When the Lights Go Out: Pilsen Students Get Creative With a Digital Breakdown Scenario

What happens when digital infrastructure fails, or the power suddenly goes out? This was the central question we posed to students from different Pilsen's schools (Church Grammar School, Training College and Secondary School of Electrical Engineering) as part of the STARTUPUJ program.

Each year, selected students take part in this innovative course, where, under the guidance of experts from SIT Port and external mentors, they develop their own startup ideas.

Students first define their challenge and then work on it from start to finish – from concept to business plan. The process culminates in a presentation to a panel of experts, with the winning project receiving CZK 20,000 to kickstart their venture.

For students who hadn’t yet decided on a focus, we introduced our Sparrow project. This initiative is not science fiction, but a highly realistic digital breakdown scenario – a situation where technology fails and society must respond.

Some students explored the preparedness of schools, municipalities, and citizens for such an event, while others focused on supporting the most vulnerable, such as elderly or disabled individuals.

DRI and SIT MP were on hand to provide guidance and support during the session, and we will continue to assist the students as they refine their projects.

In January 2026, the final project presentations and expert evaluations will take place. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for these young innovators!