AGP Executive Report

Slovenian AI Research: A Ljubljana-led team is part of IJCB 2026’s face-recognition challenge, testing how adapting foundation models with synthetic data affects accuracy and fairness across demographic groups. Cybersecurity: Group-IB warns of WindRelay, a new Android malware that turns phones into remote NFC payment skimmers by pairing a tailored remote-access trojan (SpyNote) with real-time card data relay. Public Health: The EMA is set to study a potential Lyme disease vaccine after accepting Valneva and Pfizer’s application, with Central Europe (including Slovenia) flagged as high-risk. Fintech Spotlight (Slovenia): A new analysis argues Slovenia’s “quiet” fintech market could punch above its weight thanks to high banking penetration, everyday digital payments, strong connectivity, and EU-aligned regulation. Tech & Linux: Flatpak 1.19 ships with major security fixes, including sandbox escape and local privilege escalation patches. Local Tech Culture: Slovenia’s GEN-I is expanding battery storage operations in Bulgaria, taking over 200 MW and signing for nine more projects.

Android Security: Group-IB warns of WindRelay, a new Android malware that turns victims’ phones into remote NFC payment “POS” skimmers. In a vishing-style scam, attackers push a tailored SpyNote remote-access trojan, then install WindRelay so contactless card data is relayed in real time while the card is still in the victim’s hand. Health Policy: The EMA has accepted an application to study a potential Lyme disease vaccine candidate (Valneva/Pfizer), with trials reported at 70% efficacy in ages five and up—important for Central Europe, including Slovenia. AI & Research: IJCB 2026 in Rome will feature a face-recognition challenge using foundation models and synthetic training data, organized with Slovenia’s University of Ljubljana among the teams. Local Tech & Industry: Slovenia’s GEN-I is taking over management of 200 MW of battery storage in Bulgaria and signing deals for nine more projects, expanding regional energy storage capacity. Tech Governance: Saudi Arabia will host UNESCO’s Global Forum on AI Ethics alongside Global AI Summit 2026, continuing a EU-supported push for AI ethics frameworks.

Cybersecurity: Group-IB reports WindRelay, a new Android fraud campaign that turns smartphones into live NFC card readers. Attackers use vishing to get victims to install a personalized remote-access trojan (SpyNote), then silently deploy WindRelay to relay contactless payment data in real time and drain accounts within minutes. AI & Research: A Ljubljana-led team is among organizers of IJCB 2026’s AFMFR face-recognition challenge, testing how well foundation models and synthetic data work, with fairness checks across demographic groups. Health Tech: EMA accepted an application to study a potential Lyme disease vaccine (Valneva/Pfizer), following trials showing about 70% efficacy in ages 5+. Open Source/Security: Flatpak 1.19 ships with major sandbox and privilege-escalation fixes, plus safer system downgrades and updated tooling. AI Ethics: Riyadh will host UNESCO’s Global Forum on the Ethics of AI alongside Global AI Summit 2026, with Slovenia previously co-hosting the event. Slovenia Tech Angle: The Ljubljana connection shows up both in the biometrics competition and in regional tech capacity-building.

Android Security: Group-IB warns about WindRelay, a new Android fraud setup that turns phones into live NFC “POS” relays, paired with the SpyNote remote-access trojan—attackers can vishing victims into installing a personalized RAT, then siphon contactless card data and trigger fraudulent payments in about 13 minutes. Cyber & Linux Hardening: Flatpak 1.19 ships with major security fixes (sandbox escape and local privilege escalation paths) plus new admin features like system-wide downgrades without root. Health Tech: The EMA has accepted an application to study/approve Valneva-Pfizer’s Lyme disease vaccine candidate (PF-07307405), citing ~70% efficacy in ages 5+ and highlighting rising tick-season risk across Central Europe, including Slovenia. AI Research in Slovenia: IJCB 2026’s face-recognition competition tests adapting foundation models using synthetic data; organizers include the University of Ljubljana and Fraunhofer/Idiap teams, with fairness checks across demographic groups. Local Energy & Industry: GEN-I takes over management of 200 MW of battery storage in Bulgaria and signs deals for nine more projects, expanding regional grid flexibility. Tech Policy & Society: Eurovision changes hosting rules—winners won’t be eligible to host next year if their state is in an armed conflict or “sensitive geopolitical situation,” after multiple boycotts this year.

