Born when their time is right
Every baby should have the chance for a healthy start in life. By connecting scientists, doctors, and the public, we can prevent premature births and reduce their impact.
Premature Births in the Czech Republic
Although the Czech Republic is among the safest countries for childbirth, one in fourteen babies is born prematurely. Such an early start has a major impact on a child’s health and is one of the leading causes of neonatal mortality.
A baby born before the 37th week is considered premature. Birth before the 34th week significantly increases the risk of severe health complications and lifelong consequences — and in some cases, life ends far too soon. Premature birth places a heavy psychological and financial burden on families and results in significant costs for healthcare and social systems.
For approximately 40–45% of premature births, the causes remain unknown. We want to know why.
That’s why supporting research — from initial laboratory discoveries to real-world clinical applications — is essential. We believe that by connecting top experts from various fields, we can make a real difference and help reduce the number of premature births and their consequences.
We support top research, the translation of findings into practice, and the professional development of experts.
We actively seek a deeper understanding of the causes of premature births and effective ways to prevent them. We promote research that creates new opportunities for treatment and prevention, helping translate scientific discoveries into everyday practice. At the same time, we invest in people — experts and young scientists — supporting their growth, internships, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
We raise awareness about prevention and support changes that benefit society as a whole.
We advocate systemic changes in the care of pregnant women and preterm infants. We work with universities, hospitals, and media to share essential information and foster open dialogue between experts and the public.
We support families facing the challenges of premature birth.
We provide practical information and advice, and connect parents with organizations and support groups.
Pillars of Change
Key Areas
Science and Research
We strive to create optimal conditions for scientific research into the causes of premature birth. That´s why we support projects and experts dedicated to addressing this challenge.
Experts and Collaboration
Our goal is to foster effective collaboration and knowledge sharing among research teams, doctors, midwives, and other professionals. Over time, we also aim to gradually connect all specialized centers across the Czech Republic that focus on perinatology and neonatology.
Children and Families
Our main goal is to help reduce the incidence of premature births. Beyond research and prevention, we also believe it is essential to support families.
We aim to change the system. Drawing on experience from medicine, research, and business, we know what needs to be done.
“We are united by experience, vision, and the belief that a quality life begins even before birth. Investing in prevention and understanding the causes of premature births is crucial. Neoli is an independent organization funded from our own resources to enable immediate action — without compromises, with courage, and with a focus on real impact. We do not want to respond to only acute problems; we strive for systemic change.”
Petr Janků is an experienced obstetrician specializing in perinatal care. Kateřina Janků is an entrepreneur and founder of Moravia IT, which she led to become a global leader in localization.
The Board of Trustees sets the foundation’s strategic direction, oversees financial matters, and ensures all activities align with its core values.
Petr Janků
Obstetrician and long-time head of the largest obstetric department in the Czech Republic. Regional perinatologist for the South Moravian Region and a committee member of the Perinatology and Fetomaternal Medicine Section of the Czech Gynecological and Obstetric Society. He is actively engaged in scientific research and in the education of doctors and midwives.
Kateřina Janků
Co-founder and co-owner of the Moravia IT company, which later became a global leader in localization for major tech companies. The company was successfully acquired by foreign investors. Currently, Kateřina Janků focuses on investments and real estate project development.
Karel Obluk
Investor and mentor in cybersecurity, partner at the Evolution Equity Partners fund, and former CTO at AVG Technologies, where he contributed to its growth leading up to its NYSE listing.
The Supervisory Board oversees the activities of the Board of Trustees to ensure transparency and compliance with regulations and laws.
Eva Yildizová
Brings extensive experience from diplomacy, culture, and leadership of organizations in the Czech Republic and abroad. She served as Operational Director of the Husa na Provázku Theater for 17 years and now explores forgotten Jewish history through the ŠTETL FEST festival she founded in 2021.
Jitka Kratochvílová
Experienced in the localization industry as well as the nonprofit sector. She actively supports education and women through international organizations. She is a long-time member of Soroptimist International Club Brno I, former president, and member of international committees.
Arturo Quintero
Co-founded and helped transform the Brno-based company Moravia IT into a global corporation. Today, he shares his experience with startups and students.
The Advisory Board brings together leading experts in perinatology, neonatology, and research. It provides independent guidance and helps steer our projects toward effective prevention and improved care for premature infants.
MUDr. Petr Janků, Ph.D.
Obstetrician and long-time head of the largest obstetric department in the Czech Republic. Regional perinatologist for the South Moravian Region and a committee member of the Perinatology and Fetomaternal Medicine Section of the Czech Gynecological and Obstetric Society. He is actively engaged in scientific research and in the education of doctors and midwives.
prof. MUDr. Martin Procházka, Ph.D.
Head of the Institute of Medical Genetics at Olomouc University Hospital, former Rector of Palacký University, and obstetrician. Expert in high-risk and pathological pregnancies, particularly regarding the impact of hemoregulation disorders during pregnancy. He gained valuable experience through numerous professional stays and internships at prestigious European clinics and is the author of more than 100 scientific publications in renowned journals.
prof. MUDr. Antonín Pařízek, CSc.
Leading Czech obstetrician, anesthesiologist, and regional perinatologist for the Central Bohemian Region. He works at the Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics, and Neonatology of the First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, and the General University Hospital in Prague. Specialist in obstetric analgesia and author of numerous scientific publications and textbooks. He actively promotes medical knowledge and communicates topics related to pregnancy, childbirth, and parenthood to the general public.
prof. MUDr. Marian Kacerovský, Ph.D.
Head obstetrician at Maternity hospital, Olomouc University Hospital, and leader of a research group focused on premature rupture of membranes. He collaborates with leading international research teams in the field of preterm births and currently serves as Chairman of the Perinatology and Fetomaternal Medicine Section of the Czech Gynecological and Obstetric Society. He is the author of more than 180 publications in prestigious scientific journals.
Kateřina Ornerová
Has over 20 years of experience in science, from conducting research to leading scientific teams. Prior to joining Neoli, she served as the Head of the Research and Innovation Support Department at CEITEC, Masaryk University.
Lucie Švecová
She is responsible for the daily operations of the Foundation, ensuring process efficiency and preparing financial materials for both the accounting firm and the Foundation’s management. She also supports the strategic development of the organization. She joined Neoli driven by a desire to be part of a project with a clear mission to help others.
We want science to move beyond journal pages and make a real impact in preventing premature births.
Our vision is a world where every child has the chance to live a healthy life.
When we join forces, we can change the future for many families.
Neoli creates a space where science, doctors and families come together at one table.
I believe every woman should have the information she needs to protect herself and her baby.
I wish for premature births to become the exception.
Every penny invested in preventing premature births pays back many times over — not only to the healthcare and social systems, but above all to children and their families.
Neoli is driven by people with vision and heart — and that’s what gives the project its power.
Neoli helps bring knowledge from the labs directly to patients.
Neoli aims to secure a dignified start for every child.
I see Neoli as an opportunity to connect Czech and international teams and accelerate the path to solutions.
Help Reduce the Number of Premature Births
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