New Technologies Research Centre (NTC)

We are a university research centre. Since 2000, we have been researching and developing solutions for green technologies, advanced and quantum materials in the fields of green energy, smart vehicles, and quality of human life and health.

How do we influence the city and the region?

Where are we heading?

  • We are addressing current scientific challenges in green technologies and advanced and quantum materials, becoming a key player in the global innovation space.
  • We are a respected partner of progressive global companies and an attractive place to develop talent in science and research.
  • Our researchers create progress with a positive impact on society and nature.
    The NTC philosophy, embodied in the credo “Research for your success”, embodies a commitment to our partners and the public.

What are advanced and quantum materials?

At the New Technologies Research Centre (NTC) we specialise in the deep understanding and design of new materials. Our main focus is on materials with revolutionary and unexpected properties based on quantum physics. These materials, for example, enable the production of extremely low-power and exceptionally precise, miniaturised devices (e.g. using superconductivity, maximum memory concentration, quantum sensors, chips, etc.).

Our efforts are aimed at pushing the boundaries of the possibilities of these materials, which could bring about fundamental changes in areas such as quantum computing, sensors, energy, medicine and biotechnology. The unique combination of knowledge of theoretical calculations and experiments gives our facility in Pilsen a unique character.

What have we achieved in the field of advanced and quantum materials?

  • We have created an international team in Pilsen, which always includes at least 15 percent of research capacity from abroad. Currently, there are 20 colleagues from 13 different countries.
  • We have successfully solved and are solving the requirements of companies within contract research and research projects – e.g. NCK Mechanical Engineering 1 + NCK Mechanical Engineering 2 etc. We cooperate with companies such as Wikov Gear, Hofmeister, ZF Engineering, Škoda AUTO, Škoda Transportation etc.
  • We have combined theoretical and experimental methods for the development of advanced materials with new functionalities in the framework of an excellent research team project. Together with partners, we are implementing the PhD programme “European Spectroscopic Laboratory for Modelling Future Materials – EUSpecLab” within the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA). We are leading a cutting-edge research project on quantum materials for sustainable technologies within the framework of the JAK FP, etc.
  • Over the last 5 years, we have received grant funding worth almost CZK 0.5 billion.
Did you know that…

The NTC Research Institute was established thanks to the project of the Ministry of Education and Science “Research Centres as Applied Research Centres” under the designation LN00B084?

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Did you know that…

The established research centres were to support the competitiveness of Czech industry and increase the added value of its products. A total of 32 centres or projects emerged from the programme. We do not have information on whether the centres built from this programme are still operating independently, whether they have been integrated into other research structures or whether their research potential has been exhausted and they have disappeared. What can be said for sure, however, is that the NTC is one of the few research centres that have maintained their continuity to the present day and are among the leaders in basic and applied research.

The NTC was launched on 3 July 2020 with the support of Rector Zdeněk Vostracky. The first director of the NTC was Josef Rosenberg, the executive director and key figure of the centre was Petr Martinec, until 2021. 1

Why research in advanced and quantum materials
important to the region?

  • It promotes connectivity with Bavaria – Munich’s Quantum Valley represents an opportunity for cooperation.
  • It promotes innovation and industrial cooperation.
  • It strengthens the image and reputation of the city and the region, attracts international investment and attracts talent.
  • Quantum technologies offer enormous potential for interdisciplinarity and can serve as a catalyst for innovation in the humanities.
  • It develops conference tourism by organising international scientific conferences.
Did you know that…

A chip factory of Taiwanese colossus TSMC may be built near the Czech border, in Dresden? This means an open door to the latest technologies and know-how for the whole region. NTC can provide expert support and cooperation.

What are renewable energy and energy storage technologies?

At the New Technologies Research Centre (NTC), we focus on the pressing topic of renewable energy and energy storage. It is based primarily on electrochemistry, which is the driving force behind modern technology.

Specifically, NTC is developing innovative types of redox flow batteries that enable the safe, efficient and long-term storage of large volumes of electricity. It also focuses on fuel cell technologies, hydrogen generators, alternative fuels or metal-air battery systems, vanadium…

What have we achieved in the field of renewable energy and energy storage?

  • We have developed battery stacks with low internal resistance, which are the basis for the startup Pinflow Energy Storage, which is developing new, highly efficient redox flow batteries.
  • We participated in the development of the first prototype organic redox flow battery with organic electrolyte in La Plana, Spain, thanks to the Horizon Europe HIGREEW project.
  • We have been researching two types of systems, metal-to-air and organics-to-air, which can serve as stationary and mobile low-cost electrical energy storage. This was made possible by TA CR Théta’s project Development of advanced flow-through electrochemical energy storage systems. We are developing this theme further in the FLOWSCALE project, where we are focusing on cheaper and more precise large-scale production of industrial redox flow batteries at a reasonable cost.
  • In cooperation with Nimetal, we have constructed an experimental line for cadmium recycling and separation with a capacity of 5 kg per bag. The company then built a large furnace in Ústí nad Labem with a capacity of 500 kg of cadmium. The trial smelting on this scale was successful.
  • We are currently working on the development of reactors for the rapid adaptation of new electrochemical technologies using hypervalent iodine within the READEL – TAČR TREND 6 project.

Why are renewable energy and energy storage technologies important for the region?

  • They co-create green energy infrastructure and thus contribute to self-sufficiency.
  • They support sustainable development.
  • Companies with these technologies are expanding production and offering job opportunities to the region’s residents.
Did you know that…

Successful company Pinflow Energy Storage started with vanadium batteries for laboratory research that are now used by research institutes around the world? The company has now also successfully installed larger-scale batteries.

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Did you know that…

For example, in Písek the battery is connected to the energy processing of sludge, and there are two other smaller installations in South Bohemia, where regional companies have decided to follow the path of sustainability and have connected the batteries with photovoltaics.

In January, the first installation (VRFB) took place in Norway in cooperation with local company Bryte Batteries, which provided optimization and energy management of the food court. The next installation is in Germany and Australia. Pinflow has already been supported by the city in the BIC incubation programme. Pinflowers won the Neuron Award for connecting science and business, and were also awarded the Visionaries 2022 award.

Josef rosenberg