Cybersecurity: Group-IB warns of WindRelay, a new Android scam that turns phones into rogue contactless card readers. Attackers use vishing to get victims to install a personalized SpyNote remote-access app, then deploy WindRelay to relay NFC card exchanges in real time—reportedly enabling loan fraud and card-present purchases within about 13 minutes. Health & Research: The EU’s EMA will study an experimental Lyme disease vaccine candidate from Valneva and Pfizer after accepting the application; trials cited around 70% efficacy in ages 5+. Open-Source Security: Flatpak 1.19 ships with major sandbox and privilege-escalation fixes, plus new admin features like system-wide downgrades without root. Slovenia Tech & Science: Slovenia’s GEN-I takes over management of 200 MW of battery storage in Bulgaria and signs for nine more projects, expanding regional energy storage capacity. Tech in Sports: Slovenia-linked instructors help run an ISSF Electronic Scoring Target course in New Delhi, training officials for modern electronic shooting competitions. Rail Infrastructure: European Loc Pool orders 20 more Stadler EuroDual locomotives, extending cross-border homologation to include Slovenia.

Android Security: Group-IB reports WindRelay malware that, after a vishing call and a SpyNote remote-access trojan install, turns an Android phone into a rogue contactless card reader—relaying live NFC exchanges for card-present fraud in about 13 minutes across Eastern Europe. Linux Security: Flatpak 1.19 ships with major sandbox hardening, including fixes for symlink and privilege-escalation paths, plus new system-wide downgrade support and updated authentication via polkit. Energy Storage (Slovenia in the region): GEN-I takes over commercial management and trading optimization for two 200 MW-class battery storage projects in Bulgaria, and signs on to manage nine more BESS sites. Rail Tech: European Loc Pool orders 20 more Stadler EuroDual locomotives, extending cross-border homologation to include Croatia, Serbia, and Slovenia. Science & Industry (Slovenia): The 66th International Foundry Conference returns to Portorož, aiming to connect foundry engineers and researchers across Europe on casting, sustainability, and digitalization. Research (Slovenia): A Gen Z coffee study from Slovenia’s University of Primorska finds a “sustainability-convenience paradox,” where everyday factors outweigh eco intentions at purchase time.

Cybersecurity: Group-IB reports a fast Android fraud chain where SpyNote RAT and the new WindRelay NFC relay malware turn a phone into a rogue contactless reader, enabling card-present payments and even banking-app changes in about 13 minutes. Energy Storage: Slovenia’s GEN-I will manage 200 MW/505 MWh of battery storage in Bulgaria and take on nine more BESS projects (195 MW/782 MWh), handling market optimization and trading. Rail Tech: European Loc Pool ordered 20 more Stadler EuroDual locomotives, extending a cross-border dual-mode fleet with homologation planned for Germany, Austria, Croatia, Serbia, and Slovenia. Climate & Health: July 2026 is tied as Earth’s hottest month on record, while Europe’s heatwave is driving expanded “extreme heat” warnings in the UK and pushing broader drought and water-stress concerns. Sustainability Research: The EU REMADE project backs a “Renovation-as-a-Service” approach using modular methods, AI, and digital twins to make building upgrades more circular and less disruptive. Local Tech Spotlight: Slovenia’s Robert Ferencak joins an ISSF Electronic Scoring Target course in New Delhi, training officials for modern electronic shooting competitions.

Cybersecurity: Group-IB reports a fast Android fraud chain where SpyNote remote access plus WindRelay NFC relay malware can turn a phone into a fake payment terminal, enabling card-present account takeover in about 13 minutes after a bank-impersonation call. Energy Storage (Slovenia in the region): GEN-I will manage and trade two Bulgaria battery storage sites (200 MW / 505 MWh total) and also take on nine more BESS projects under a new partnership with SUNOTEC. EU Tech & Industry (Slovenia): A new EU-backed call supports Slovenian wood processors to modernize with sustainable, digital transformation for a circular economy, with €15.72m total funding. Research & Innovation (Slovenia-linked): The REMADE project (with a Slovenia partner) aims to make neighborhood renovation a circular, data-driven “Renovation-as-a-Service” using modular methods, AI, and digital twins. Sports Tech (Slovenia expertise abroad): Slovenia’s Robert Ferencak helps run the ISSF Electronic Scoring Target course in New Delhi, training officials on electronic scoring systems. Climate: July 2026 tied July 2024 as Earth’s hottest month on record, with NOAA and NASA/Copernicus reporting record-breaking global temperatures.

