AGP Executive Report

Slovenian Science Spotlight: Structural biologist Boštjan Kobe has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society, the first Slovenian in nearly 340 years to receive the honour, recognizing his work mapping protein structures tied to immunity and disease. Health & Research: A new study in JAMA Network Open links an anti-inflammatory diet to a lower dementia risk in older adults, even when early Alzheimer’s blood markers are present—an angle that includes researchers from the University of Ljubljana. EU Research Infrastructure: The European Open Science Cloud (EOSC) is moving into its next phase with 14 new EOSC nodes, including Slovenia, and fresh Horizon Europe projects aimed at making research data and services more reusable. Local Tech & Telecom: A1 is trialling a GNSS (GPS) tampering detection system using distributed sensing across selected Austrian and Slovenian mobile sites, developed with Nokia and Skyfora. Smart Devices: Fi has launched the Fi Ultra dog tracker, billed as the first consumer wearable with direct-to-cell satellite connectivity via Starlink. Government & Tech Ecosystem: Slovenia has formally moved a ministry seat from Ljubljana to Maribor as part of a decentralisation push.

Slovenian Science & Health: A University of Ljubljana-linked study in JAMA Network Open reports that an anti-inflammatory diet is linked to a 21–29% lower dementia risk in older adults, even when blood markers suggest early Alzheimer’s pathology. Decentralisation & Public Sector Tech: Slovenia moved the seat of its Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development from Ljubljana to Maribor, a first step in a broader push to spread jobs and administration beyond the capital. Space-Connected Consumer Tech: Fi launched the Fi Ultra, a Starlink-powered smart dog collar with direct-to-cell satellite connectivity plus always-on high-precision GPS, designed for areas where normal mobile coverage fails. AI & Child Safety Policy: A new EU push to scan end-to-end encrypted services like WhatsApp and Signal hit resistance, with lawmakers adding amendments that would exempt such services—leaving tech firms facing delays and uncertainty. GNSS Security for Critical Services: A1 is trialling GNSS tampering detection using distributed sensing across selected Austrian and Slovenian mobile sites, developed with Nokia and Skyfora. STEM Recognition: Structural biologist Boštjan Kobe became a Fellow of the Royal Society, the first Slovenian in nearly 340 years to receive the honour. Climate Pressure on Food Systems: Coverage highlights extreme heat as a growing threat to farming, citing UN warnings that global food systems are being pushed to the brink.

Health & Research: A University of Ljubljana-led study in JAMA Network Open links anti-inflammatory diets to a 21–29% lower dementia risk in older adults, even when blood markers suggest early Alzheimer’s changes. Science in Slovenia: Structural biologist Boštjan Kobe became the first Slovenian in nearly 340 years elected to the Royal Society, with work focused on protein structures tied to immunity. Space/Consumer Tech: Fi Ultra launches as a Starlink-powered smart dog collar, adding direct-to-cell satellite tracking for areas without mobile coverage. EU Tech Policy: EU lawmakers move to redesign child-abuse scanning rules, with a push to exempt end-to-end encrypted services like WhatsApp and Signal—still leaving uncertainty for tech firms. Telecom Security: A1 is trialling GNSS tampering detection using distributed sensing via its cellular network with Nokia and Skyfora in Austria and Slovenia. Energy & Regulation: The EU’s Batteries Regulation forces Switch 2 buyers in autumn 2026 to get a user-replaceable battery, while older Nintendo Switch models are set to leave retail by mid-February 2027. Local Tech/Industry: Slovenia’s participation is confirmed for Expo 2027 Belgrade, framed as a chance to showcase Slovenian innovation and sustainable solutions. Business Expansion: Croatian street-food chain Koykan opens its first German restaurant in Munich, planning 10 sites across the DACH region.

