Jičín, 17 June 2026 – The headquarters of technology company MICRORISC hosted the 14th edition of the prestigious Best Student competition, an annual initiative recognizing the most talented high school students from across the Czech Republic. This year’s event once again demonstrated that the future of Czech science, economics and innovation is in excellent hands.
Four outstanding young talents advanced to the final, each pushing the boundaries of science, technology, economics and education in their own way. The jury selected the finalists from 58 nominations submitted by dozens of schools, making the final decision far from easy.
Among the finalists was Jakub Holeček from Bohumil Hrabal Grammar School in Nymburk, who combines cell biology research with science communication and has created his own online atlas of cellular organelles. He believes that science is an endless journey and that failure should never discourage curiosity but inspire new approaches. By sharing his findings with fellow students, he demonstrates that the world of cells is far more fascinating than textbooks suggest.
Štěpán Drábek from the German Order Church Grammar School in Olomouc has already published professional books on economics, writes analytical studies and has received numerous prestigious awards both nationally and internationally. His work emphasizes that economics is not merely a collection of mathematical models but above all a science of human behaviour, where critical thinking and common sense are just as important as numbers.
Alex Christian Faivre from J. A. Komenský Grammar School in Uherský Brod ranks among the world’s leading young astronomers and astrophysicists, earning gold medals and the title of overall winner at international Olympiads. In addition to studying extreme cosmic phenomena, he is involved in developing a CubeSat project aimed at finding safe methods for removing dangerous space debris and protecting future space missions.
Slávek Tomášek from Grammar School Bystřice nad Pernštejnem proves that science can make a tangible impact on society. His environmental project World in a Bottle has inspired hundreds of children and received awards both in the Czech Republic and abroad. Alongside science, he is active in music, science communication and the study of innovative educational systems. He believes that world-class science can emerge outside major cities if talented young people are given the opportunity.
“The Czech Republic can only succeed if it gives space to people who dare to think differently, experiment and turn their ideas into reality. The finalists of the Best Student competition prove that such a generation is already growing up,” said Ing. Vladimír Šulc, Ph.D., Managing Director of MICRORISC.
Following the final presentations, the jury selected Štěpán Drábek as the overall winner of the 14th Best Student competition, earning financial support and technological equipment for his school.
The event was hosted for the eighth consecutive year by actress and presenter Zdeňka Žádníková. The award ceremony was also attended by Jana Berkovcová, Deputy Governor of the Hradec Králové Region for Education and Sport, and Jan Malý, Mayor of Jičín.
A new feature of this year’s competition was its partnership with the MŮŽEŠ PODNIKAT (You Can Do Business) programme, opening new opportunities for participants to connect their ideas with entrepreneurship and innovation.
Organised by MICRORISC since 2011, the Best Student competition aims to support talent, courage and exceptional young personalities. Once again, this year’s final demonstrated that bringing together the brightest high school minds offers an inspiring glimpse into the future.