Festival of Light Connecting Artificial Intelligence, Photonics, and Digital Culture

From October 16 to 19, Prague became a vibrant hub of light, science, and inspiration. The second international MIT gathering, organized by the MIT Club of Germany (MITCG) in collaboration with Alumni CTU, brought together dozens of graduates and friends of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Several alumni of the Czech Technical University in Prague (CTU) also joined the event.

This year’s edition focused on the intersection of artificial intelligence, photonics, and immersive urban experiences—fields that today stand at the forefront of technological and cultural transformation. The combination of cutting-edge research, education, and digital art created a unique atmosphere that perfectly embodied the MIT spirit: connecting innovation with human creativity.

Participants came from Germany, Austria, Poland, the Czech Republic, the United States, France, and Singapore. The informal setting fostered the exchange of experiences, the creation of new connections, and the sharing of inspiring stories from both MIT and the wider academic community.

“The aim of these gatherings is to connect MIT alumni across Europe and beyond, support new collaborations, and share perspectives on technological innovation in a global context,”

was noted in the opening speech of the Prague meeting.

The program included a visit to ELI Beamlines in Dolní Břežany, one of Europe’s most advanced laser research centers. Participants explored the frontier of extreme light research and took part in the expert discussion “Photonics, Extreme Light, and the Future of Science,” focusing on the impact of photonics on industry, medicine, and artificial intelligence applications.

The evening concluded with a gala dinner at Kampa Park, overlooking Charles Bridge—an elegant celebration of science, art, and friendship.

One of the highlights of the gathering was a visit to the Czech Institute of Informatics, Robotics and Cybernetics (CIIRC CTU), where a new Executive Education program was officially introduced. Developed by CzechTech Dynamics in cooperation with CIIRC CTU and with academic support from the MIT Club of Germany, the program marks a milestone in the development of innovation-driven education in Central Europe.

The program, titled “Digital Business Strategy,” is designed for senior and mid-level managers seeking to lead digital transformation within their organizations. Based on the MIT Executive Education framework, the course brings key global themes into the Czech and European context:

• Digital transformation strategy

• Data economy and analytics

• Building and developing digital ecosystems

The program combines in-person sessions, teamwork, and practical projects, emphasizing the connection between theory and real-world applications. It will be led by instructors with experience from both MIT and the Czech innovation ecosystem, ensuring a globally informed yet locally relevant approach.

Following the presentation, participants toured the CIIRC CTU Testbed, where they witnessed practical demonstrations of artificial intelligence, robotics, and digital twin technologies in industrial production. The demonstrations showcased tangible examples of smart manufacturing, adaptive automation, and the transfer of academic research into applied practice.

The evening was dedicated to the Signal Festival, which annually transforms Prague into an interactive gallery of light and technology. The curated route through the festival featured installations merging algorithms, visual design, and architecture, symbolically concluding four days of dialogue between science, art, and the modern urban landscape.

The event reaffirmed Prague’s natural ability to connect academic excellence, technological innovation, and cultural identity. The fusion of laser science, artificial intelligence, and light art provided an inspiring framework for discussions about the future of digital society.

“It’s fascinating to see researchers, architects, managers, and artists coming together here, all looking for new ways to use technology for positive change,”

summarized one participant.

The Prague meeting marked the second international event within the European initiatives of the MIT Club of Germany, aimed at strengthening collaboration among European MIT alumni and developing joint educational and innovation projects. Partnerships with institutions such as CTU, CIIRC, and ELI Beamlines confirm the direction MITCG is taking—bridging academic research with real-world impact.

The organizers extend their heartfelt thanks to all participants, partners, and institutions involved in the program, and greatly appreciate the exceptional atmosphere of collaboration, openness, and shared enthusiasm for innovation. Special thanks go to Wolfgang Ungerer, President of the MIT Club of Germany, for leading the international organization and supporting European initiatives; Rahejh Khazaal, Deputy Director of the Czech section of MITCG, for his active role in the event’s organization; and Bohdan Řanda for his assistance in coordinating the program and guiding participants during the Signal Festival.

“Prague is an ideal place where tradition, science, and modern technology meet. We see this Festival of Light as the beginning of broader collaboration within the MIT community in Europe,”
concluded the meeting.

Contact:
Petr Štěpán, Alumni CTU and Director of the Czech Branch of MIT Club of Germany
📧 petr.stepan@cvut.cz | petr.stepan@MIT-club.de