Speakers
Names of speakers and guests coming soon.
Speakers and Guests 2025
Managing Director
Enterra
Andrej Kazakov is the managing director of Enterra s.r.o. Enterra was founded in 2018 to operate in the agricultural business, later expanding into agricultural drone services. In 2022 Enterra became the official distributor of DJI Agriculture drones in Slovakia and in 2023 the first official authorized service provider of these drones. Today, the company sells dozens of drones a year, services thousands of hectares, performs numerous repairs, and is also an official dealer for Autel, a brand that specializes in thermal drones that are better secured against signal interference.
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Executive Director
INOVATO CLUSTER
Anna Čaplovičová leads the INOVATO Cluster, which connects companies, research and education in the field of innovation, digitalization and industrial development. Previously, she worked at the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic, where she contributed to the development of innovation strategies, including RIS3 (2021-2027). She studied materials engineering at the Faculty of Science and Technology in Trnava and the Technical University of Munich. She gained practical experience in the automotive industry – she worked as an expert in the quality department of purchased parts at Volkswagen Slovakia and as a production director at Eurostyle Systems. She believes in collaboration, connecting different sectors and creating a community where people can learn and grow from each other.
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Student
MtF STU Trnava
Dominik Štefaňák is a student of engineering degree in Production Technology and Production Management, module Machining and Forming. As the founder of the first student project team at his faculty, he is behind the Kamzík MTF project, in which he and a team of initiative students are dedicated to the development, production and presentation of remote-controlled devices for exploration and rescue interventions. He actively represents the project and his alma mater at various events, such as Agrokomplex, Open Day and other faculty events.
In his free time, besides work, he is involved in additive manufacturing, 3D modelling and further education in the field of digitally controlled technology, additive technologies and team management.
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Startup Advisor, EU Project Manager, National Focal Point for EIC
BIC Bratislava
It helps technology companies develop innovation and growth. He collaborates with innovation centres in Bratislava and Ostrava to support startups and acts as a project manager for innovation and ecosystem projects. He is the administrative coordinator of the Enterprise Europe Network in Slovakia and the national Horizon Europe focal point for the European Innovation Council (EIC). He is involved in the development of public funding schemes for deep tech startups and innovation ecosystems. He has worked with more than a hundred Slovak and Czech startups in mentoring and acceleration programmes.
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Entrepreneur and innovator
INOVATO
President and co-founder of Fraunhofer IPA Slovakia and the civil association INOVATO. Consultant and coach in innovation, strategic management, business organisation and industrial engineering.
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Vice President
iCARI.eu
Data scientist, consultant and strategic advisor in the energy and utilities sector with extensive experience in climate change research and adaptation. He collaborates with several international science centers and organizations for which he develops in-depth analyses and proposed solutions to minimize anthropogenic climate impacts. He is a regular speaker at climate-adaptation congresses and is actively involved in international research cooperation in the field of adaptation and resilience building.
He is currently Vice President of the International Research Institute for Adaptation to Climate Change (iCARI.eu), where he directs research activities focused on practical solutions and adaptation of the built environment to changing climate conditions. He is the author of the main part of the National Climate Adaptation Strategy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2025).
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Head of IAI - Department of Applied Informatics
VÚT Brno
He has a long-standing interest in connecting modern IT technologies with industrial applications, with a focus on the integration of virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI) and machine systems. He is the head of the university research group twineality.com and also heads the Department of Applied Informatics at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at Brno University of Technology. He is the author and co-author of several Czech and European patents, scientific articles and scientific publications.
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Director
Innovation Partnership Centre
Jozef Šimko is the director of the Innovation Partnership Centre (IPC) in Prešov, whose founding members are the Prešov Self-Governing Region, the University of Prešov and the Regional Development Agency. In his position as director of the institution, he leads projects aimed at diversified support of the innovation ecosystem in the region, linking the business environment with academia, public administration and the third sector. In addition to the standard activities of innovation centres, the IPC’s portfolio of activities also includes innovative forms of tourism, superior project cooperation with the Republic of Poland, and the development of social innovations. Its aim is to create conditions for a modern and competitive business environment in the Prešov Region.