Slovenia Tech & Research: A fossilised tooth from an extinct marine reptile (placodont) was unearthed near Idrija, offering a rare look at life in the ancient Tethys Ocean about 235 million years ago. The find was spotted during routine ranger patrols and confirmed by palaeontology researchers in Ljubljana, highlighting how unusual Carnian-era fossils can still surface in Slovenia. AI & Governance: A warning piece argues against “government by AI,” pointing to real-world harm when automated systems make decisions without proper safeguards. Digital Safety: Türkiye’s first lady Emine Erdoğan pushed for stronger child protections in the digital world, calling for audits of algorithmic social impacts and limits on children’s platform access. Energy Policy: EU member states including Slovenia signed a push to make “full use of nuclear energy” in the post-2030 framework, alongside renewables, to support affordability, competitiveness, and energy security. Local Tech Economy: Ampco-Pittsburgh reported a 32% jump in customer orders in the first half of 2026, with operations spanning Slovenia, signaling steadier demand for specialty metal products.

Digital Safety & Governance: Türkiye’s first lady Emine Erdoğan pushed for “the first principle of design” in child-focused tech, calling for opening the “black box of algorithms” and independent audits, alongside age limits and parental controls. Defense Tech & Industry: At NATO in Ankara, Donald Trump said the U.S. will license Ukraine to manufacture Patriot air-defense systems, a major shift that could speed local production. Slovenia Science: Near Idrija, researchers report an exceptionally preserved placodont tooth from the Triassic—potentially among the largest ever—adding a rare data point on life in the ancient Tethys Ocean. Energy Policy: EU ministers from 15 states, including Slovenia, urged the post-2030 framework to make “full use of nuclear energy” for affordability, competitiveness, decarbonisation, and energy security. AI in Public Services: A commentary warns governments against delegating decisions to agentic AI, citing past harms from automated welfare checks. Climate Impacts: New research says most Europeans have faced climate disruption; Slovenia is among countries reporting flooding impacts.

AI Governance Warning: A commentary warns that “agentic AI” plans like the UAE’s—aiming for government services to analyze, decide, execute and improve without human control—could repeat costly algorithmic mistakes seen in Europe. Climate & Health Impact: New EEA/Eurofound research finds four in five Europeans affected by extreme weather; southern and central-eastern regions report major heat and wildfire disruption, with Slovenia also noting flooding impacts. Slovenia Tech & Industry: Slovenia’s Krško nuclear plant remains central to the country’s energy strategy amid shifting politics, while Novartis opens an aseptic manufacturing facility in Ljubljana. AI-Ready Enterprise: MACH Alliance names the first cohort of companies earning its 2026 Agent Ready Award, signaling growing demand for real agent capabilities in production. Logistics Tech: Descartes acquires Drivin to expand AI-powered last-mile delivery management, adding route optimization, dispatch control and real-time execution visibility. Local Public Sector Tech: Slovenia’s prison system updates are discussed at EuroPris/Council of Europe meetings, focusing on overcrowding, vulnerable groups and innovative technological solutions. Energy Policy Context: EU finance ministers meet to discuss digital finance and AI’s cybersecurity implications, while broader Europe faces pressure to secure energy supply beyond peak renewables. NATO & Defense Tech Budget Pressure: NATO leaders in Ankara push for higher defense spending and “combat-ready capabilities,” with Slovenia flagged among allies under pressure.

NATO Defence Pressure: NATO chief Mark Rutte says allies are meeting defence-spending promises, but progress is uneven and the push is already straining budgets ahead of the Ankara summit. US-Iran Energy Fallout: The US revoked a licence for Iranian oil sales as strikes hit near the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran condemned the move as a breach. Slovenia Energy Policy: Slovenia’s Krško nuclear plan for a second reactor (JEK2) stays politically central and is being accelerated under the June 2026 government, with the existing plant still supplying nearly half of national power. Digital Finance in the EU: Alpaca completed EEA passporting to 29 countries, including Slovenia, expanding access to regulated investment services via a single EU hub. Tech Funding Pulse: A European tech weekly recap highlights 55+ funding deals worth €1.6B+ across robotics, climate tech and semiconductors. Tour de France Tech & Heat: Slovenian Tadej Pogačar and the race’s teams battle extreme heat with cooling logistics, while Tour tech galleries spotlight 3D-printed parts and custom bike setups.

