INOFEST 2025 took place 23. on September 24 at the Faculty of Materials Science and Technology STU in Trnava, transforming the university premises into a vibrant center of discussions, presentations, ideas, and practical demonstrations for two days. Experts from industry, science, business, public sphere, and non-profit sector gathered in one place
The atmosphere was friendly and open. People exchanged experiences during panels, lectures, as well as over coffee, at networking islands, or during the evening program.
New Normal and New Questions
“Everything is changing. Change comes not in decades or years, but now in months, perhaps even days. Whether it’s in technology, business, climate, or our everyday lives. The demands on how to deal with the new, changing situation are increasing. How will Slovak industry and our companies respond to this ‘new normal’? This was the main theme of the sixth edition of the innovation festival INOFEST,” explained Anna Čaplovičová, Executive Director of INOVATO CLUSTER, right at the beginning.
Her words were followed by Miloš Čambál, Dean of the Faculty of Materials Science and Technology STU in Trnava, who showed that the university is already changing the education system to be closer to practice:
“For example, new study programs are being created now. The system is really changing for the better. Even during their preparation, we communicate directly with employers, and they name the competencies that graduates need. We immediately incorporate this into the programs. During the studies, we cooperate not only with large companies like Volkswagen, ZF, or Schaeffler but also with progressive innovative companies. That’s why the collaboration with the Inovato cluster is amazing, where very innovative ideas are concentrated and where we connect our students directly with these companies.”
The Future of Industry is in Young People
Ľubomír Švec from ŠVEC GROUP also responded to the topic of education and people preparation: “Innovations and technologies are the future of industry, but people are the priority behind everything. It’s necessary to educate them, show them our companies, take them into practice.”
Dušan Manduľák from Sharvan Bike, one of our long-time members, also emphasized that the future of industry lies in young people and students.
“That’s why we organized this conference at the university as part of the cluster. To connect education and companies. Because today, you can have perfect buildings, machines even with artificial intelligence, but if you don’t have skilled people to operate them, you might as well close it down.”
These voices gave a clear framework to the festival. INOFEST wasn’t just about futuristic visions and modern technologies, but primarily about people. About their abilities, creativity, and courage. Even the best machines or software will remain just untapped potential if they are not in the hands of prepared and motivated people.
The event was traditionally moderated by Ľubomír Straka and leading Slovak and foreign experts, representatives of companies and institutions took turns on the stage. The topics were diverse – from economics and geopolitics through new technologies, AI, Industry 4.0, drones, sustainability, to the space industry. Everyone found something for themselves.
From Economics to AI: how Industry is Changing and What Awaits Employees of the Digital Era
Martin Vlachynský from INESS explained what the economy looks like in times of transformation:
“Europe never gave itself a proper chance. The last 30 years have been marked by growing bureaucracy, flawed energy and green policies, and building a large welfare state for people and companies, which is unfinanceable in the face of the demographic crisis.”
Subsequently, Peter Baumerth from Aston ITM introduced artificial intelligence and humanoid robots, which are no longer just sci-fi but a reality in industrial halls.
Petra Marková and Peter Szabó from MtF STU showed what will be expected from employees in the digital era.
“Technology without prepared people and mature processes remains just potential. People represent the ‘software’ that can operate the technology. They can also develop and adapt it according to production needs,” explained Peter Szabó.
Drones are Changing Agriculture, Industry, and Sustainable Business
Practical drone demonstrations also attracted great attention. Rastislav Sopko in a series of short interviews with Štefan Dusza (Zephyr UAS, APROP) and Andrej Kazakov (Enterra), who successfully implement drone solutions in practice in Slovakia and abroad, showed how these technologies are changing agriculture, industry, and environmental protection.
“Drones have the greatest potential in agriculture in our country. It works – and moreover, we have EU subsidies here that motivate farmers to start,” said Rasťo.
There was also an appeal for sustainable business on the stage. Libor Witassek, Ján Rapan, and Libor Bešenyi talked about green transformation and AI. “Many young Slovaks are leaving for work in the Czech Republic. And although it’s an advantage for us, it’s your loss. However, if meaningful projects emerge here that give technologies a value framework, young people will return,” emphasized Libor Witassek from Strojcar.