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Director of the Space Division, VZLU AEROSPACE
RESEARCH AND TESTING AERONAUTICAL INSTITUTE
Juraj Dudáš is the Director of the Space Division at VZLU Aerospace, where he has turned his passion for technology into a career full of innovation and pioneering solutions. He started his journey by studying at Brno University of Technology, where he became fascinated by electric drives for aerospace applications. In 2019, he decided to transfer his knowledge to the field of space research. Since then, he has been developing technologies for Earth observation – from environmental monitoring, to agricultural optimization, to applications used in the defense industry.
His story shows how important the transition from academic research to practical solutions with real impact can be. In addition to his work, Juraj is active in his free time – he enjoys air sports, flying drones and competing in glider competitions.
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Development Manager
SARIO
Kristián is part of the industrial component of the Slovak Space Office at SARIO. He is dedicated to the systematic development of the space economy and support of the Slovak space ecosystem. He actively assists companies with entering the sector, participates in the preparation of technology clusters, hackathons and leads the Spaceport incubation programme for space industry startups.
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Co-owner and Technical Director
Xolution Robots
Libor is Co-CEO/CTO of Xolution. He has worked as a software architect for more than 15 years, and for the last 10 years he has been building an AI company, promoting AI and AGI at public conferences and professional panel discussions. He acts as an expert sponsor in AI issues in various startups and also as a consultant in AI application for AI teams of tech-savvy companies. At the company, he is involved in applied AI research, where he and early adopters prototype and pilot edge technologies in real-world use.
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Entrepreneur, innovator, CEO
STROJCAR, DC VISION
Libor is a Czech cyberneticist, entrepreneur and transformation manager. He is the founder of the consulting company DC VISION and serves as a managing trustee of STROJCAR, a company focused on precision engineering for the aerospace industry. He is the author of the LEAN Leadership® methodology and has a long-standing commitment to innovation and industry transformation.
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Process Improvement Consultant
Lukáš specializes in increasing company productivity, LEAN and QRM management and KAIZEN continuous improvement. His clients are companies, regardless of industry, that are not reconciled to the inefficiency of their processes. In 14 years of practice, he has helped more than 150 companies become better. Each has its own story, its own journey. The common thread, however, has been a drive to move people and improve the way the company operates. He is the President of the Japan-Slovak AOTS and Vice President of QRM Slovakia.
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Vice Dean for Development of TUKE, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the East Slovak Space Cluster, ESA BIC Slovakia manager
TUKE
Marek is a leading Slovak expert in the aerospace sector. He is currently the ESA BIC Manager for Slovakia and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the East Slovak Space Cluster. Within his professional activities at the Faculty of Aeronautics of the Technical University in Košice, he deals with the areas of unmanned systems management and safety of communication systems.
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Deputy Director
Regional Innovation Agency
Marek Krnáč has been working since 2020 as deputy director of the Regional Innovation Development Agency (KIRA), which was established by the Trnava Self-Governing Region for the purpose of implementing development and innovation projects in the territory of the Trnava Region. In addition, since November 2023, he has been acting as the chairman of the innovation section of the association of self-governing regions SK8.
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PhD student
MtF STU Trnava
He is a 3rd year PhD student at the Faculty of Materials Technology, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava. His research focuses on additive manufacturing (3D printing) and reverse geometric modelling, investigating the impact of 3D digitization and polygonization on the accuracy of 3D CAD models. He has authored several technical papers and actively participates in national and international conferences. In addition to research, he is also involved in the popularization of modern technologies – he prepares workshops and seminars for high school students, where he links generative design, 3D printing and practical engineering applications.
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National contact point for Horizon Europe
CVTI SR
Martin acts as the National Focal Point for Cluster 4 “Digitalisation, Industry and Space” in Horizon Europe. It helps companies, researchers and institutions to navigate the calls and funding opportunities for innovative projects from Europe’s largest framework programme. It provides advice from the formulation of a project plan to the submission of an application. It also promotes opportunities through professional events and info days. It is a reliable guide on the way to a successful international project.
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Analyst
INESS - Institute of Economic and Social Analyses
Martin studied Economic Policy at Masaryk University in Brno and Management, Economics and International Relations at Aberdeen University. In 2012, he moved from the private sphere to the Institute of Economic and Social Analyses INESS as an analyst. At the Institute, he is working on the business environment and competitiveness, particularly in the health sector.
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Community Digital Advisor
Digital Coalition
After studying International Business at the University of Vienna, I started to focus on the topic of recruitment and the analysis of potential and further career development for clients in the international sphere. I have many years of experience in leading teams in HR, in the public, private and NGO spheres. I currently support continuing education projects at the Digital Coalition, where the main goal is to help both young and professionally more senior employees to remain competitive in a changing job market.
