Ing. Pavlína Koutecká
Scientific Investment Analyst, i&i Biotech Fund
Pavlína Koutecká is a graduate of the Open Informatics program at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, CTU. During her studies, she excelled in the IT Spy competition, where in 2023, she won a silver medal for designing an optimization method using machine learning to improve the efficiency of surgical procedure scheduling. This innovation led to significant time and cost savings. Today, she works at the venture capital fund i&i Bio, where she leverages her technical background to evaluate and support startups in biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and medicine.
What was your area of expertise at CTU, and what do you enjoy most about your work?
At CTU, I focused on machine learning applications in mathematical optimization as part of the industrial informatics department at CIIRC. Currently, I have moved towards the practical application of science and I work for the commercial branch of the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry at the Academy of Sciences, where I focus on investments in scientific startups specializing in artificial intelligence.
What led you to science?
It was a coincidence. In high school, I enjoyed mathematics, programming, and, thanks to my dad also machines, so I decided to study robotics at CTU. Over time, I was naturally drawn to the medical and biological fields, trying to apply my acquired knowledge, which scientific research at one of CIIRC's departments allowed me to do.
How do you balance your personal and professional life?
Honestly, on most days, my personal and professional life tend to blend. I have always enjoyed my work and dedicated a lot of time to it, especially when I find a project fulfilling, which sometimes encroaches on my personal life. However, over time, I have learned to rest and enjoy moments outside of work. Taking a few days off and heading to the mountains to completely disconnect helps me the most.
Would you recommend a scientific career to high school girls? If so, why?
I would recommend a scientific career to young women who have a strong desire to explore specific fields in depth. You don’t need to have your entire career planned out in high school, just take the first step by choosing a field that interests you, start studying it, and be surprised by where it leads you.