EIT Manufacturing – Slovakia – X Fund – Empowering Slovakia’s Digital Future

“EIT Manufacturing – Slovakia – X Fund plays an important role in connecting Slovak startups, SMEs, and students with the European research and innovation ecosystem. By fostering international collaborations and providing valuable opportunities for growth, we are empowering the next generation of tech professionals and entrepreneurs to drive meaningful change and contribute to global innovation.”

Ľubica Šebeňová

Manager Slovakia & Government Relations

EIT Manufacturing East 

About the project

EIT Manufacturing – Slovakia – X Fund is a collaborative effort of the Ministry of Investment, Regional Development, and Informatization of the Slovak Republic and EIT Manufacturing East.  

The joint fund seeks to finance projects and initiatives aimed at improving digital transformation processes within Slovakia in line with the Research and Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialisation of the Slovak Republic 2021-2027. 

Challenges

This collaboration is an important stepping stone towards fostering innovation and technological progress in Slovakia.  

With these mutual efforts, the fund is primed to make substantial contributions, aligning with Slovakia’s digital transformation goals and creating a pathway for new partnerships and sustainable growth. 

Solutions

Both entities have pledged funds as a promising start for the fund. In order to broaden the impact and reach of this initiative, other public or private sector entities are encouraged to join, contributing to the fund as a prerequisite for their participation.  

Expected results

The main objective of this fund is to channel resources into seven strategic activities with a focus on enhancing digital transformation in Slovakia.

Among the activities are a startup-centric competition named “Industry UP! Slovakia” and a knowledge-sharing initiative called “Business Safari”, drawing insights from Austria’s digital transformation practices.

The fund’s activities will benefit both local Slovak entities and foreign entities operating within the country’s borders.

Main results

The following outcomes have been achieved in the first year of the project: 

• Implementation of two activities: the IndustryUP startup competition and a study visit designed for Slovak public authorities; 

• Support provided to three Slovak startups, fostering their integration into the European research and innovation landscape; 

• Facilitation of research mobilities for three Slovak students in technology fields, enabling them to study abroad and enhance their expertise in emerging technological domains; 

• Training of eight representatives from Slovak ministries and public agencies, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to drive policy and innovation at the national level. 

Social impact

The project’s main impact is increasing awareness of Slovakia’s digital and green transition while fostering greater participation of Slovak startups, small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and students in the European research and innovation ecosystem.  

By promoting sustainable and digital solutions, the initiative helps bridge gaps between local and international stakeholders, enhancing Slovakia’s role in cutting-edge technological advancements. This engagement not only drives economic growth and competitiveness but also ensures that Slovak businesses and talent contribute to, and benefit from, Europe’s evolving innovation landscape, fostering a more resilient and future-ready economy. 

Participants