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Founder and CEO
BALTEUS
Matej Novotný is an expert on European grant programmes and innovation funding. As a director of BALTEUS, he specialises in strategic advice for companies and research teams in accessing support from programmes directly managed by the European Commission, including Horizon Europe, EIC and EIT. He has many years of experience in preparing projects, setting up partnerships and finding suitable funding schemes for Slovak and foreign innovative companies. Thanks to his work, dozens of projects have already received funding that has enabled them to grow from an idea to real implementation with international impact.
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R&D Project Manager
Bizzcom
Michal works as R&D project manager at Bizzcom, where he develops modular microsatellites. He has extensive experience with projects in measurement, control, automation and data acquisition. He has worked on solutions for industries such as oil & gas, cryogenics, R&D and food industry. He is dedicated to linking technology with innovative solutions for both space and industrial applications.
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Cyber Security Project Manager
Top Privacy
Project Delivery Manager with almost 20 years of experience in automotive, industrial automation and digitalization of production processes. He has extensive experience in managing complex projects focused on robotics, software solutions and process optimization in an international environment. At Hronček & Partners, he is working on projects in the field of cybersecurity and AI Act related regulations. Thanks to his English and German language skills, he effectively leads global teams and ensures successful implementation of innovative technologies.
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Partner & Board Member, Entrepreneur
Xolution Robots
Milan is an experienced leader and entrepreneur with international experience in artificial intelligence, strategic management and building technology organizations. As Head of Operations and Country Manager at Amelia (IPsoft), he was at the birth of the Slovakian office, which he has led since 2016. He built a delivery center with over 100 employees, went through a complete reorganization of the company in 2019 and covered all local areas – from HR, marketing to legal and operational processes. Managed global teams for key clients in EU/US/APAC, developed technology teams (NW, FW, R&D), represented the company at international conferences and built Amelia’s brand goodwill in the Slovak AI ecosystem.
At Xolution Robots, Milan is dedicated to the growth of deeptech startups, the design and implementation of AI orchestration, and innovation in enterprise automation. He focuses on connecting business to technology – from strategy to operations – and on building scalable solutions built on ontology models, complex data and process integration, and process automation.
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GDPR consultant and DPO
Top Privacy
Nikoleta Ducárová works as a data protection consultant and Data Protection Officer at Top privacy. She has an international law degree from the University of Kent and the University of Groningen. She specialises in GDPR agenda for private sector clients, especially in the areas of cyber and industrial security.
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AI strategist and consultant
Aston ITM
Peter works as an AI strategist and consultant at Aston ITM, where he is dedicated to the implementation of artificial intelligence in manufacturing and logistics processes. He has more than 6 years of experience in designing and implementing AI solutions in the field of vision systems, quality monitoring, work safety or production efficiency. He believes in the practical use of AI that delivers concrete results to companies – from pilot projects to real deployment.
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Specialist in Ai Act and CRA
Hronček & Partners
He is a lawyer specialising in commercial, European and international law, with practical experience in both the public and private sectors. He worked as a project manager at the Slovak Environmental Agency, where he was involved in the legal drafting of opinions on funding from the Recovery Plan. He works as an associate at the law firm Hronček & Partners, focusing on competition and cross-border legal relations. He worked on a project with a Chinese investor on the legal regulation of the rules of origin of goods under the Union Customs Code. He is also involved in the development of the Family Firms project, which provides legal advice on generational change in business.
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Assistant Professor, Researcher
Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, MtF STU Trnava
Peter works as an assistant professor at the Institute of Industrial Engineering and Management, Faculty of Materials Technology, STU in Trnava. In his scientific research and publishing activities he focuses on industrial engineering with a focus on investment development, LEAN methods and Time Management. His expertise focuses on improvement processes and in the field of human resources management on competence changes related to changes in the labour market and the implementation of Industry x.0. He is also an expert and participates in the implementation of practical training in industrial companies.
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Professional assistant
UPIM MTF STU
Petra works as an assistant professor at the Institute of Industrial Engineering and Management, Faculty of Materials Technology, STU in Trnava. In her scientific research and publishing activities she focuses on the issues of industrial engineering with a focus on ergonomics, human workforce and work rationalization. His expertise focuses on the assessment of the impact of work on humans, assessment of risk factors of the working environment and rationalization of work. At the same time, he also provides and participates in the implementation of practical training (in the subjects Analysis, Measurement and Rationalisation of Work and Fundamentals of Industrial Engineering) in industrial enterprises.