NATO Defence Push: Dutch Defence Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius says allies not meeting the 5% of GDP target will face pressure at the Ankara summit, with Slovenia named among those still behind earlier 2% goals. Slovenian Energy Strategy: Slovenia’s Krško nuclear plan for a second reactor (JEK2) is being maintained and accelerated under the June 2026 right-wing government, keeping the project central despite shifting politics. Heat Tech for Athletes: Tour de France champion Tadej Pogačar calls cooling in extreme heat a “logistical nightmare,” highlighting practical hydration and frozen-gear tactics that teams now treat as core performance tech. Fintech Infrastructure Expansion: Alpaca completes EEA passporting to 29 countries, extending MiFID II-regulated investment services across the region via a Spain hub—relevant for Slovenia’s fintech ecosystem. EU Tech Trade Snapshot: Eurostat data shows the EU sold €414B of high-tech products in 2024, with pharma, electronics, and scientific instruments leading and China/US dominating imports. Robotics & Grid Storage Deal: GEN-I Sonce signs its first EPC contract in Romania for a 55 MW / 225 MWh battery storage project, underlining regional momentum in grid-scale storage.

Tour de France (Slovenian spotlight): Tadej Pogačar detonated on the final climb to win Stage 3 and seize the yellow jersey, with UAE Team Emirates-XRG setting up the decisive move; earlier, Jonas Vingegaard took Stage 1’s new-format team time trial in Barcelona, putting the race’s early gaps into play. Wildfire travel safety: Fast-spreading blazes across France and Greece are disrupting plans, including evacuations near Perpignan and fire-related spectator bans on Tour stage routes. NATO spending pressure: Ahead of the summit, NATO chief Mark Rutte faces uneven defence-spend progress, with the push already straining budgets in major economies like the UK, France and Italy. EU tech trade & sovereignty: Eurostat data shows the EU sold €414B in high-tech products in 2024, with big import reliance on China and the US and a tech sovereignty package targeting areas like cloud infrastructure. Slovenia energy policy: Slovenia’s Krško second reactor (JEK2) remains central, with the new government signalling acceleration within existing rules. Slovenian industry/energy tech: GEN-I Sonce landed its first EPC contract in Romania for a 55 MW / 225 MWh battery project, underscoring grid-integration demand. Tech funding pulse (Europe): A weekly roundup tallied 55+ deals worth €1.6B+ across robotics, climatech and semiconductors.

Slovenian Energy Policy: Krško’s planned second reactor (JEK2) stays politically durable and is now being pushed to accelerate under the new right-wing government, with the plant already supplying nearly half of Slovenia’s electricity. Clean Energy Infrastructure: GEN-I Sonce lands its first Romania EPC contract for a 55 MW / 225 MWh battery storage project, including key substation and grid-connection works. Tech Funding Pulse: Europe saw 55+ tech funding deals worth over €1.6B, led by robotics, climatech, and semiconductors, with Germany topping country totals. AI & Startups (Slovenia): Slovenian AI software startup Codeplain raises a seed round led by GapMinder, highlighting continued local momentum in applied AI. Space Tech: Estonian student rover KuupKulgur completes a successful test mission at ESA’s LUNA lunar-dust facility in Germany, with Slovenian researchers involved. Europe Defense Economics: NATO’s push to raise defence spending is already straining some national budgets, with uneven progress across member states. Climate Extremes: Hungary records its coldest summer night as temperatures plunge below freezing after a major heatwave. Cycling Tech & Sports: The Tour de France opens in Barcelona with a new team time trial format, immediately reshaping early standings.

