At Hotovo, we don’t see success as just writing great code or finishing big projects, it’s also about showing up for people, making difference and doing good where we can. The first half of 2025 gave us plenty of chances to pitch in, learn something new, and support causes that matter. Here’s a quick look at some of the things we got involved in.

Helping families with Dorka Centrum

We started the year by supporting Dorka Centrum and its important work. This organization helps families in difficult life situations, young adults transitioning out of foster care, and children who need a safe and nurturing environment. Dorka Centrum guides people who want to make a change, supporting them as they overcome dependencies, build stability, and create a better space for their children to grow and thrive.

Reaching new heights with Michaela Musilová

Have you ever thought about what life looks like in extreme environments? Michaela Musilová, Slovak astrobiologist and marsonaut, is finding out through her Astro Seven Summits project. She’s climbing the highest peaks on each continent to study life in harsh conditions. Her next goal is Mount Everest! Besides that, she is also raising awareness about the importance of protecting water.  Her relentless passion and bold exploration of new frontiers mirrors the way we approach challenges in software development — always looking for ways to break boundaries and redefine what’s possible. Michaela’s path can be inspiring for anyone — especially young girls — aiming to do something extraordinary.

If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a scientist or explorer, Michaela’s story is a great place to start. And if you’d like to learn more about her journey, check out the videos we’ve created together!

Inspiring young women

April brought another edition of Girl’s Day, where we welcomed high school students to our office. The girls worked on developing their own startup ideas. They learned how to build a business concept, create a plan, and shape a presentation, which they then shared with us. It was a great chance to show how teamwork and creativity can open the door to the world of IT, a field that really is for everyone.

Bees, bears, and bigger perspectives

A few times a year, we host sessions for our colleagues on all kinds of topics, some close to home, others that open our eyes to life far beyond our everyday experience.

In February, we learned from beekeeper Marián Krupeľák about the powerful role bees play in keeping our world running. These tiny pollinators support biodiversity, help grow the food we eat, and even make our daily tea a little sweeter—literally. We’ve adopted two beehives, and the honey they produce finds its way into our office kitchens. Sweet, right?

Fast forward to June, and we were learning about another resident of the wild: bears. The Aevis Foundation joined us for a session on bear behavior, myths vs. facts, and what to do if you ever meet one in the forest (spoiler: don’t panic, don’t run, and definitely don’t try to pet it). It reminded us how important it is to protect wildlife and respect the spaces we share with them. So next time you’re out in the woods, keep your eyes open — not just for animals, but for the signs that you’re in their home.

We also got involved in a more hands-on way by helping reconstruct a pergola and stairway at the Botanical Garden in Košice. It’s a small way to make the space safer, more inviting, and enjoyable for everyone who stops by to take a breath of fresh air.

And beyond the natural world, we looked outward with a powerful session hosted by the Human Rights League. They spoke about the realities of life as a refugee, the work of their integration centre, and the importance of empathy over fear. We also had the chance to hear directly from Sima, a young woman from Afghanistan who fled her home when the Taliban returned to power. She shared her story and future hopes with incredible strength. The experience left many of us reflecting — not just on global issues, but on the simple things we often take for granted.

Helping a surf school in Argentina

In February, our colleagues in Argentina met Lucas, a passionate surf instructor who makes the sport accessible to everyone — including people with disabilities. Surfing can be truly transformative, building confidence, strength, and a sense of belonging. To support his initiative, we donated wetsuits and equipment, knowing that even small gestures can have a big impact. Our efforts to help and connect aren’t limited to where we work, they can create waves far beyond the walls of Hotovo HQ.

Continuing our longstanding support for LUX

Here at HQ, we’ve been supporting the LUX Social Center for years, and this spring was no exception. From collecting clothes, hygiene items, and everyday essentials to donating therapeutic dolls. They were designed to bring comfort, relaxation and ease anxiety, and were so well received that we sent a second batch their way. We’ve seen firsthand how even small acts of care can make a difference.

Pucung Festival app

We were happy to be part of the Pucung Festival by supporting the Live IT Projects initiative. Our colleagues mentored students to build an app that made it easy for visitors to navigate the festival and engage with its content. The festival itself is more than just an event, it’s a space that brings open conversations about corruption, social justice, and the challenges our society faces. It brings together voices from civil society, culture, and media to question, reflect, and push for change. Getting involved, even in small ways, matters. Whether it’s through tech, art, or simply showing up, we all have a role to play in shaping the kind of society we want to live in.

Standing for respect and inclusion

May 17 marks the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia, a reminder of how important it is to support respect and equality for everyone. But it shouldn’t be about just one day. That’s why we joined the Rainbow Ribbon campaign, showing our support for the LGBTI+ community in a simple but visible way. Inclusion and creating a safe space matters to us, and wearing the ribbon is one way we remind ourselves and others that everyone deserves to feel welcome and accepted — not just today, but every day.

Cheering for young talents at the WRO

Have you heard of the World Robot Olympiad? Do you have a small innovator at home who loves to build or code? Events like this are exactly where that curiosity can grow into something amazing. This spring, we once again supported the WRO, both the regional and national rounds. The competition brought together brilliant young minds to show off their creativity, teamwork, and technical skills.

It’s always exciting to see what these kids come up with and why we keep backing events like this. Because when we support young talent today, we help build a better future.

We also had a special visit from one of the teams — a group of bright kids from LegoTeam Medzany who came to our office to show us their project and get a glimpse into the world of software development. We shared what we do, answered their curious questions, and hopefully gave them a sense of where their passion for robotics might take them one day.

Curious what that day looked like? Watch the video here:

Cleaning up our community

In May, a group of our colleagues joined forces with Green Society to clean up a part of Košice. It was a hands‑on reminder of how much we owe to our planet and how every effort counts when it comes to preserving nature. See more!

Each of these moments reaffirmed why we do what we do — not only within the office, but beyond its walls. Together, we’ve learned, acted, and made an impact that goes far beyond ourselves. Here’s to another half‑year of making a difference, one step at a time!

And if you're curious about our activities over the past year - read on and get inspired!