On October 14, 2026, Materiálový a metalurgický výzkum (MMV) and its research centre CirkArena signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Taipei with National Chin-Yi University of Technology (NCUT), based in Taichung. MMV was represented by CEO Jakub Švrček, Ph.D., and Chief Strategy Officer Alejandro Sanz Lara, Ph.D. NCUT was represented by President Prof. Kuen-Suan Chen and Dean of the College of Engineering Prof. Yean-Der Kuan.

The memorandum establishes a framework for cooperation in research and innovation. It names the following areas as the most promising:

• hydrogen technologies (production, utilization, solid-state storage and purification),

• advanced thermal energy storage and renewable energy sources,

• the circular economy,

• digital tools, including AI, for sustainable processes.

According to Dean Kuan, the first joint efforts will focus on hydrogen storage technologies. The university’s Hydrogen Energy Center has long been engaged in hydrogen and fuel cell research, while MMV brings its expertise in materials and metallurgy. Both parties plan researcher exchanges, student internships and joint research projects. They also intend to involve industrial and research partners, including Taiwan’s Metal Industries Research & Development Centre.

The program included a presentation of MMV, featuring its Circular Audit service, and an overview of NCUT’s hydrogen research results. The signing was covered by Taiwanese media, including the Commercial Times and the Central News Agency (CNA).

Photo: NCUT