Promoting structural engineering, one calculation at a time

In the world of structural engineering, precision is paramount. Ensuring the safety and efficiency of construction projects requires cutting-edge technology, and  IDEA StatiCa, a software company based in South Moravia, Czechia, has become a global leader in this domain. 

With solutions that empower engineers to perform accurate structural calculations, the company has expanded its footprint to over 80 countries, serving more than 40 000 users worldwide. It anticipates adding another 10 000 users to its customer base.

Behind this growth lies a strategic partnership with the South Moravian Innovation Centre (JIC) and the Enterprise Europe Network, which played a crucial role in IDEA StatiCa’s journey to international success.

The challenge of going global

Founded in 2009 by Lubomír Šabatka, IDEA StatiCa started as a small team of experts determined to advance structural analysis software. The company gained early traction and, by 2016, had around 30 employees and a turnover of approximately EUR 1.6 million. However, the company faced a critical challenge: scaling internationally.

Expanding beyond Europe, particularly into South-East Asia, presented significant hurdles. The company needed a well-structured international business strategy, a reliable distribution network and an effective system for gathering feedback from distributors. They also needed to refine their sales approach to match the specifics of different markets. Enter JIC and the Enterprise Europe Network.

JIC’s role in accelerating growth

JIC supported IDEA StatiCa at every stage of its development, from offering office space and business planning assistance in its early years to mentoring and networking opportunities during its expansion phase. CEO Juraj Šabatka recalled: "Before working with JIC, we faced several key challenges in scaling internationally. The main issues were the need to evaluate our international business strategy and to effectively build a distribution network abroad."

Through JIC’s extensive network, the company gained access to key international partners, including embassies, Enterprise Europe Network members, and industry organisations. Strategic mentorship played a crucial role in operational scaling and sales strategy development. The collaboration also led to a key personnel success story. Lukáš Maňásek, who started as an expert at JIC, later became the sales director at IDEA StatiCa, contributing to its commercial success. His expertise helped streamline the company’s expansion efforts, ensuring sustainable growth.

Breaking into the Asia-Pacific market

When IDEA StatiCa set its sights on Singapore as a gateway to the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, JIC played a crucial role in facilitating the expansion. Leveraging their extensive network, JIC connected the company with valuable partners and provided insights from experienced experts. "Looking back, one of the biggest benefits of working with JIC and the Enterprise Europe Network was the opportunity to gain direct access to key contacts in foreign markets," said Juraj Šabatka. "Thanks to JIC, for example, we gained a valuable link to the Czech Ambassador to the US, opening the door to our target audience to help us find three American universities who became great partners."

Šabatka added that JIC also helped in the company’s expansion to Singapore by directing them to relevant contacts from Enterprise Europe Network members. As a result, IDEA StatiCa was able to rapidly establish itself and become operational in a new market. This strategy also strengthened local partnerships and relationships with key stakeholders, and enhanced team capabilities by integrating local talent.

Phenomenal growth and future plans

Looking ahead, IDEA StatiCa plans to deepen its market penetration in the US and Asia while continuing to refine its technology. With 120 employees as of 2025 (80 in Brno and 40 in international offices) the company is poised for even greater success. In addition to expanding its customer base, the company is also investing in AI-driven features to enhance its software capabilities.

The impact of JIC’s support is evident in IDEA StatiCa’s remarkable growth trajectory. By 2024, the company had expanded to 100 employees and achieved a turnover of over EUR 22 million. Its presence in the US, Europe, and Asia has strengthened, with offices in Philadelphia, London, Dortmund, Rotterdam and Singapore. More than 40 000 engineers globally rely on the software, performing approximately 1.5 million calculations per month.

Lessons in innovation and global expansion

Reflecting on their journey, IDEA StatiCa credits JIC and the Enterprise Europe Network with providing direct access to critical international contacts, creating a thriving ecosystem of support and fostering talent development. The collaboration demonstrated that with a clear vision, a strong product and the right strategic partners, a Czech company can achieve global success without external investment.

Beyond its own success, IDEA StatiCa actively contributes to the entrepreneurial ecosystem by advising start-ups and supporting other promising businesses in the region. The company has also taken a proactive role in mentoring young engineers, promoting the development of the next generation of innovators in structural engineering. As the company continues to push the boundaries of structural engineering software, its success story serves as an inspiration for other innovative companies looking to expand beyond their home markets.

By sharing its expertise and insights, IDEA StatiCa aims to support other businesses in navigating international growth, reinforcing its role as a leader in structural engineering software.