium, Farming Simulator, and Grey Zone Warfare. And the creativity doesn’t stop there – over 210 games have been developed here in the past 30 years.

Quality is a hallmark of Brno’s gaming scene – the average user rating of locally made games on the Steam platform is 84%. The scene thrives on the naturally occurring collaboration between seasoned creators with over 20 years of experience and emerging talents supported by an expanding range of educational opportunities.

Since 2023, aspiring game developers have been supported by GAMEBAZE – the first Czech game incubator, founded within the KUMST creative hub. The strength of the local community is also showcased each year at the international Game Access conference, which brings thousands of creators from around the world to Brno.
 


40+ Game Dev Studios 

Brno hosts indie teams and global game studios.


900+ Developers 

A strong and growing community of game.


84 % Average Rating 

User reviews on Steam confirm the quality of Brno games.


Source: Brno – The City of Gamedev

Source no. 2: Steam

 

Research and development

Cutting-edge research and innovation are steering regions toward knowledge-based economies rather than ones reliant solely on assembly-line production. In this respect, the South Moravian Region is one of the Czech Republic’s leaders and holds its own even by European standards. Thanks to strong universities, research centres, and close ties with industry, the region continues to successfully increase investment and attract talent. Research and development have become a natural and essential part of its innovation ecosystem.

Leader in Knowledge Intensity in the Czech Republic

 

In 2023, the South Moravian Region maintained its position as the Czech leader in knowledge intensity, which is measured by the share of research and development (R&D) expenditure relative to GDP of the region. Despite a slight decrease from 3.1% to 2.8%, it remained at the top among Czech regions and well above both the national average (1.8%) and the EU average (2.3%).

Research investment has fluctuated over time, peaking between 2012 and 2015 due to major projects such as CEITEC and ICRC. In 2023, however, total spending rose slightly once again, reaching over EUR 955 million (+1.5%). The growth was driven primarily by the business sector (+2.9%), while public and academic expenditures saw a slight decline.

Electronics and electrical engineering have seen the most dynamic growth, with research spending increasing by 17%. This includes, for example, investments in cutting-edge electron microscopy.

As much as 93% of all research spending in the region is concentrated in Brno. In 2022, the city’s R&D investment-to-GDP ratio reached an exceptional 5.1 %. Here, research and development are not just part of the economy – they are its foundation.
 


Source: Czech statistical office

Source no. 2: National Census 2021

Source no. 3: Brno metropolitan area

 

Knowledge Intensity on Par with Sweden, Germany, and Austria

According to Eurostat‘s 2021 comparison, the South Moravian Region ranks among Europe’s top research regions. With a knowledge intensity of 3.1% of GDP, it placed 28th out of 249 EU regions (the most recent data for European comparisons is from 2021), alongside strong performers such as Sweden’s Sydsverige (Malmö), Germany’s Freiburg,and Austria’s Tyrol.

The absolute leader is Walloon Brabant (11.4%), primarily thanks to the presence of UCLouvain. Other German regions also rank well above the EU average of 2.3%, including Stuttgart (6.8%), Braunschweig (6.1%), and Tübingen (5.5%).

The Global Startup Ecosystem Index Report by the platform StartupBlink regularly ranks startup cities and countries worldwide. The evaluation is based on a combination of three key factors: the quantity and quality of startups, supporting infrastructure (accelerators, coworking spaces, investors), and the overall business and technology environment in the location. This year, Brno rose to 186th place globally and is the 12th highest-ranked CEE city. Prague ranked 85th, and the Czech Republic as a whole remains in the global top 30 and ranks 3rd among CEE countries.

The comparison is based on the European NUTS regional classification. The South Moravian Region is officially categorized as NUTS 3, but in terms of size, it corresponds to the higher NUTS 2 level, which is also the level at which most European statistics are compiled. For the Czech Republic, this means the region is evaluated as part of the Southeast area, which also includes the Vysočina Region. Even so, the data remain highly comparable – and South Moravia stands out among them.
 


