Stories of innovation
Do you know any successful Slovenian innovators?
Slovenia boasts several well-known innovators whose achievements have contributed to the development of science, technology and the economy. Here are some of the most prominent Slovenian innovators and their projects:
Jože Plečnik
Area: architecture
Contribution: Jože Plečnik is a world-renowned architect, known for his innovative solutions in the fields of urban planning and architecture. His works, such as the National and University Library in Ljubljana, the renovation of the Ljubljanica River and the Trnovo Bridge, influenced the urban design of Ljubljana and other European cities.
Herman Potočnik Noordung
Area: astronautics
Contribution: Herman Potočnik Noordung is a pioneer in the field of astronautics. His work entitled The Problem of Space Travel, influenced the development of the idea of space stations and orbital exploration. His ideas inspired the subsequent development of space technologies.
Peter Florjančič
Area: industrial design and innovation
Contribution: Peter Florjančič was a prolific inventor, credited with more than 400 patents. Among his most important inventions are the plastic slide frame and the first prototype of a perfume spray bottle. His innovations have been key to industries around the world.
Janez Puh
Area: automotive
Contribution: Janez (Johann) Puh, Slovenian inventor and industrialist, is a pioneer of the automotive industry. He founded Puch, a company that produced cars, motorcycles and bicycles. His contributions were key to the development of motor vehicles in the early 20th century.
Andrej Detela
Area: physics and eco-technology
Contribution: Andrej Detela is a well-known physicist and inventor who developed eco-friendly electric motors. His work includes innovations in electromagnetic technologies that reduce energy consumption and environmental impact.
Marko Dolinar
Area: biotechnology
Contribution: Marko Dolinar is a biotechnologist known for his research and innovation in protein engineering techniques. His work is important for the development of new therapeutic proteins and biotechnological applications.
These Slovenian innovators have made a major impact on global science, technology and industry, and have put Slovenia on the innovation map.
Today, Slovenia is home to a number of modern innovators whose ideas and projects contribute to the development of fields ranging from technology to medicine. Here are some of the most famous contemporary Slovenian innovators:
Aleš Špetič
Area: technology, smart products
Contribution: Aleš Špetič is a serial entrepreneur and innovator known for co-founding CubeSensors, a company that develops smart sensors for measuring air quality and other indoor environmental parameters. CubeSensors has been recognised at international technology conferences and won several innovation awards.
Iztok Podbregar
Area: security and defence technologies
Contribution: Iztok Podbregar, former Director of the Slovenian Intelligence and Security Agency and military expert, has focused on innovations in security technologies. He has developed several solutions to improve national security, including advanced crisis management systems.
Jure Leskovec
Area: computing, artificial intelligence
Contribution: Jure Leskovec is a professor at Stanford University and a world-renowned expert in data science and artificial intelligence. He co-founded Kosei, a company dealing with recommendation systems, which was later acquired by Pinterest. His research involves big data analysis and algorithms that influence technology development on a global scale.
Tanja Bivic Plankar
Area: medical technologies, neuroscience
Contribution: Tanja Bivic Plankar is the President of the Multiple Sclerosis Association of Slovenia and an innovator in the field of digital medical support. She has developed solutions to improve the quality of life of multiple sclerosis patients using advanced technologies and digital telemedicine platforms.
Matevž Drevenšek
Area: medicine, biotechnology
Contribution: Matevž Drevenšek is the founder of Optotek, a company developing advanced medical lasers and optical devices. His innovations are used in ophthalmology and surgery and have been recognised at numerous international trade fairs.
Žiga Vavpotič
Area: social innovation
Contribution: Žiga Vavpotič is an innovator and social entrepreneur known for projects, such as Simobil's “I Drive” project, which focuses on road safety and raising awareness about responsible behaviour in traffic. He has also initiated various socially responsible projects promoting sustainable development and social responsibility.
These modern innovators contribute significantly to the development of the Slovenian innovation ecosystem and have an impact on the global market, as their innovations often go beyond Slovenia's borders.
Discover innovative Slovenian projects
Several interactive technologies have been developed in Slovenia that have had a significant impact on various segments, products and industries. Some of the most prominent are:
Talking Tom and Friends
Area: mobile apps, entertainment industry
Developer: Outfit7
Contribution: The Talking Tom mobile app is one of Slovenia's most successful interactive technologies. It's an animated cat called Tom that responds to user interaction. The app has become a global sensation, downloaded more than 10 billion times, and has had a major impact on the entertainment and mobile games industries.
4th Office (now Huddle)
Area: productivity, business software
Developer: Žiga Vavpotič and his team
Contribution: 4th Office, later renamed Huddle, is an interactive project and document management platform. It was designed as a tool to improve business productivity enabling real-time collaboration and task management. The platform pioneered cloud-based business software.
Viar360
Area: virtual reality (VR), education and training
Developer: VIAR
Contribution: Viar360 is an interactive tool for creating virtual reality content that requires no programming skills. It is used in education, industrial training and marketing to create immersive experiences in a VR environment. Viar360 has received international awards for innovation.
Gorenje Simplicity Line
Area: household appliances, smart technology
Developer: Gorenje
Contribution: Gorenje has developed the Simplicity Line, a line of interactive home appliances that adapt to the user's habits and allow easy operation using simple, smart technology. This line has had a significant impact on the development of smart home appliances and user experience.
These interactive technologies have been developed in Slovenia with an innovative approach and have had a significant impact on the development of certain segments, such as mobile applications, business software, virtual reality and smart home appliances, which has helped to increase the global visibility of Slovenian innovations.
Key tasks of the Slovene Enterprise Fund (SEF):
Financial support to undertakings: The SEF offers various forms of financial assistance, such as subsidies, micro-credits, guarantees for bank loans and venture capital. The main objective is to promote the growth of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and facilitate their access to finance.
Support for start-ups: The Fund provides financing and support to start-ups in the early stages of development, including subsidies and seed capital. The aim is to support innovative entrepreneurial ideas and facilitate their market entry.
Promoting research and development: The SEF offers grants to companies investing in research, new technology development and innovation, helping to boost the competitiveness of Slovenian companies.
Both institutions therefore play a key role in strengthening Slovenia's business environment and economic growth.
More information at spiritslovenia.si
Financial incentives for innovation projects
SPIRIT Slovenia and the Slovene Enterprise Fund (SEF) play a key role in supporting Slovenian entrepreneurship and promoting economic development. Their tasks focus on financing, development, internationalisation and fostering innovation in the entrepreneurial environment.
Key tasks of SPIRIT Slovenia:
Promoting internationalisation: SPIRIT Slovenia helps companies to enter foreign markets. They organise business delegations, trade fairs and promotional activities, and consult on international opportunities.
Attracting foreign investment: SPIRIT Slovenia encourages foreign direct investment in Slovenia by actively seeking investors and creating a favourable business environment.
Support of innovation and entrepreneurship: SPIRIT Slovenia promotes innovation, entrepreneurship and the creative industries, and participates in the organisation of training courses, workshops and competitions for companies.
Enhancing Slovenia's visibility: SPIRIT Slovenia contributes to the promotion of Slovenia as an attractive destination for investment, business opportunities and tourism.
Learn more about innovation