Prague’s Tech Sector Grows as Cybersecurity Giant Plans Major Expansion

Global cybersecurity company Cato Networks is preparing a major expansion in Prague, announcing plans to move into a larger R&D center and triple its local workforce within the next year. The company’s founder, Israeli tech entrepreneur Shlomo Kramer, confirmed the move during a press conference in Prague last week.

Since establishing its Prague base in 2024, Cato Networks has viewed the Czech capital as an ideal location thanks to its strategic position in Europe, strong tech ecosystem, and access to international talent. The firm says these factors are essential to meeting the growing global demand for AI-powered security solutions.

Kramer noted that the global cybersecurity landscape is evolving faster than at any time in the past two decades, accelerated by AI-driven threats. According to the Czech Office for Cyber and Information Security, cyberattacks in the country increased by 84 percent between 2022 and 2024, highlighting a growing need for advanced protection.

Cato Networks, valued at USD 4.8 billion and known for its cloud-based SASE platform, chose Prague as its first R&D site outside Israel due to its high quality of life, international environment, and strong tech foundations.

The company’s new Prague R&D head, Lukáš Mrázek, says the goal is not only to expand but also to attract top regional talent. He emphasized the firm’s focus on modern facilities, transparent processes, and strong mentorship culture. Chief Technology Officer Eyal Heiman added that the Czech labor market offers practical and open conditions that make hiring skilled specialists easier.

The roles most in demand at Cato include software engineers, DevOps engineers, frontend developers, C-language developers, and security researchers. Recruitment agency data shows rapid salary growth in emerging tech roles across Czechia, further confirming the sector’s momentum.

Heiman warned that AI is reshaping cybersecurity risks, pushing companies to secure both their networks and the expanding digital connections between employees, cloud platforms, and AI tools. He emphasized the need for AI-aware security systems that can defend against threats across all digital environments.

For Kramer, the mission goes beyond business growth. His goal is to strengthen global cybersecurity, support companies worldwide, and contribute to job creation. “I like to make things; from zero to one, nothing to something,” he said.