From the Cellar to the World #6: Czech Success in the World of Drones: The Story of Dronetag – Lukáš Brchl
How does a small idea become a global market leader? In the sixth episode of the podcast From the cellar to the world Ondřej Kašpárek welcomed Lukáš Brchl, founder of the company Dronetag, which has become a global leader in the field of remote drone identification. Listen to how Dronetag was founded, how they faced the challenges of hardware business in Czechia, and what role 3D printing and prototyping played in their journey.
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Dronetag: Safety and coordination in the drone world
Dronetag was founded with the aim of addressing drone coordination and safety in low-level airspace. Their technology allows drones from various manufacturers to „see“ each other and avoid collisions – even near airports or critical infrastructure.
Lukáš Brchl describes the company's beginnings: „We started literally in a cellar on eight square metres with 3D printers and massive enthusiasm. What pushed us further was the desire to learn as we went and overcome obstacles.“
Czech hardware startup – advantages and challenges
In the interview, Lukáš describes what it’s like to run a hardware company in the Czech Republic. Although the local market isn’t particularly developed for hardware, Dronetag has found its niche, particularly in Europe and the US, which currently account for 80 % of its turnover.
According to Lukáš, the key to their success is the ability to react quickly to market needs: „The drone industry changes every six months. Companies that have succeeded must be flexible and ready to innovate.“
The foundation of success: A combination of hardware and software
One of Dronetag’s main products is a range of devices that enable drones to share their location data. These modules not only meet regulatory requirements but also provide added value – such as the display of flight zones or integration with professional flight logs.
„The fact that we have been through every part of production ourselves helped us to create efficient processes,“ explains Lukáš, who even spent months in Taiwan to ensure the quality of their equipment’s production.
Inspiration for other startups
Dronetag is a prime example of how one can succeed even in the demanding environment of the hardware business and achieve global success. Their journey from a small team in a basement to the position of a world leader shows that the key is not only perseverance, but also the ability to innovate and adapt to a rapidly changing market.
If you too have an idea for a hardware project and are looking for support for its development, check out our PrusaLab hardware accelerator. We offer facilities, expert consultations and technological equipment to help bring your ideas to life.
Be inspired by the story of Dronetag and perhaps your project will be the next one to break out from a basement to the world!
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