Innovation Centers and Grants
Space was also given to innovation centers from various regions of Slovakia, which presented their services and the concept of cross-sectoral innovation partnerships.
A practical workshop on funding opportunities from EU programs was led by Martin Krug, Ivan Filus, and Matej Novotný. Participants learned more about Horizon Europe, EIT, and cascade funding – sources that can help turn a good idea into a concrete project.
INOVATO AWARDS and Uncomfortable Truths about AI
The first day of INOFEST culminated in an evening program full of inspiration. The TEDx panel “Uncomfortable Truths about AI” brought an open discussion about the risks and ethical issues of artificial intelligence – things that are often talked about only marginally but affect us all.
After the debate, it was time for the INOVATO AWARDS 2025 ceremony.
The title of INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR was awarded to the civic association Cesta von. They showed us that innovation doesn’t always have to be about technology or business – it can also be about the courage to change people’s lives for the better.
Their projects, such as OMAMA, help children and families living in generational poverty and give them a chance for a new beginning. This is exactly what innovation is about – bringing light and future where it would otherwise be missing.
The evening concluded with a musical performance by the Slovak indie-pop duo Dennyiah, which added a great finishing touch to an inspiring day full of knowledge, new ideas, and human energy.
Megatrends and Space
The second day kicked off with Vladimír Vaňo from GLOBSEC, who looked at economic megatrends and their impact on the region.
This was followed by discussions about the future of engineering. Jiří Kovář from VUT Brno and Lukáš Richter analyzed Lean, Agile, and Industry 4.0 in practice. Richter emphasized: “In times of constant crises, we sometimes need to ask questions more than make decisions.”
The space industry was also a strong topic. Juraj Dudáš (VZLU AEROSPACE), Michal Kadlec (Bizzcom), and Marek Košuda (TUKE) presented projects within the V4 region. Kadlec noted:
“In Slovakia, we have very few ready-made experts for space, but thanks to the STEPHANIK project, we are about to change this.”
On the panel with Juraj Zámečník (3IPK), Petra Sováková (AIR foundation), and Kristián Ondáč (SARIO), the financing of space projects and the support of new talents were discussed.
At INOFEST 2025, we concluded a project we had been working on for a long time with people such as József Kelemen and Lórinc Páv from DESIGN TERMINAL, Veronika Mašínová from JIC, Pawel Kwiatkowski from ABGI POLAND, and Igor Žáček from Opus Magnus – for a year, we had been jointly building the project Space for V4.
The main goal of the project “Space for V4” was to connect small and medium-sized enterprises, research institutions, startups, and other stakeholders from space technologies and economy.
“I am proud that Slovakia is no longer just watching, but actively building its space ecosystem – connecting universities, startups, and companies. The Space for V4 project showed that when we pull together, we open the doors to the future,” said Anna Čaplovičová.
Expo, Excursions, and Networking
In addition to lectures and discussions, participants at INOFEST also enjoyed the EXPO zone with companies such as Bizzcom, Technodat, Švec Group, IOT Industries, Balteus, Finlinea, and Digitálna koalícia.
The excursions to the MtF STU laboratories were also a great success, where it was possible to see how research looks in practice. And the networking islands became a space for new contacts that can grow into future collaborations.
What Remained after INOFEST?
Primarily, the feeling that Slovakia has something to build on. We have talented people, companies with vision, and partners willing to support bold ideas. INOFEST 2025 was more than just a conference. It was a space where a community that believes in innovation and wants to move things forward met.
Answers to questions about where Slovakia and Europe are heading did not emerge from a single panel or lecture. However, conversations, new ideas, and collaborations did emerge – and that is the most valuable outcome.
For two days, Trnava experienced what it’s like to be the capital of innovation. And the rest of us are motivated to think, discuss, and create – so that innovations don’t just stay on stage, but are transferred into the daily lives of our businesses and communities.
TEXT: Natália Stašíková
PHOTO: Marek Eštočin
VIDEO: Press play media makers
