Education Minister Allocates Innovation Grants to Two Additional Companies Despite Earlier Controversy

Education Minister Tomáš Drucker, nominated by the Voice party, will award innovation grants to two additional companies - a recognized medical startup and a smaller construction firm - despite previously closing what he called a scandalous grant program. Drucker's ministry defended both projects as beneficial. Out of 235 million euros originally allocated for innovation grants, only 130 million euros were ultimately distributed, with over 100 million euros redirected to other programs following pressure from media and opposition parties. The minister had announced in mid-February that grants from the controversial program would be discontinued, but these final two allocations represent the completion of projects already in the pipeline. The innovation grant program, overseen by Deputy Prime Minister Peter Kmec, had faced significant criticism over its transparency and selection process, leading to the government's decision to suspend further distributions and redirect the remaining funds.