Josef Týfa first published the Academia typeface in 1967-68. It was the winning design from competition aimed at new typeface for scientific texts, announced by Grafotechna. It was cut and cast in metal in 1968 in 8 and 10 point sizes of plain, italic and semi-bold designs.

In 2003 Josef Týfa with František Štorm began to work on its digital version. During 2004 Týfa approved certain differences from the original drawings in order to bring more original and timeless feeling to this successful typeface. Vertical stem outlines are no more straight, but softly slendered in the middle, italics were quietened, uppercase proportions brought closer to antique principle. Light and Black designs served (as usual) as starting points for interpolation of remainig weights.

The new name Academica distinguishes the present digital transcription from the original idea. It comprises Týfa’s rational concept for scientific application with versatility to other genres of literature.