Nuclear Energy Policy: Krško’s second reactor (JEK2) stays politically resilient and strategically central, with the right-wing Janša government saying it will accelerate development under existing rules; the plant already supplies about half of Slovenia’s electricity. Clean Energy & Storage: GEN-I Sonce lands its first EPC contract in Romania for a 55 MW / 225 MWh battery project, including a 110 kV substation and grid connection—another sign grid buildout is moving fast. Slovenian Industry Transition: Revoz ends 33 years of Renault Clio production in Novo Mesto, shifting to the electric Twingo E-Tech after the final Clio rolled off mid-June. AI & Data Governance: A Global Government Forum Data Summit recap spotlights how governments are preparing for AI with better data governance, data sharing, and “data sovereignty.” Space Tech (Regional): Estonian students’ lunar rover KuupKulgur completes a successful test mission at Germany’s LUNA facility, showing how small teams can access ESA-linked infrastructure. EU Energy Funding: The EU and EIB approve a €2.5bn Modernisation Fund round for 51 clean energy projects across 11 countries, including Slovenia. Tech in Motion (Local Interest): The Tour de France opens in Barcelona with a new team time trial format, putting Jonas Vingegaard in yellow after Visma-Lease a Bike’s win.

Tour de France Tech & Results: The 2026 Tour kicked off in Barcelona with a historic team time trial. Visma-Lease a Bike won, putting Jonas Vingegaard into yellow by 12 seconds over Tadej Pogačar, with UAE Team Emirates-XRG taking third and Pogacar grabbing polka dots after the climbs. The new TTT rules also push teams to tune bikes and roles even more tightly, from drivetrain choices to rider-specific setups. Slovenian Industry Shift: Revoz in Novo Mesto has ended Renault Clio production after 33 years, with the line now switching to the electric Twingo E-Tech—marking a major pivot for Slovenia’s automotive identity. Energy Storage Deal: GEN-I Sonce landed its first EPC contract in Romania for a 55 MW / 225 MWh battery project, including a high-voltage substation and grid connection works. Health Policy Watch: Germany plans tougher sick-leave rules, requiring an in-person doctor visit on the first day of illness. Space Testing in Europe: Estonian student rover KuupKulgur completed a successful test mission at ESA’s LUNA lunar-dust facility in Cologne, with Slovenian partners involved.

Tour de France Tech & Sports: Jonas Vingegaard grabbed first blood in Barcelona, winning the 19.6 km team time trial and taking the yellow jersey by 12 seconds over Tadej Pogačar, with UAE’s Pogacar also fastest over the key climbs for polka dots—setting up a tight early GC fight. Slovenian Energy & Storage: GEN-I Sonce landed its first Romania EPC contract for a 55 MW / 225 MWh battery project, including a 110 kV substation and grid connection—another sign of how grid upgrades and storage are moving from pilots to infrastructure. EU Clean Energy Funding: The European Commission and EIB approved a €2.5bn Modernisation Fund disbursement for 51 projects across 11 EU states, with Slovenia among beneficiaries—targeting efficiency, renewables, storage, and grid resilience. Space Testing in Europe: Estonian student rover KuupKulgur completed a successful test mission at ESA/DLR’s LUNA lunar-dust facility in Germany, with University of Ljubljana links—showing how small teams can access serious space infrastructure. Biotech/Manufacturing Leadership: Navigo Proteins appointed Dr Florian Settele as MD of Navigo Pure, strengthening affinity chromatography and downstream bioprocessing for biopharma production.