Source: Eurostat


 

One in Twenty People
Works in Research. In Brno,
as Many as One in Ten

Knowledge intensity is reflected not only in investment, but also in people. In the South Moravian Region, 4.3% of all employees work in research and development – the second-highest share in the Czech Republic, just behind Prague (6.7%). In Brno, the figure is even more striking: according to 2021 data, 10.8% of the city’s workforce was engaged in research. This highlights Brno’s exceptional specialization.

Research in the region is not limited to academia – 58% of specialists work in private companies, most of them in branches of international corporations. Small innovative companies are also thriving, as their numbers increased by nearly 10% year-on-year, reflecting a vibrant and growing startup scene.
 

 

Source: Czech statistical office

Source no. 2: National Census 2021

 

More Researchers
Than in Many Larger Regions

According to Eurostat data from 2021, more than 25,000 people worked in research and development in the South Moravian Region. This placed it 53rd out of 249 regions across the EU, despite having a significantly smaller population than most of the higher-ranked regions.

For example, Berlin has 56,000 people working in research, Vienna 50,000, and Stockholm 48,000. The South Moravian Region is approaching these figures, despite having only about half their population.

As with knowledge intensity, this comparison is based on the European NUTS classification, where the South Moravian Region is designated as NUTS 3. However, its size allows it to be meaningfully compared with NUTS 2 regions, which are typically used for European statistical analysis. Despite varying approaches among countries, the core message remains clear: the region’s research potential is comparable to that of Western Europe, and often exceeds expectations based on its population size.
 


Source: Eurostat

 

University Students

Brno is the heart of higher education in the Czech Republic. More than 65,000 students study here, and the city benefits from it – universities serve as a vital talent pool for companies, research, and startups. STEM fields (natural sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics) are particularly well represented, forming the backbone of the innovation economy. The number of international students is also growing significantly, as Brno is increasingly seen as an attractive place to study and live.

Brno’s University Student Population
on the Rise Again

 

In 2024, a total of 65,359 students were enrolled at universities in Brno. Over the past five years, this represents a 6.4% increase, reversing the downward trend that had persisted since 2010 due to smaller age cohorts. The growth is driven by larger incoming generations and a rising interest from international students. And the trend is expected to continue, with student numbers set to rise further. 

Brno maintains a strong position in STEM fields. The highest number of students are enrolled in engineering, manufacturing, and construction (11,438), reflecting the region’s industrial heritage. One-third of all technically focused university students in the Czech Republic study in Brno.

Interest in computer science and information technology is also rising significantly. In 2024, 6,349 students were enrolled in these programmes, accounting for nearly 10% of all university students. This share is comparable to countries like Finland or Estonia. Brno’s IT students primarily find career opportunities in local companies and startups.

Other fields with strong representation include health and social care (6,418), agriculture and forestry (5,418), and natural sciences, mathematics, and statistics (4,744), all of which are becoming increasingly intertwined with technological and research-driven topics.
 

More Than Half of University Students Study STEM and Related Fields

In Brno, over 22,500 students are enrolled in STEM fields (natural sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics), accounting for more than one-third of all university students. When including medicine, agriculture, and veterinary sciences, which are increasingly linked to technology and research, the total reaches nearly 53% of students, or 34,367 individuals.

Doctoral studies are also strong in Brno. In 2024, a total of 2,835 students were pursuing Ph.D. degrees, with the highest concentration in the natural sciences (1,016). One in five students of natural sciences is a doctoral candidate. In the field of IT, the figure is even more striking: one in three Ph.D. students in the Czech Republic studies in Brno.

The city of Brno and JCMM support the most talented young researchers through the Brno Ph.D. Talent programme. Since its launch in 2009, the programme has awarded scholarships to 282 top doctoral students.

