FEEC Hosts the First Nepanikař Conference
On Thursday, 10 September 2026, the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication at Brno University of Technology hosted the first conference organised by Nepanikař, focusing on remote crisis intervention. Entitled Closeness at a Distance: The Power of Remote Crisis Intervention, the event welcomed approximately 300 participants, including professionals, crisis service workers and students. The date was no coincidence – 10 September marks World Suicide Prevention Day.
According to available data, approximately 1,500 people die by suicide in Czechia each year, while the global figure exceeds 720,000. The number of suicide attempts is many times higher (sources: National Institute of Mental Health and WHO). Suicidal behaviour is often associated with severe psychological distress and feelings of hopelessness. Warning signs may include loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, social withdrawal, irritability or pessimistic statements. The widespread belief that people who talk about suicide will not actually attempt it is a myth. Such warning signs should therefore always be taken seriously and professional help should be sought.
Participants at the conference were welcomed by BUT Rector Ladislav Janíček. In his opening remarks, he praised the valuable and much-needed support that Veronika Kamenská has built – accessible, immediate and low-threshold support for people experiencing psychological distress. He also highlighted the project as an example of how BUT graduates can apply their technical expertise in areas with a direct social impact. The work of Veronika Kamenská and the Nepanikař project was also recognised by Michal Kubíček, Vice-Dean of FEEC for External and Internal Relations, who welcomed participants on behalf of the Faculty.
Veronika Kamenská | Photo: Werner von Siemens Awards
The full-day programme featured three expert sessions, parallel workshops and a doctoral section with scientific poster presentations. The talks covered current trends in crisis intervention, working with specific groups of clients and follow-up services after an acute crisis. The afternoon concluded with a vote and an award for the best poster.
Nepanikař Conference 2026 at FEEC BUT | Photo: Nepanikař archive
From FEEC Graduate to Founder of Nepanikař
Nepanikař was founded by Veronika Kamenská, a graduate of FEEC BUT. She studied Biomedical Engineering and Bioinformatics at the Faculty and in 2023 received the Werner von Siemens Award in the category recognising the overcoming of obstacles during study. She was also featured in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. She developed the project despite her own health challenges, transforming her personal experience into support for people going through similar difficulties.
Nepanikař was established in 2019 with the aim of creating the first Czech mobile app to provide free and immediate psychological first aid. The app gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic, when demand for accessible and anonymous support increased sharply.
Today, in addition to the app, Nepanikař provides free chat and email counselling as well as online therapy. It also offers training for future psychologists and members of the public who want to develop their knowledge and skills in crisis intervention.
Another part of its support is the Safezona web project. This online space focuses on young people's mental health, offering verified information, practical resources and a map of professional support with contacts for psychologists and specialised organisations.
The Nepanikař app has been downloaded by more than one million people worldwide and is available in 18 languages. Today, around 150 people are involved in the organisation.
“When I founded Nepanikař, I wanted help to be accessible to anyone, anywhere – just one tap away on a phone screen. Having the first conference take place right here, at the Faculty where I studied, means a great deal to me,” said Veronika Kamenská, founder of Nepanikař.
The fact that people working in crisis intervention came together at a faculty of technology is no coincidence. Nepanikař demonstrates how closely technology and mental health can be connected today.
And because the topic of the conference goes far beyond a single day of the year, we are also sharing contacts that may be useful to you or someone close to you:
- Linka bezpečí (Safety Line): 116 111
- Linka první psychické pomoci (First Psychological Aid Line): 116 123
- Nepanikař counselling service: nepanikar.eu
In an emergency, call the Emergency Medical Service at 155. Additional support materials are available at sebevrazdy.cz, a website of the Czech National Institute of Mental Health.
| Responsible person | Ing. Zdeňka Koubová |
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