Painless diagnostics thanks to ultrasound and X-ray, the internet connecting the entire world, or foods preserved for months due to pasteurization. Famous inventions have become commonplace in our lives, many of them originating from the sharp minds of Slovak inventors.
These inventions stand behind years of trials, research, and experiments. However, it’s not always so—sometimes world-changing inventions appear entirely by chance. The wheel, the internet, radio, vaccination… Techniques and devices that seem ordinary to us today were once something entirely new.
Not only global but also Slovak inventions today save and facilitate the lives of billions of people around the world. Which of them do you use daily, unaware that our compatriots are responsible for them?
NOD32 antivirus program
In 1987, the world was introduced to the first NOD antivirus program, created by Peter Paško and Miroslav Trnka. Together with their team, they developed a sophisticated tool to protect computers from malicious software, which was particularly significant at a time when computers and the internet were becoming an integral part of our lives. This invention laid the groundwork for the entire IT security industry and helped protect billions of devices worldwide.
Bioplastics by Pavol Alexy
In 2011 and 2017, Pavol Alexy patented bioplastics with revolutionary potential for sustainable plastic use. These biodegradable plastic materials can protect the environment by being recyclable and reusable. Thanks to their innovative production from renewable sources, they have become a vital tool in the fight against environmental pollution.
Compressed air pump by Jozef Karol Hella
In 1753, Jozef Karol Hell and his colleague Samuel Mikovíni significantly simplified and improved the drainage of water from deep mines and valleys with the invention of the compressed air pump. This invention laid the foundations for modern mining and substantially contributed to improving safety and efficiency in mining industries not only in Slovakia but worldwide.
Electric motor by Štefan Anián Jedlík
In 1826, Štefan Anián Jedlík constructed the first electric motor with a rotating part based on the principle of electromagnetism. His work laid the foundations for the development of electric motors and electrical engineering, significantly influencing the Industrial Revolution and modern transportation means.
Radio transmission by Jozef Murgaš
Jozef Murgaš, a Roman Catholic priest from emigrated Slovak families, is considered one of the pioneers in radio transmission. His work in wireless telegraphy and the invention of the electromagnetic wave detector contributed significantly to advancements in telecommunications and wireless message transmission.
Helicopter by Ján Bahýľ
In 1894, Ján Bahýľ, a designer from Zvolenská Slatina, designed the first sketches of a human-powered helicopter. Although he was unable to secure a patent, others quickly utilized his designs, marking an important step in the development of aviation and military technologies.
Flying car by Štefan Klein
In 2017, industrial designer and university lecturer Štefan Klein introduced his design of the AeroMobil flying car. This innovative project combines the benefits of a car with vertical take-off and landing capabilities, potentially changing the future of personal transportation.
Photographic portrait lens by Jozef Maximilián Petzval
In 1840, Jozef Maximilián Petzval created the first photographic portrait lens, significantly reducing the exposure time of photographic materials due to its high-transmission optics. This lens became the basis for modern photographic techniques and was crucial for the development of portrait and documentary photography.
Parachute by Štefan Banič
In 1913, Štefan Banič patented his parachute design, intended to protect people in case of aviation accidents. His design paved the way for modern parachutes and provided people with new survival options in extreme situations.
The fascinating history of Slovak and global inventions continues to surprise and clearly demonstrates that human imagination knows no bounds. Although some inventions occasionally fall into misuse, their successes over the past decades, centuries, and even millennia convince us of the incredible ingenuity of people and fill us with hope for better tomorrows.