With geopolitical changes, we can’t do it without a renaissance in industry — especially in the semiconductor sector, said Masarik for Czech Industry magazine
The Czech Republic has taken a strategic step to strengthen its position in the semiconductor sector by establishing the Czech Semiconductor Centre (CSC). This is a key move for both the Czech and European semiconductor industries. The creation of the centre fulfills the goals of the National Semiconductor Strategy, which was developed to increase European and Czech self-sufficiency in chip production. The strategy was prepared under the leadership of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, in cooperation with the Office of the Government and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports. One of its main goals is the establishment of a national competence centre and increasing the number of skilled professionals — both of which CSC will significantly contribute to. The full interview from the current issue of the magazine can be found in Czech under this link.
Czech Semiconductor Centre (CSC) is now a reality. You are its director — congratulations. What does your appointment to this role mean to you personally?
Being appointed is a great honor and proof that my efforts in the field of semiconductors have been recognized as something that has enriched — and can continue to enrich — the Czech and European semiconductor ecosystem. It is also a commitment that will require the cooperation of all consortium partners.
What were the main reasons for establishing the Centre, and why specifically in Brno?
Brno and the South Moravian Region are rich in technology companies contributing to the global semiconductor ecosystem — for instance, in electron microscopy. The South Moravian Region also works closely with other regions like Zlín and Central Bohemia, which are home to successful semiconductor firms. Brno hosts the innovation agency JIC, which has excellent results in supporting startups — a focus area of CSC. Also, the largest technical universities in the country — Brno University of Technology and Czech Technical University in Prague — are located in these regions, ensuring a sufficient talent pool. So, Brno was a logical choice.
CSC is formed by a six-member consortium. Is it a closed group, or are new partners welcome?
The consortium consists of carefully selected partners offering key competencies and services that are attractive to clients from the Czech Republic and Europe. CSC also includes the Czech National Semiconductor Cluster, which unites over 44 technological partners. Any new company joining the cluster becomes indirectly part of the Centre, allowing them to offer services through CSC and benefit from its advantages. The system is open, robust, and flexible for new participants.
One aim of CSC is to strengthen European and Czech self-sufficiency in chip production. What exactly is a chip?
A chip is a small black square — for example, found inside a phone if you break it open. A leading California-based smartphone maker often spends over half the presentation time on explaining what’s inside the chip of its new model. Today, no device works without software (e.g., Android or iOS), and chips’ primary role is to run software on the microprocessors embedded in them.
How hard is it to make a chip, and how do they differ?
Each chip segment has unique requirements. For instance, wireless sensors in your home must run on tiny batteries for years. A smartphone must ensure smooth video calls and fast image processing without overheating. Data center chips are water-cooled and consume power comparable to a factory. Each use case requires different manufacturing technology — from inexpensive 65nm processes for billions of units, to costly 3nm processes for hundreds of millions. In general, smaller geometries mean higher costs per chip.
What’s their main added value?
Their key role is to run software. Chips are everywhere — not just in phones, but also in computers, vehicles, agricultural machines, and complex infrastructures like power plants.
The Centre was said to connect academia and industry. This kind of cooperation already exists. Can you elaborate?
From personal experience: I founded a semiconductor startup based on my PhD thesis at BUT, which grew into a globally recognized company. During my studies in Germany 20 years ago, the automotive industry already collaborated successfully with universities. Synergy between academia and industry is the key to transforming the Czech economy into one based on knowledge and high added value.
Another aim is to support innovation and facilitate chip development for small and new companies. Is there a model for this — for example, the National Semiconductor Strategy?
Competence centers are part of the European Chips Act, which is reflected in the Czech National Semiconductor Strategy. Each EU country has one such center. Funding is secured for the first four years from national and EU sources. This helps reduce barriers for small and medium enterprises by offering large discounts on services, easing access to expensive technologies and accelerating the development of innovative chips. The semiconductor industry is capital-intensive, and not all firms have access to venture capital. The goal is to accelerate the emergence of new innovative companies.
CSC is supported by the “Chips for Europe” initiative. Some say this is a rushed EU reaction to catch up. What’s your view?
A few years ago, I was involved in drafting the European Chips Act alongside other European firms. There were big debates among member states. I believe the result is a well-structured solution ensuring transparent distribution of funds. The U.S. and China have their own versions of a chips act with much larger budgets, but they often lack clear distribution rules. The European framework’s clarity is an advantage.
According to Prime Minister Fiala, establishing CSC is a strategic step for the Czech Republic. Do we have what it takes — especially since other countries are active too?
Yes, it’s like the Champions League of Europe. Successful clubs have history and funding. The former Tesla Rožnov is an example of Czech tradition, though historically underfunded. This trend has changed significantly in the last two years, and I believe growing semiconductor investments will continue, placing the Czech Republic among the top five in this “league.”
Being part of the European network of competence centers makes sense, but doesn’t it risk duplication — as in photovoltaics, where many entities tackle the same issues?
A healthy competition in service quality will benefit clients. Competition is necessary (like in EV markets). Each country has specific strengths (often tied to local universities). So far, there is more effort to find complementarities and forge strategic partnerships offering full-service — from design to manufacturing — as a one-stop shop for future clients.
We are an industrial nation, yet interest in technical studies is declining. Is it time for a turning point, as BUT’s rector Janíček suggests?
With geopolitical changes and the need to secure Europe’s future, we cannot move forward without an industrial renaissance — especially in semiconductors. Like in the U.S. and Taiwan, engineering must be seen as prestigious and beneficial — both economically and strategically for citizens.
What can the consortium do to motivate young people to pursue technical fields?
Positive examples lead the way. We need to focus on showcasing both small and large successes achieved in Czechia over recent years — and there have been many.
You’re the founder and innovation director of Codasip. Can you tell us more?
As mentioned, I co-founded the company with my academic advisor 11 years ago based on my PhD thesis. Until the end of 2021, I was CEO. With a new investment round, I handed over the CEO role to a new American executive and returned to innovation and advanced research. Since 2022, I’ve focused on European grants in cybersecurity, automotive, AI/ML, and HPC.
So you’re optimistic about the future of chip development and manufacturing in Czechia?
Yes. Success requires sustained effort. Focusing on a few strategic sectors is key for transforming the Czech economy toward high added value. The semiconductor industry is globally recognized as strategic. If future governments consistently support it financially across multiple terms, then yes — I am optimistic about Czechia’s future.