The recently launched STEM Project initiative is bringing together the region, city, universities, and tech companies. Its goal is to increase the number of STEM graduates by 30% within ten years and boost young people’s interest in technical and scientific education.
 

Brno Attracts Students from Around the World

Nearly a quarter of university students in Brno come from abroad. In 2024, 15,190 students from 128 countries were enrolled, making up 23.2% of all students in the region. The largest group is Slovak nationals – more than 10,000 of them study in Brno, accounting for roughly two-thirds of all international students.

International interest in Brno’s universities has been steadily growing. In 2001, international students made up only 4% of the student body; by 2010, that number had risen to 11.9%. In 2024, however, there was a slight decline (0.3%), mainly due to a drop in the number of students from Russia and Belarus.

The highest concentration of international students is found at the doctoral level, where they make up 30.5% of all Ph.D. candidates.

Brno has long been ranked among the best cities for student life. In 2023, it placed 4th globally in the Campus Advisor rankings, and 6th in past results of the prestigious QS Top Universities rankings.
 

 

Source: Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport

Source no. 2: Campus Advisor

Source no. 3: QS Top Universities

 

People

Innovation is driven by creative people – by their skills, experience, and the courage to explore new paths. In the Brno region, their numbers are growing, which is great news for both companies and research institutions. The region is becoming a place where talented professionals meet opportunities to fully apply and further develop their abilities.

Science, Engineering & IT: The Fastest-Growing Sectors in the Region

IT, science, and engineering are the driving forces of the modern economy, and this is even more pronounced in the South Moravian Region. In 2023, these sectors employed 70,000 people – a 52% increase compared to ten years ago. Of that number, 25,100 worked in IT, while 44,900 were employed in science and engineering. The vast majority (95%) work in the private sector.

In addition to its growing number of specialists, the region also stands out for its high wages. In 2023, the median gross salary for professionals in science and engineering positions was EUR 2,414, and in IT it reached EUR 3,047. Technicians earned slightly less – EUR 1,830 in science and engineering, and EUR 2,132 in IT.

These statistics are based on the international ISCO job classification and include roles ranging from developers and data analysts to technical specialists and project managers. It is worth noting that many IT professionals work as freelancers, which means the reported figures may slightly underestimate the real numbers. Still, Brno and the South Moravian Region remain among the strongest technology hubs in the Czech Republic.

 

An Attractive Region for Foreigners: International Residents Make Up One Tenth of the Population

The South Moravian Region is attracting more and more people from abroad. In 2024, there were 110,034 foreign nationals living in the region – an increase of 3,696 compared to the previous year. Foreigners now make up 9% of the region’s total population. However, the actual number is likely even higher, as many EU citizens – especially Slovaks – are not fully registered.

The most significant increase occurred in 2022, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Even without the context of war, however, the number of foreign nationals in the region has been steadily rising, nearly tripling since 2010. Almost 60% of all foreigners live in Brno, which uses its portal data.brno.cz to closely monitor its international community.

Brno attracts foreign residents not only with job opportunities but also with its quality of life. In the 2024 Numbeo global index, it ranked 94th worldwide – three spots above Prague. It also ranked 48th in Europe and 2nd in the CEE region.

 


Source: Ministry of the Interior

Source no. 2: Czech Statistical Office

Source no. 3: Numbeo

 

South Moravian Region:
Home to 158 Nationalities

The South Moravian Region is becoming increasingly diverse. Today, people from 158 countries live here, from neighboring Slovakia to the USA and the Philippines. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine the largest group is Ukrainians, with 58,961 residents – more than triple what it was in 2010.

The second-largest group is Slovaks, which officially number 17,645, though the actual figure is likely higher, as many are not fully registered. EU citizens make up a quarter of all foreigners in the region. Other statistically significant communities come from Vietnam, Russia, India, Romania, the USA, Turkey, and Bulgaria.

