📋 Tender Overview
With the completion of the first phase of the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH), Slovenia opens a new chapter of digital transformation. With further support to the economy through EDIHs, two key pillars of the future have been established: the Competence Center for Artificial Intelligence (KCUI) and the Slovenian Artificial Intelligence Factory (SLAIF).Successful start: DIGI-SI and SRC-EDIH intersection goals exceeded
In the last three years, the DIGI-SI and SRC-EDIH projects have become a stable supporting environment for small and medium-sized enterprises. With European and national funds in the amount of 4.7 million euros, the junctions made it possible to:
assessments of the digital maturity of companies,
access to technical knowledge and advice,
implementation of the testing before investment concept.
Since all the set indicators were exceeded, the operation of EDIHs continues with an even stronger emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI).
Competence Center for Artificial Intelligence (KCUI)
For the period 2025-2029, 3.6 million euros are planned for the operation of KCUI. Under the leadership of the Chamber of Commerce of Slovenia and in cooperation with the University of Ljubljana - Faculty of Computer Science and Informatics, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Faculty of Law, University of Maribor - Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Informatics, University of Primorska - Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technology, University of Nova Gorica, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia, Jozef Stefan Institute and ASEF Institute for Education and Research, the center will operate as:
Central hub: access to information on training, trends and good practices.
A bridge between science and practice: help in the transfer of top knowledge to companies and public administration.
Network of experts: provision of consulting services for the implementation of UI in work processes.
Slovenian Artificial Intelligence Factory (SLAIF)
SLAIF is a strategic project worth 135 million euros, co-financed by the Republic of Slovenia and the European Commission (EuroHPC JU). Its core is a new supercomputer optimized for UI, which will replace the Vega system in Maribor by 2027.
What does SLAIF bring?
Superior infrastructural support: companies and researchers will get access to massive computing capabilities and ready-made UI models, which lowers the entry threshold for using advanced technologies.
Accelerated adoption of AI in the economy: promoting innovation and competitiveness through the development of new solutions in the areas of green transition, health, biotechnology and digital society.
Strengthening of knowledge and competences: systematic raising of digital skills in the Slovenian area and support for the AI for Science project.
Connecting infrastructure (SLAIF), knowledge (KCUI) and practical support (EDIH) creates a comprehensive ecosystem that will position Slovenia as a regional technological superpower.
Ministries and partners call on all companies, from small entrepreneurs to large systems, to take advantage of the available support and tools to increase added value and competitiveness in the global market.
