Monika Štěpánová Recognised in Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe: Driving Innovation at the Intersection of Science and Technology

The InnovPrecMed consortium is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievement of Monika Štěpánová, CEO and Co-Founder of Lightly Technologies, who has been recognised in the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe 2026 list. This recognition builds on her earlier nomination to the Forbes 30 Under 30 Czech Republic selection, further confirming her growing impact in the field of innovation and entrepreneurship.

This recognition highlights Monika’s remarkable journey as a young innovator and entrepreneur who is successfully bridging the worlds of science, business, and technology. As a key member of the InnovPrecMed consortium, her work exemplifies the mission of translating cutting-edge research into real-world impact.

From Academic Roots to Global Innovation

A graduate of Mendel University in Brno, Monika Štěpánová represents a new generation of leaders who combine scientific expertise with entrepreneurial vision. In addition to her background in business and economics, she is currently pursuing a PhD in biological chemistry at Mendel University, further strengthening her ability to bridge science and real-world applications.

Her journey into entrepreneurship began through collaboration with researchers at Mendel University, where she became involved in the early stages of technology transfer and startup development.

Lightly Technologies: Transforming Forensic Analysis

Lightly Technologies has developed a breakthrough solution for the rapid identification of chemical substances, including counterfeit medicines and illicit drugs. The company’s portable device enables on-site analysis in real time, significantly reducing the need for lengthy laboratory procedures.

Built on a patented “UV fingerprint” technology, the system allows users not only to identify substances within minutes but also to connect cases and trace their origins through advanced data analysis.

This innovation is already attracting attention from international stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies and global organisations, demonstrating its potential to improve safety and public health worldwide.

From Brno to the World

What began as a university-based initiative in Brno is now expanding globally. Lightly Technologies is actively collaborating with partners in the United States and beyond, contributing to efforts to combat the growing challenge of counterfeit drugs and the opioid crisis.

The company has secured funding and international support, further validating its potential to scale and make a meaningful societal impact.

Leadership, Resilience, and Vision

Monika’s path to success is defined not only by innovation but also by resilience and determination. Her leadership reflects a clear vision: to bring advanced technologies out of the laboratory and into practical use, improving safety, health, and efficiency across multiple sectors.

A Valued Member of the InnovPrecMed Consortium

As part of the InnovPrecMed consortium, Monika Štěpánová and the Lightly team contribute to strengthening the connection between research, innovation, and application. Their work demonstrates how interdisciplinary collaboration can accelerate the development of impactful solutions in life sciences and beyond.

We are proud to have Monika and Lightly Technologies as part of our network and look forward to their continued success on the international stage.

Congratulations, Monika!

Photo: Eliška Sattlerová