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Mindset coach
Petra AIR Foundation
Petra Sováková is an aviation mindset coach, founder of the Petra AIR Foundation and host of the podcast Petra on AIR. She has been flying since she was 16 years old and has over 500 hours in single-engine airplanes and gliders. She is dedicated to the prevention of burnout and fatigue in aviation, targeting pilots as well as the wider public. Under the Petra AIR brand, she offers coaching, workshops and lectures focused on well-being, leadership skills and personal development. The Petra AIR Foundation supports women in aerospace with respect for men and women equally.
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Founder and Director
Association I have a drone
Founder and Director of the I Have a Drone Association, which is dedicated to the safe use of drones, education and legislative issues. He translates his marketing and management experience into organizational leadership and development of the drone community. Under his leadership, the MamDron app was created and he is also behind the successful international conference DRONTEX, which brings together experts from all over the world. He stresses that the biggest obstacles to the development of drones are legislation, the lack of experts and the caution of companies. He believes that drones have great potential in agriculture, nature conservation and industry.
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CEO TECHNODAT Group & Managing Director TECHNODAT Digital PLM Experience
TECHNODAT
Roman is co-owner and CEO of TECHNODAT, a leading supplier of digital engineering and product lifecycle management (PLM) solutions. He joined the company in 2020. He has more than 30 years of international experience in technology, innovation and team management. He has held management and development positions in Canada, Ireland, France, Germany and Sweden.
His strength is his ability to link technical expertise to business strategy and support business transformation through digital tools.
He is the founder of the 3DX Alliance, an international group that brings together Dassault Systèmes’ leading partners in Europe. Strategically, TECHNODAT is moving towards a position as a technology leader in Central Europe, focusing on know-how sharing and innovative value-added services. Roman is a graduate of the Slovak University of Technology. He builds his leadership on trust, innovation and long-term value cooperation.
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Group CEO
ŠVEC GROUP
Experienced manager in manufacturing and industry, currently working as Group CEO at ŠVEC GROUP. Previously, he led operations at Brose Group and served as CEO & EVP at KOVAL SYSTEMS/INOVATO. He gained many years of experience at HELLA, where as CEO he was responsible for thousands of employees and the full P&L agenda. He started his career at YAZAKI Slovakia, where he worked his way up to a management position and completed international internships in Japan and Portugal. His domain is manufacturing business management, expansion and innovation implementation in the industry.
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CEO and Co-founder
ZEPHYR UAS, APROP
Until 2024 Štefan worked in key Czech and Slovak state institutions in the field of civil aviation, where he dealt with the integration of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) into the common airspace. He has been a member of many international and national working groups dealing with UAS and protection against their illegal operation. Currently, with his team at ZEPHYR UAS and its subsidiary APROP, he is involved in a wide range of services in the field of remote pilot training, preparation of operational documentation, consultancy services in the integration of UAS into the commercial environment and the provision of complex services through UAS, mainly in the fields of energy, security, construction and civil aviation.
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The Economist
GLOBSEC
Vladimír is a renowned Slovak economist and Chief Economist of GLOBSEC think-tank. After studying economics at Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien and the University of Minnesota, Vladimír worked at several major financial institutions including ING, Slovenska sporiteľna, Volksbank Slovensko and Sberbank Europe. He has also previously served as an advisor to the Minister of Finance of the Slovak Republic and as a member of the Committee for Macroeconomic Forecasts. He has a long-standing interest in economic policy, financial markets and public finance in Central Europe.
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Director of the Innovation Centre INOVIA
INOVIA
Vlastimil Kocián is an innovator in body and soul and a great enthusiast of innovation. For more than 25 years he worked in the management of the company KROS, where he was engaged in innovative projects and today he is a co-owner of the company. He initiated and actively supported the establishment of the INOVIA Innovation Centre in the Žilina Region, which he has been leading since its establishment in 2021. He actively connects people, companies, organisations and is involved in the development of regions, cities and communities. He sees the future of the Žilina region and Slovakia in supporting the entrepreneurship of young people, companies and entrepreneurs and in introducing innovations into practical life.
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