EU Labour Snapshot: Eurostat says the EU employment rate hit a record 75.8% in 2024 (ages 20–64), with unemployment down to a record-low 5.7% (Feb 2025), highlighting how flexible labour markets, vocational pathways, and tech-driven job creation are keeping people in work across countries. Energy Storage in the Region: Slovenia’s GEN-I took over commercial management of 200 MW/505 MWh of battery storage in Bulgaria and will expand to nine more BESS projects under a new partnership with SUNOTEC. Biotech Patent Push: Arbutus and Genevant filed international patent enforcement actions against Pfizer and BioNTech over lipid nanoparticle tech, after receiving a first $178M payment from a Moderna settlement. Circular Buildings Research: The EU REMADE project (with Slovenian partners) aims to turn neighbourhood renovation into a circular, data-driven “Renovation-as-a-Service” model using modular design, AI, digital twins, and community input. Solar Eclipse Safety & Visibility: Multiple European countries, including Slovenia’s Ljubljana on the partial list, will watch the Aug 12 eclipse—plus guidance on why you should never look at the Sun directly. Climate Record: July 2026 tied July 2024 as Earth’s hottest July on record, with NOAA and NASA/Copernicus reporting record-breaking global temperatures. Wood Industry Funding: Slovenia’s wood processors can apply for an EU-backed call (€15.72M total) to fund sustainable and digital upgrades for circular, lower-impact production. Gen Z & Coffee: A Slovenian-led study finds a “sustainability-convenience paradox” in Gen Z coffee buying—values matter, but price, taste, and routine often win. Space/Tech Event: The 66th International Foundry Conference returns to Portorož this September, focusing on casting tech, sustainability, digitalisation, and materials engineering. Aviation Business Note: JetUp secured a Portuguese AOC for private jet charter and aircraft management, with fleet details pointing to Phenom 100EV and HondaJet Elite II aircraft.

Energy Storage Deal: Slovenia’s GEN-I will manage and optimize 200 MW of battery storage in Bulgaria (505 MWh total) and has signed up to run nine more BESS projects there (195 MW, 782 MWh), taking on market access, balancing services, and trading risk. Biotech & Patents: Arbutus has launched international patent enforcement actions against Pfizer and BioNTech over lipid nanoparticle tech, and says it received a first $178M payment from a Moderna settlement. Space Science Moment: A total solar eclipse on Aug. 12 will be visible across a narrow path including parts of the UK, Spain, Iceland, Greenland and northern Russia, with partial views across much of Europe—plus NASA-linked teams plan observations during the event. Climate Watch: July 2026 tied July 2024 as Earth’s hottest July on record, with NOAA and NASA/Copernicus reporting record-breaking global temperatures. Research for Buildings: The EU’s REMADE project (with Slovenian partners) aims to make renovation “as a service” using modular approaches, AI, digital twins, and neighborhood-level planning to cut waste and disruption. STEM Community in Slovenia: The 66th International Foundry Conference returns to Portorož this September, bringing engineers and researchers together on casting tech, sustainability, digitalization, and materials. Gen Z & Coffee: A Slovenian study finds Gen Z’s coffee choices are driven more by price, taste, convenience and routine than by sustainability ideals, highlighting a “sustainability-convenience paradox.”

Energy & Storage: GEN-I took over commercial management and market optimization of two Bulgaria battery projects totaling 200 MW and 505 MWh, and will also optimize nine more BESS sites under a new partnership with SUNOTEC. Built Environment Tech: The EU’s REMADE project wants “Renovation-as-a-Service” for neighbourhoods, combining modular construction, AI, digital twins and community input to make upgrades more circular and less disruptive. Water Scarcity Policy: The EU is pushing its Water Resilience Strategy as heat and past pollution/overuse leave Europe with fewer reserves, with water stress now affecting large shares of people and land. Space Science Moment: A total solar eclipse on Aug. 12 will darken parts of the Northern Hemisphere; NASA-backed teams plan observations using aircraft, balloons and ground stations. Slovenian Research in Focus: A University of Primorska study finds Gen Z’s coffee choices follow a “sustainability-convenience paradox,” where price, taste and routine beat eco intentions at checkout. Retail Fulfilment: Instaleap partners with Spar Slovenia to run its e-commerce fulfilment platform, aiming to standardize workflows and coordinate delivery resources. Health Metrics: A JAMA study reports elevated LDL now affects more middle-income countries even as age-standardized deaths fall.

Vaccine Policy Clash: Doctors and lawmakers are condemning a Trump executive order that would cut childhood vaccine recommendations and split MMR into separate shots, arguing it conflicts with decades of research and could raise costs and scheduling burdens. Solar Science Watch: A total solar eclipse on Aug. 12 will sweep a narrow path across parts of Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, the Atlantic, and into Spain, with many other areas seeing a partial eclipse. Slovenia in the Spotlight (E-commerce): Instaleap is partnering with Spar Slovenia to bring a new e-commerce fulfilment platform, aiming to streamline store operations and delivery coordination as online grocery demand grows. Global Tech & Mobility: Omio research finds many travelers avoid destinations they can’t pronounce, while Japan has published a list of 51 countries eligible for its digital nomad visa. Energy & Industry Signals: Croatia’s Chromos production is ending after 106 years, with manufacturing shifting to Slovenia and Serbia.

