First Slovenian-Indian Festival of Science, Innovation, Smart Technologies and the Economy

The Festival was held in Ljubljana on 25–26 September 2025. The American astronaut Sunita L. Williams, who is of Slovenian and Indian descent, was the Festival's honorary patron.

The event highlighted the progress that both Slovenia and India have made in scientific research, development and technology. It also showcased the efforts of creative individuals from both countries to achieve greater international recognition for their respective nations. India aims to achieve developed nation status by 2047, the centenary of its independence. The Festival aimed to strengthen European-Asian cooperation in the fields of science, research, innovation and the economy, engaging as many new countries as possible in the development of joint plans and activities. The focus was on creativity, inter-institutional cooperation and technology transfer. This year’s Festival also included the economic sphere for the first time, focusing on integrating the outstanding achievements of Indian innovators into the Slovenian economy and encouraging Slovenian companies to also access Asian markets through innovation. India has successfully used several Slovenian technological innovations for years. State Secretary Neva Grašič underlined the importance of fostering strategic links between science, business and diplomacy. She presented the SITE (Science, Innovation, Technology, Economy) network as a key outcome of Slovenia’s cooperation with India. The network enables technology to be transferred in both directions between the two countries, offering Slovenian companies a structured and accelerated route into the Indian market. The network incorporates two innovative technology commercialisation approaches: ETV 2.0 and VIPERS. These assist companies with technology validation, investor searches and pilot projects in India. Successful examples of cooperation include a remote sensing project for surface water monitoring, developed by Space.SI and VGB Maribor in cooperation with IIT Kanpur, and a medical device for treating diabetic ulcers. The State Secretary emphasised: “SITE is not merely a project, it is a vision of how a small country like Slovenia can actively contribute to global solutions through knowledge, innovation and partnerships.”

Ambassador Peter Japelj, Acting Director-General of the Directorate for Economic, Cultural and Science Diplomacy, highlighted the importance of the long-standing and strategic relationship between Slovenia and India, which dates back to the era of the Non-Aligned Movement. He recalled the Friendship Bench in front of the International Center for Promotion of Enterprises (ICPE) headquarters, a symbolic landmark of cooperation that is now taking on unprecedented dimensions. With a particular focus on space cooperation and youth engagement in science, he emphasised that the current partnership between the two countries is founded on shared values and a commitment to tackling global challenges. He pointed to the importance of the SITE network, which facilitates the integration of policies, technology and financing, thereby creating a platform for mutual growth: Slovenia as a gateway for Indian technologies into Europe and India as a destination for Slovenian innovations. He announced that he will co-chair the meeting of the Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation in India in November. “The SITE network and today’s Festival demonstrate that Slovenia and India are not only maintaining, but also strengthening their strategic partnership – a partnership based on shared values, scientific excellence and a dedication to a sustainable future.”

The Economic Adviser at the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in India, Tea Pirih, presented the SITE network, which enables companies to assess their technology readiness levels (TRL 5 or 6), develop a marketing plan, test technology in a new environment and plan increased production or services for market entry. Representatives of the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur presented a concrete example of participation in the network, highlighting the Space.si project – the first to use the platform – as a prime example. Alongside the parallel panels, there were discussions on technology, science and society, with professors and researchers from both countries participating.

In conclusion, Dr Edvard Kobal announced that the next Slovenian-Indian Festival of Science, Innovation, Smart Technologies and the Economy will take place in India in two years’ time.