By Roman Juráš, Country Manager Czech Republic and Slovakia at Generali
SME EnterPRIZE shows that sustainability is a really important topic.
Sustainability in business is not just a hot topic, it is literally essential. This year, for the first time, Generali Česká pojišt’ovna joined six other European countries in the search for local heroes in sustainable business. The result of the inaugural edition of the SME EnterPRIZE competition? Lots of useful experience along with the enthusiasm of all the participants and organisers.
The first year of the SME EnterPRIZE competition showed that big things can have small beginnings: more than thirty companies from among the clients of Generali Česká pojišt’ovna did not miss out on the opportunity to participate. Thanks to their very varied and high-quality entries, we can say with certainty that sustainability is very well rooted in Czech business. We have great solutions that can help the environment significantly. We’ve had applications from organic farmers, technology start-ups, as well as from companies running enterprises in the waste management and energy sectors.
Through SME EnterPRIZE we want not only to reward these companies and their ideas, but above all, to make them visible and introduce them – and preferably to the whole world. This is the magic of the competition, which will gain in confidence and prestige with each passing year.
The first ever Czech winner was CleverFarm, a company that develops smart solutions for farmers. These include IoT-based sensors as well as tools for precision farming. When I met Vojtech Malina, CEO of this company, I knew in an instant that he was the right man in the right place. I was really impressed by the story of the young team from Prague and Brno. CleverFram has already had a number of business successes even in developing countries where they are fighting water scarcity and thus indirectly saving lives. I am proud not only that such great ideas come from the Czech Republic but also that they are being talked about worldwide.
For me personally, the winners of the other prizes are also a great inspiration: the company Stabilplastik, which produces pallets from recyclable plastics. As well as the eco-farm Javorník, which has been developing organic farming in the protected landscape area in the foothills of the White Carpathians since 1996.
All the companies that entered the competition this year give me hope that sustainability is not just a fashion label. I appreciate everyone who can think several years ahead in business.
During the SME EnterPRIZE European Gala in Brussels, I realised more than ever:
Sustainability = the future.
A future we don’t take lightly.
A future that we have stepped into in the best possible way.
A future we can look forward to together.
I look forward to being able to share with you soon what we are planning next in sustainability.