Solar Science & Public Viewing: A total solar eclipse on Aug. 12 will darken a narrow path across Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, parts of Spain and a slice of Portugal, while much of Europe sees a partial show—here’s the city-by-city list for viewers. Industrial Shift in the Region: Croatia’s Chromos, a 106-year paints and varnishes maker, is ending production; Kansai Helios will move manufacturing to Slovenia (Količevo) and Serbia, leaving only a sales network in Zagreb. Slovenia in the Global Data Mix: A study on BYD’s overseas passenger exports (Jan–Jun 2026) highlights Slovenia among key destinations, alongside Brazil, Australia and several European markets. E-commerce Fulfilment for Slovenia: Instaleap is partnering with Spar Slovenia to run its online grocery fulfilment platform, aiming to streamline store operations and delivery resources. Health Metrics: A JAMA study finds the global burden from elevated LDL is rising in number of affected adults since 1990, even as LDL-related deaths and disability-adjusted life-years have fallen. Soil Tech & Education: The EU-funded SoilTribes project is building “living” soil museums and a digital policy space, using real-time soil monitoring plus science and art to boost soil literacy.

Slovenian Tech & Policy: EU approval clears the way for Slovenia’s €59m scheme for grid battery storage, a boost for smarter power balancing and resilience. Health Tech: A global JAMA study finds the number of adults with elevated LDL has surged from 2.5B to 4.6B since 1990, with the burden shifting toward middle-income countries even as LDL-related mortality falls. Digital Life & Travel Tech: Google may be preparing an Android AirTag-style tracker (“Pixel Tag”) using its Find My Device network, while Omio research shows many travelers avoid trips they can’t pronounce—Ljubljana included—because of social anxiety and search/typing friction. Sustainability & Data for Soil: The EU-funded SoilTribes project is rolling out living soil museums and a digital policy hub, using real-time soil monitoring plus science-and-art outreach to improve “soil literacy.” Local Economy & Logistics: Instaleap partners with SPAR Slovenia to power e-grocery fulfillment, last-mile delivery, and marketplace integrations. STEM Events: Slovenia hosts ICOASB-26, an ocean acidification and shellfish biology conference in Kranj (26–27 Nov 2026).

Find My Device gets a rival: Google may be launching its first first-party Bluetooth tracker, the “Pixel Tag,” using Google’s Find My Device network, plus a loudspeaker for nearby searching—an Android AirTag-style move that could finally make location tracking feel more complete. Retail tech in Slovenia: Instaleap (now part of Instacart) will power SPAR Slovenia’s e-commerce fulfillment and last-mile delivery, aiming to standardize store workflows and improve delivery visibility across the network. Energy storage policy: The EU approved a Slovenian state-aid scheme for grid battery storage worth €59m, a boost for faster deployment of storage capacity. Solar safety research: A multinational review led by Slovenia’s ZAG finds PV-related fires are still uncommon, with DC-side cables and connectors often implicated when incidents happen. Health data with local relevance: A global JAMA study shows elevated LDL is rising worldwide and increasingly burdens middle-income countries, even as LDL-related deaths decline. Science events on the horizon: Slovenia will host ICOASB-26, an international conference on ocean acidification and shellfish biology in Kranj on 26–27 Nov 2026.

Android Tracking: Google is reportedly preparing a first-party Bluetooth tracker (“Pixel Tag”) to bring an AirTag-style option to Android, using its Find My Device network and adding a loudspeaker for nearby-finding. Solar Safety in Focus: A Slovenian-led multinational review finds photovoltaic-related fires are still rare, with the most common ignition points on DC-side cables and connectors—useful for improving installer and maintenance practices. EU Funding Debate: European governments are pushing to define how the next EU long-term budget (2028–2034) should be financed, with “own resources” and new revenue ideas at the center of tough negotiations. Retail Tech for Slovenia: Instaleap (now part of Instacart) will power SPAR Slovenia’s e-commerce fulfillment and last-mile delivery, aiming to standardize store workflows and improve delivery coordination. Health Metrics: A global study in JAMA shows elevated LDL affects far more adults than before, with the burden shifting toward middle-income countries even as related mortality trends improve. Travel Tech & Behavior: Research commissioned by Omio finds many travelers avoid destinations they can’t pronounce, linking pronunciation anxiety to reduced bookings and weaker word-of-mouth. Local Tech/Science Event: Slovenia’s Kranj will host ICOASB-26 (ocean acidification and shellfish biology) on 26–27 Nov 2026.