Energy & Storage: GEN-I Sonce landed its first EPC contract in Romania with WALDEVAR Energy for a 55 MW / 225 MWh battery project, including a 110 kV substation and grid connection—another sign that Slovenia’s energy firms are pushing deeper into EU grid-scale storage. EU Clean Energy Funding: The European Commission and EIB approved a €2.5bn Modernisation Fund round from EU ETS revenues for 51 projects across 11 countries, with Slovenia among the beneficiaries—covering grid upgrades, storage, efficiency and electrification. Biopharma in Ljubljana: Novartis opened a new 17,000 m² aseptic manufacturing facility in Ljubljana, targeting liquid and freeze-dried medicines with 30M+ syringes/vials capacity and a 300-strong initial workforce. Space Tech Test Access: Estonian student lunar rover KuupKulgur completed successful testing at ESA/DLR’s LUNA facility in Cologne, showing how Slovenian research links are helping smaller teams reach European space infrastructure. Health & Food-Science Research: Horizon Europe launched NUTRIMIND to study how diet, gut microbiome and lifestyle factors interact with mental health across European cohorts. Nature Restoration Planning: EU member states—including Slovenia—shared lessons on drafting and implementing nature restoration plans, focusing on cross-border coordination and better collaboration channels.

Tour de France Tech & Science: The 2026 Tour de France kicks off in Barcelona with team time-trial action and a full roster preview of all 23 squads, while coverage spotlights the Pogačar–Vingegaard rivalry as the main GC storyline and highlights key stages that could create early gaps. Slovenian Biopharma: Novartis launched a new 17,000 m² aseptic manufacturing facility in Ljubljana, targeting liquid and freeze-dried medicines with isolator tech, a central QC lab, and an initial 300 jobs—part of a broader €600M investment push. AI & Data for Public Services: Global Government Forum’s Data Summit recap focuses on using government data to enable AI, improve performance measurement, and address data sovereignty and skills. Energy & Industry Decarbonisation: The EU Commission and EIB approved a €2.5B Modernisation Fund round from EU ETS revenues for 51 clean energy projects across 11 countries, including Slovenia, aimed at grids, storage, efficiency, and electrification. Biotech Leadership: Navigo Proteins appointed Dr Florian Settele as Managing Director of Navigo Pure to expand affinity chromatography and downstream bioprocessing offerings. Slovenian Startup Finance: SID Bank added intellectual property as eligible loan collateral, opening new financing paths for R&D-heavy tech firms. Tech Campus in Trbovlje: Dewesoft’s “City of Acrobats” plans a 40,000 m² high-tech campus for start-ups and scale-ups, targeting openings in 2032–2034.

EU Clean Energy Push: The European Commission and EIB approved a €2.5bn Modernisation Fund round from EU ETS revenues, backing 51 clean energy projects across 11 countries, including Slovenia (€20.2m), with a focus on grids, storage, efficiency and transport electrification. Industrial Decarbonisation: Horizon Europe’s INDTEGRATE project officially launched to scale solid oxide electrolyser cell tech (SOEC) for hard-to-electrify, high-temperature industries like ceramics and glass, combining green hydrogen, waste-heat recovery and digital tools. Slovenian Pharma Manufacturing: Novartis opened a new 17,000 m² aseptic facility in Ljubljana for liquid and freeze-dried medicines, adding isolator and lyophilisation capacity plus a central quality lab, with an initial 300 jobs and part of a broader €600m investment cycle. Biotech Leadership Move: Navigo Pure appointed Dr Florian Settele as Managing Director, strengthening its affinity chromatography and downstream bioprocessing push for biopharma manufacturing. Slovenian Tech & Industry: Dewesoft broke ground on the “City of Acrobats” tech campus in Trbovlje, aiming for a 40,000 m² startup and scale-up hub; Yaskawa also expanded in Kočevje with a new robotics logistics and production facility. Health & Food Science: A Horizon Europe project, NUTRIMIND, launched to study how diet, gut microbiome and lifestyle interact with mental health, using European cohort data and AI-supported modelling. Environment Monitoring Gap: A new EU bathing-water investigation argues official testing misses chemical pollutants like PFAS, heavy metals and pesticides, despite “excellent” water ratings.