On Tuesday, May 12, 2026, the 2nd year of the MAKER FEST fair, a presentation and motivational event for second-year elementary school students and high school students, took place in the House of Culture in Ústí nad Labem. The event, organized by the Innovation Center of the Ústí Region (ICUK), was visited by up to 400 students from 13 schools in the region. Robotics became the dominant field this year.
MAKER FEST offered visitors the opportunity to experience firsthand what it means to create something: from 3D printing, electronics and robotics to virtual reality and interesting creative works. School clubs, centers, companies and associations were especially active here, not only exhibiting their offers for leisure activities, but also opening them up for practical testing by students.
The highlight of this year's event was the presentation of teams that have represented the Ústí nad Labem region in international robotics competitions in the United States in recent months: Litoměřice Robotitans under the Na Valech Elementary School and the regional RobUL under the Faculty of Science of the JE Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem. Other robotics and rocket teams from the region were also part of the fair. The teams showed their robots to the students and shared their experiences from local and international competitions.
„"We live in a region that has been famous for centuries for its ability to create: coal, glass, chemistry, textiles. And today we stand on the threshold of a new era, in which the Ústí nad Labem Region is rediscovering what it means to create. An idea becomes a thing, and a thing becomes a possibility. All it takes is curiosity, the courage to play around, and the desire to share it with others. Then we can transform the Ústí nad Labem Region into a place where it pays to study, live, and do business, and where the future is not something that moves to us from elsewhere, but something that we build here ourselves."”, said Tamara Klein, ICUK project manager
In parallel with the program for students in the main hall, a networking activity was held in a separate zone for teachers and class and student support, which offered an overview of educational programs for schools, a talent support program, and a place to acquire entrepreneurship ambassadors. In addition, competitions and quizzes and various workshops were held in the main hall at individual exhibitor stands.
A big thank you goes to all the exhibitors who inspired the students in the best way possible: with an authentic interest in their field, a willingness to share their experiences, and the openness with which they let the students get involved in their own creations. Without their commitment, the fair would not have been able to fulfill its mission: to show young people that technology, craftsmanship, and creativity are not abstract concepts, but concrete paths that have a future in the Ústí nad Labem Region.
According to the organizers, the purpose of the fair is to awaken young people's interest in technical fields and show them that they can create and innovate today, regardless of age or formal education.
"The Maker movement is based on one beautiful idea: that everyone can create. That you don't need a diploma to come up with something new. All you need is curiosity, the courage to play around and the desire to show it to others. And this energy is exactly what the Ústí nad Labem region needs for its positive change,” said Fabiána Bytyqi, ICUK event manager and event organizer.
Exhibitors and guests:
SORC – rocket modeling,
ENGU – modern teaching through play,
ROWINGO – creation of iron-plastic composites, sports simulator,
HOUSE – leisure center, letterpress, ozobots
CREATIVE SPACE BRIDGE – creative digital center, VR,
Children and Youth House Ústí nad Labem – 3D printing, smart home, LEGO, cap printing,
Technical Club Litoměřice – robotics,
J.E. Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem – e-sports, Raspberry Pi,
Robotic teams: Robotitans Litoměřice, RobUL Ústí nad Labem Region, Chobot Chomutov, CircuitBreakers Litoměřice, PaperBox Štětí, LEDbot Ústí nad Labem,
Rescue service – ambulance
Eliska Krasnohorska, influencer, ecology
Lukas Janout, influencer – Delniq
Jonas Neruda, finalist of the Zero-G project for space enthusiasts
Andrei Kostin, creator of dynamic video content
➡️ The MAKER FEST activity was funded by the RUR project - Region to University, University of the Region, registration number CZ.10.02.01/00/22_002/0000210 within the framework of sub-activity KA1 A.2.37.