Foreigners in the region can access services from several integration-focused organizations. The Brno Expat Centre has supported more than 13,000 qualified expats in Brno over the past 14 years. Across the region, the Centre for Foreigners of the South Moravian Region offers counseling, interpreting, and integration programmes.
 

 

Source: Ministry of the Interior

Source no. 2: Czech Statistical Office

 

Companies

Technology companies play a crucial role in the South Moravian Region – from established global players to new startups with ambitions of global success. Foreign corporations bring investment and expertise, while local businesses contribute bold ideas and innovations. It is this combination that gives the region its momentum and potential for growth – from research and manufacturing to global market expansion.

Investment in Startups: EUR 300 Million over Four Years

Hundreds of millions of euros are flowing into startups in the Brno region. Over the past four years alone, investors have poured at least EUR 300 million into the ecosystem, and interest continues to grow. In 2025, the region saw EUR 40 million in investments, primarily into cybersecurity companies: Threatmark (EUR 22 million), Whalebone (EUR 13 million), and Safetica (EUR 3.8 million).

In 2024, investors focused more on smaller-scale funding, with EUR 8 million directed toward startups specializing in artificial intelligence. One exception was a EUR 10 million grant from the EU to Mycroft Mind, which fell under financial support rather than private investment.

The record year was 2022, when more than EUR 200 million flowed into the region. The largest investment went to Kiwi (over EUR 100 million), followed by Tatum, Kontent.AI, and Kentico, each securing tens of millions. Since 2021, however, global investment activity has cooled, and the region has felt the effects as well.

Among the most successful companies that have grown from local startups in Brno into global players are Seyfor, Kiwi, Notino, Y Soft, and Kentico. These days, dozens of other companies carry on that legacy and are making their mark in engineering, manufacturing, and IT.

 


Source: Czechcrunch

Source no. 2: Dealroom

Source no. 3: Czech Founders

 

Brno Exits: EUR 2.2 Billion
in Transactions

The sale of successful companies brings not only capital into the region, but also new opportunities for startups. Founders who have exited their businesses often remain in Brno, reinvesting the proceeds into new ventures and passing on their know-how to the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Since 2016, exits of Brno-based companies have generated at least EUR 2.2 billion. The largest transaction remains the acquisition of AVG for EUR 1.3 billion, but other major deals are emerging. In 2024 and 2025, highlights included the sale of Runecast to Dynatrace for USD 28.4 million and the acquisition of Sewio Networks by HID Global for tens of millions of euros.

Other notable exits include Roger (fintech) and Coworkers.ai (AI), both sold in lower single-digit million-euro deals. In medtech, Biovendor was acquired and now operates under ARCHIMED.

Even when companies are acquired by foreign owners, the gains from exits often return to the region. Many founders choose to stay in Brno, launch new projects, and invest in the development of the local innovation ecosystem, creating a virtuous investment cycle. Successful exits fuel the next generation of startups.
 


Source: Czechcrunch

Source no. 2: Dealroom

Source no. 3: Czech Founders

 

Brno as Home to Global Tech Giants

The Brno region is a magnet for global technology leaders. According to data from the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, the region hosts branches of 57 companies from the world’s top 2,000 companies (based on R&D spending). All of these companies are foreign-owned – no Czech company has made it onto this list yet.

The region is home to 20 companies from the United States, 14 from Germany, and 8 from Japan. Other international companies come from 11 countries across Western Europe and East Asia. The strongest sectors include software and IT services, electronics, hardware, technological equipment, and automotive.

The presence of these companies brings not only jobs, but also know-how and investment that strengthen the local innovation ecosystem and create opportunities for collaboration with local businesses and startups.

Brno also attracts companies with its high-quality infrastructure at more affordable costs compared to Prague. In 2024, the highest asking rent was EUR 17/m2, while in Prague it reached EUR 30/m2. The vacancy rate stood at 12.7%, leaving 88,500 m2 of office space available, with an additional 78,000 m2 under construction.
 

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