Most of us had a “when I grow up…” phase. Some of us grew out of it. Michaela didn’t. She was a kid obsessed with space and after years of hard work, struggling, even facing homelessness, she became a real astrobiologist. And also explorer, author, speaker… list goes on.

Her story reminds us that dreams rarely come true easily. They require persistence, courage, and the willingness to keep going even when things don’t look bright. Oh, and let’s not forget curiosity. Because curious minds find!

And yes, we’re curious too. That’s the real reason (among others) this collaboration makes sense.

Thinking green (without pretending we’ve solved it all)

It is clear that our planet is under pressure. Water resources are shrinking, and climate change is no longer a distant warning. We’re already feeling it.

As a society, we are searching for solutions. That is also one of the reasons why Michaela’s Astro Seven Summits mission matters.

During Michaela’s expeditions to the highest peaks, she studies life that survives in extreme conditions. This research helps us understand the limits of life on Earth and get closer to answering bigger questions about our planet and beyond.

For us, this is not abstract science. We have built green tech in practice. Together with WTR, we developed wastewater treatment systems now operating in 200+ locations worldwide. They mean cleaner water and energy savings that benefit both local communities and the environment.

Supporting Michaela is a natural extension of that mindset. If we want a healthier planet, technology and science have to work hand in hand.

Breaking barriers

Michaela has openly shared that at the beginning of her career she was told empathy was a weakness. That she should toughen up if she wanted to succeed in science and the space sector. Comments from men meant to “help her grow thicker skin” were often just another way of saying she did not quite fit the traditional mold.

Tech has its own history here. The good news: it’s changing.

Women are building products, leading projects, testing systems, managing teams, and shaping strategy.

At Hotovo, women have been part of our teams since the beginning. That’s why we join initiatives like Girl’s Day: to make IT feel less like a closed club and more like a real option.

Supporting Michaela is also supporting the idea that there isn’t one “correct” personality type for science or tech. Curiosity doesn’t care about stereotypes.

A shared direction

As you can see, there are many reasons why this collaboration makes sense for us. Commitment, skill, trust, people. On paper, her world and ours look different. But the mechanics are familiar. Michaela relies on preparation, tools, expertise and teamwork. So do we. No expedition is a one-person mission. No complex software project is either.

That’s why this partnership isn’t about logos next to each other.

She represents the kind of thinking we can relate to. Long-term vision over quick wins. Responsibility over shortcuts. Curiosity over comfort. 

And we also like the Slovakia connection. 🙂 Michaela is building a global career from Slovak roots. Hotovo does business globally from the same place. We know the work it takes to earn trust with demanding partners, so we always respect it when we see it in someone else.

What’s next

This partnership has momentum. It’s a shared direction that fits how we work: thinking long-term, doing it properly, staying curious.