The year 2025 was truly dynamic for us at INOVATO. We successfully completed international certification and obtained the prestigious ESCA Silver Label, organized the sixth edition of INOFEST, successfully completed the project Space for V4 and established new domestic and international partnerships. Most importantly, we managed to strengthen our community. We have repeatedly confirmed that innovation is not just about technology, but primarily about people.
ESCA Silver Label and INOVATO’s Quality Confirmation
For us, obtaining the ESCA Silver Label is not just a certificate to hang on the wall. It is primarily clear proof that the management of INOVATO CLUSTER works diligently and continuously improves. This success is the result of the immense work of our small but very dedicated team.
Despite limited capacities, it managed to set up systemic processes and improve communication. Equally important was the involvement and engagement of our members, who significantly contributed to this success with their willingness to help and share experiences.
Thanks to this, we managed to transition from the original concept to a full-fledged strategy. International projects also played a significant role. The Space for V4 project, supported by the Visegrad Fund, developed cooperation in the field of space innovations. The BRIDGE & SHIFT project, focused on the automotive sector, will constitute a large part of our activities over the next two years.
Collaborations that Strengthen the Ecosystem
At INOVATO, during 2025, we prepared a diverse and intensive program – from practical workshops and expert conferences to the INOFEST innovation festival. At the same time, we built valuable partnerships and forged genuine friendships.
We collaborated with organizations such as Digitálna koalícia, SARIO, SIEA, ICARI, INOVIA, Výťah.conf, Asociácia Mám dron and others. Thanks to these collaborations, the cluster today connects not only more than 70 members but also a wide range of Slovak and international organizations and partners.
Within the workshops and seminars, we focused on specific and current topics. For example, we addressed the transition from paper-based processes to digitalization, the use of multi-agent AI in practice, communication, and values in organizations.
We also discussed questions such as how to properly communicate content on the web and social media. Strategic questions of growth in a challenging market environment were also given space, where we drew inspiration from the principles of Baťa and Toyota.
From Discussions to Practical Outcomes
The program was further complemented by conferences and expert forums, which created space for discussion, sharing experiences, and new perspectives. The INOVATO discussion forum focused on Baťa’s principles in business. Výťah.Conf 2025, as part of the Space for V4 project, opened the topic of innovation and international cooperation.
At the Slovak Industry Vision Day organized by SARIO, we discussed the digitalization of industry. A significant moment was also the conference ‘The Last Shall Be First,’ which brought new impulses to the field of business and leadership thinking.
Part of the educational activities and presentations of our members were also webinars focused on various current topics such as business and innovation funding opportunities, the use of supercomputers in business, modular microfactories, and the topic of true product profitability. The goal of the entire program was to provide practical knowledge, connect people, and create space for meaningful topics and future collaborations.
Our Projects Connecting Regions, Innovations, and People
In addition to developing the community and new collaborations, in 2025, we actively focused on the implementation and preparation of strategic projects. We successfully completed the international project Space for V4, supported by the Visegrad Fund, which connected the space ecosystems of Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary, and provided a database of stakeholders, expert blogs, trainings, the Výťah.conf conference, and a publication with examples of good practice.
At the same time, together with our partners, we successfully secured and launched the project BRIDGE & SHIFT, which from 2026 will support innovation, digitalization, and sustainable transformation of automotive regions in cooperation with partners from Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, Spain, and Austria.
Both projects show that we enjoy connecting what originates locally with international cooperation and providing space for companies, experts, and organizations that want to do things meaningfully. We would be delighted if you follow us and become part of INOVATO’s future activities.
INOFEST is Where the Action Is
INOFEST holds a special place in our hearts – and 2025 was no exception. The sixth edition of the innovation festival took place 23. on September 24 at the Faculty of Materials Science and Technology of STU in Trnava. For two days, it transformed the university premises into a vibrant center of innovation, open discussions, and meetings of people who care about the future. More than 240 participants from industry, science, business, public, and non-profit sectors were united by the desire to think, share experiences, and seek new solutions.
The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly not only during lectures and panel discussions. It was also evident in coffee conversations, networking zones, and during the evening program. Together, we addressed the topics of rapid technological and economic changes and how to prepare for them in business, education, and society.
INOFEST 2025 thus once again confirmed that innovation is not just about technology, but primarily about people and the relationships that emerge among them.
Experts from Slovakia and abroad took to the stage, opening discussions on economic megatrends, artificial intelligence, Industry 4.0, sustainability, and space innovations.
A strong and very authentic moment of the festival was also the awarding of the INOVATO AWARDS 2025, where the title Innovator of the Year was awarded to the team of the civic association Cesta von for their long-term and systematic work with people threatened by generational poverty.
Through several programs focused on early childhood development, supporting parenting skills, education, and strengthening the financial stability of families, they bring real change where it is most needed. They give children and families a chance for a better future.
During the day, participants had the opportunity to visit the EXPO zone of innovative companies, participate in workshops, or look into research laboratories, where it was possible to see technologies and research in practice. The festival brought many new contacts, ideas, and collaborations that continue even after its conclusion. INOFEST 2025 thus once again confirmed that innovation is not just about technology, but primarily about people and the relationships that emerge among them.
And What Awaits Us and You in 2026?
We see 2026 as another step in building a strong, active, and connected community around INOVATO. We anticipate full commitment to the activities of the project Bridge and Shift and at the same time, a continuation of educational activities. We will organize regular webinars, seminars, and practical workshops where we will address current topics, share experiences, and provide concrete solutions from practice.
Cluster members will meet regularly throughout the year, participate in informal networking activities and join the popular “Summer with INOVATO”, which creates a space for connecting people even outside conference halls.
We want to support cooperation among members, create opportunities for business and project development, mutual assistance, and the ability to react effectively in a fast-paced and unpredictable era. The highlight of the year will be the 7th edition of the INOFEST 2026 innovation festival, where we will once again bring together innovation, discussions, and community in one place.
We are also looking forward to the planned presentation of INOVATO and our partners at the EUROBIKE 2026 international trade fair, where we want to showcase Slovak innovations in a broader European context.
The year 2026 will also be a year of strengthening our team, so that we can bring even more valuable and inspiring activities to cluster members and the public. We will intensively cooperate with the non-profit sector, educational institutions, and companies, with the ambition to be a source of inspiration for young people. We want them to see interesting opportunities at home and have the motivation to stay and develop their talents in Slovakia.
In addition to planned activities, we also look forward to new collaborations, projects, and opportunities. These often arise naturally from meetings, conversations, and trust among people. We thank all members, partners, and supporters who contributed to our successful year 2025. In 2026, we look forward to collaborating again, developing meaningful topics, and driving innovation forward.
Openness, Fairness, Trust, and Sharing
In the INOVATO cluster, we bring together successful Slovak and Czech companies and organizations from mechanical engineering, microelectronics, digitalization, energy, transport, and social entrepreneurship. We connect companies, universities, and experts, creating space for collaboration. We prepare educational events, conferences, working groups, and projects that transform ideas into real business.
We build on the values of openness, fairness, responsibility, trust, and sharing. We only develop initiatives that make sense – for people, for nature, and for the quality of life. Our work stands on the pillars of cooperation, integrity, transparency, and a proactive approach.
INOVATO’s goal is to connect people, support innovation, and develop regions long-term. If you are looking for a community where innovations have a real impact and cooperation is not just a word, join us.
TEXT: Anna Čaplovičová, Natália Stašíková
PHOTO: INOVATO
