The ČERNÁ.AI Revolution is Gaining Momentum
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POSITIV MAN
The third pillar is AI development itself.
We have an internal development team
focused on building our own tools
and applications. Our first result is Search
for Science project – an advanced
research tool for the scientific community
that enables efficient searching and sorting
of scientific publications using AI. This
tool was developed in response to a real
need among researchers and shows how
AI can be helpful in practice. But our aim
isn’t to develop things that sit in a drawer –
we want to create solutions that genuinely
simplify or streamline work in a variety
of areas, whether it’s industry, healthcare,
or education.
Do you collaborate with academia
and the corporate sector?
Yes, we work with universities in Ostrava
– each has a different profile, but together
they create a strong environment. When
an interesting project idea comes up,
we either handle it ourselves or pass it on
to a suitable company.
At Webvalley, we’ve recently developed
an AI model for the pharmaceutical
company Oxygen Biotech, and as an AI
development team, we’re now starting
a collaboration with a global real estate
platform.
Does Ostrava have the potential
to become an AI hub? And where
does the Czech Republic stand in AI
compared to the rest of the world?
Absolutely. Ostrava is home to, for example,
IT4Innovations, where supercomputers
run and cutting-edge research takes place.
The infrastructure is here, but what’s
somewhat lacking is connection –
between people, institutions, companies,
and funding. To build a true AI hub,
we need an environment where these
elements can come together.
One area where we’re already seeing
practical impact is healthcare. Ostrava has
a strong foundation – excellent hospitals,
universities, and a growing number
of startups. For instance, Rankacy (gaming
industry), Ullmanna (agro-robotics),
or Carebot, which supports doctors
by analysing X-ray images. In the future,
AI could handle routine diagnostics, write
referrals, or book appointments. GPs are
overloaded, and access to care in the
regions is often limited – this is where AI
can make a real difference.
From a global perspective, however,
we have to be realistic. The Czech
Republic – and Europe more broadly –
are lagging behind the US and China.
For example, the Mistral model is to GPT
what Sparta is to Barcelona. The key will
be who achieves AGI (Artificial General
Intelligence) first – whoever does will gain
a decisive advantage.
What are the biggest obstacles to the
development of AI in companies
and institutions?
It always comes down to us – people.
Our attitudes, fears, and resistance
to change. Then there’s bureaucracy,
and sometimes ethical concerns. AI
is a broad concept – it doesn’t make sense
to implement it everywhere. It’s important
to demonstrate concrete benefits rather
than trying to force it. AI still often triggers
fear of replacement, instead of being seen
as a tool that can relieve us of routine tasks.
How do you approach ethical questions
surrounding AI?
Ethics in AI is complex, and society doesn’t
have a unified view on it. A classic example
is self-driving cars – in a crisis, should they
act selfishly to protect the passenger,
or altruistically to sacrifice them for
the greater good? There’s no single
correct answer, as different cultures
and individuals perceive it differently.
AI isn’t a moral being. It always behaves
according to how it’s programmed –
or more precisely, according to what
the system defines as a “reward.” That
could be the number of likes, the length
of a conversation, or how often people
interact with it. That’s why AI naturally
tends to “appeal” to people, to say what
they want to hear in order to keep their
attention.
You used to play drums in a band. What
was your transition from music to IT like?
It all started with COVID. My music career
went on pause twice. I got involved in film,
then moved into IT and AI. Music taught
me discipline – daily practice, focus,
attention to detail – and I’ve carried all
of that into my studies and professional
work.
You’ve worked on a number of film
and television projects. Which of those
experiences do you remember most
fondly? What did that industry teach you?
Working in a film studio taught me how
to handle pressure, work as a team,
and stay fully committed. Long shifts,
a demanding pace, and a focus on results
– all of that shaped how I approach
projects today. Working on films like
Zlatovláska or Princess Cursed in Time
was intense but unforgettable. Whether
I’m developing AI or leading a team, it’s
that “film” mindset – pushing through
to the finish line despite obstacles – that
remains crucial for me to this day.
How do you manage the balance
between family, work, and your visions?
It’s difficult. I’m involved in several projects,
but I try not to work on weekends. I’m not
very good at relaxing – I feel best when
I’m creating, though I’m always looking for
ways to switch off now and then.
What are your goals and visions for
the future?
Visions evolve – anyone who creates things
probably knows that. For me, it’s crucial
to have direction, to keep learning, and to
work on projects that make a real impact.
Right now, that’s primarily in the field of IT
and artificial intelligence.
With the ČERNÁ.AI team, we’re currently
planning a large-scale event we’d like to host
in 2026 at the Gong. We don’t want a classic
conference, but a full-day format that brings
together experts, students, companies,
and the public – combining education
and entertainment. Multiple venues, panel
discussions, talks, practical demonstrations,
and experience sharing – all designed
to make AI more than just a buzzword,
to help people truly understand and use it.
At the same time, we’re working on launching
a national platform called ČESKO.AI, which
aims to connect key players in artificial
intelligence across regions and sectors.
I also want to continue travelling abroad,
gathering know-how, and bringing back
examples of good practice. I believe that
the Czech Republic can become a place
where AI adoption is part of everyday life
– from schools and businesses to public
administration. A place where technology
helps improve quality of life.
Thank you for the interview.
AI isn’t a moral being.
It always behaves according
to how it’s programmed.