AGP Executive Report

Robotics Investment: Yaskawa has completed a €32M expansion in Kočevje, adding a European distribution centre and upgrading its robotic production line—aimed at boosting EMEA output and cutting the need to ship robots to warehouses in Germany and Sweden. Biopharma Capacity: Sandoz strengthened its Slovenia biosimilar development capability in Ljubljana, expanding technical development for complex biologic medicines and supporting future growth in biosimilars. Health Research: A new study on candidemia in a Chinese tertiary hospital reports high in-hospital mortality and highlights the need for early effective antifungal treatment. Genomics Tech: Bionano Genomics says optical genome mapping studies at ESHG 2026 jumped 67% year over year, signaling wider adoption for structural variant detection. Energy & Industry Decarb: INDTEGRATE launched under Horizon Europe to integrate solid oxide electrolyser cell tech into energy-intensive industries using digital tools, waste heat recovery, and green hydrogen. Policy & Competitiveness: Slovenia fell three spots to 49th in IMD’s global competitiveness ranking, with government efficiency and business environment concerns weighing most. Legal/Finance Watch: Ascent Resources’ Energy Charter Treaty arbitration against Slovenia is nearing a final ruling after proceedings closed. Travel Tech: Heathrow warned Schengen travellers about extra queues tied to the Entry/Exit System (EES) rollout. Sports Tech Angle: Tour of Slovenia stage 2 and Tour de Suisse stage 4 delivered crashes and tight results, underscoring how logistics and safety planning matter in high-speed events.

Medical Research: A new 10-year hospital study on candidemia in China links antifungal susceptibility patterns to in-hospital mortality, underscoring how deadly Candida bloodstream infections remain. Public Health & Travel Tech: Heathrow is warning summer travelers about extra queues tied to the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), which uses biometric registration and can add delays at Schengen borders. Slovenia Biotech: Sandoz is expanding biosimilar capability in Ljubljana with a new technical development centre aimed at supporting complex biologic medicines. Robotics & Industry: Yaskawa completed a €32m expansion in Kočevje, adding a European distribution centre and upgrading robotic production lines for EMEA. Space: German startup Isar Aerospace is preparing another orbital launch attempt from Norway, with a narrow window and high stakes for Europe’s commercial launch ambitions. Energy & Climate Tech: The EU-backed INDTEGRATE project is launching to integrate solid oxide electrolysis into hard-to-decarbonize industries like glass and ceramics. Genomics: Bionano Genomics reports a 67% jump in optical genome mapping studies at ESHG 2026, reflecting growing clinical adoption. Economy & Competitiveness: Slovenia fell three spots in IMD’s global competitiveness ranking, with government efficiency and business uncertainty cited as key drags. Sports (Local): Tour of Slovenia stage 2 was won by Dušan Rajović after a crash forced a neutralization; two riders suffered broken legs.

Robotics & Industry: Yaskawa has finished a €32M expansion in Kočevje, adding a European distribution centre and an upgraded robotics production line, positioning Slovenia as a key EMEA hub for advanced automation. Biopharma: Sandoz strengthened its Ljubljana biosimilar development capability with a new technical development centre aimed at scaling complex biologic medicines. Energy & Decarbonization: A Horizon Europe project, INDTEGRATE, was launched to speed up integrating solid oxide electrolyser cell tech into hard-to-electrify, high-temperature industrial sectors via digital tools and green hydrogen. Health Tech Research: Bionano Genomics reported a 67% jump in optical genome mapping studies at ESHG 2026, signaling wider adoption of structural-variant detection approaches. Policy & Competitiveness: Slovenia slipped to 49th in the IMD global competitiveness ranking, with government efficiency and business environment concerns highlighted. Legal/Investments: Ascent Resources says an Energy Charter Treaty arbitration against Slovenia is nearing a final ruling after proceedings closed, with a potential €656.5M claim outcome expected soon.

Biotech Boost in Ljubljana: Sandoz opened a €99m biosimilars development centre in Slovenia, building an end-to-end in-house hub for drug substance and drug product work with 200+ scientists and advanced analytics. AI Supercomputing in Slovenia: A new AI-focused supercomputer was launched in Ljubljana, underlining the country’s push to scale high-performance computing for tech and research. Genomics Growth Signal: Bionano Genomics reported a 67% jump in optical genome mapping studies at ESHG 2026, with more countries and clinical themes—good news for the broader structural-variant research ecosystem. Competitiveness Watch: Slovenia fell three places to 49th in the IMD global competitiveness ranking, with government efficiency and productivity flagged as key drag factors. Telecom & Connectivity: Ericsson named David Hammarwall to lead networks, while Kyivstar made satellite-ready apps available via Starlink to help users during outages. Space Deadline Pressure: German startup Isar Aerospace is targeting another orbit attempt from Norway after earlier scrubs, with a tight 2027 ESA deadline looming.

Biotech Boost: Sandoz opened a US$99M biosimilars development centre in Ljubljana, aiming to scale end-to-end in-house work for complex biologic medicines with 200+ researchers and advanced analytics. Genomics Market Signal: Bionano reported a 67% jump in optical genome mapping studies at ESHG 2026, pointing to faster global adoption of structural-variant detection. AI Infrastructure in Slovenia: A new AI-focused supercomputer launched in Ljubljana, underlining growing local capacity for high-performance research and development. Competitiveness Watch: Slovenia fell three places to 49th in the IMD global competitiveness ranking, with government efficiency and business environment flagged as key drags. Industry & Networks: Ericsson named David Hammarwall to lead business area networks from 1 October, while Kyivstar made satellite-ready apps available via Starlink. Space Update: Isar Aerospace is preparing another orbital attempt after earlier scrubs, with a launch window targeted for later today. STEM Health Research: A Ljubljana-led study presented tirzepatide’s link to increased brown fat activity, adding a new angle to obesity treatment.

AI Supercomputing in Ljubljana: The University of Ljubljana unveiled “Frida,” an AI-focused supercomputing system on the Faculty of Computer and Information Science rooftop, designed to boost AI training performance and energy efficiency while complementing the existing “Vega” supercomputer. Biotech Manufacturing Boost: Sandoz opened a €99M biosimilars development centre in Ljubljana, aiming to build an end-to-end in-house biosimilar hub with 200+ researchers and advanced analytics. Energy & Industry Context: NATO’s “NATO 3.0” push was highlighted by Defence Ministers’ priorities in Brussels, stressing higher defence investment and a stronger European industrial base. Land Systems Trends: Eurosatory 2026 spotlighted networked reconnaissance, autonomy, and short-range air defence, with examples including recovery and mine-related vehicle concepts. Cyber Exercise Regionally: Slovenia joined a multinational Adriatic cyber defence drill (CACE 2026), pairing European partners with U.S. National Guard state teams. Health Research: A Ljubljana-led study presented at ENDO 2026 reports tirzepatide may activate brown fat, adding a new angle to obesity treatment beyond appetite effects. Local Tech/Business: Plume was named No. 58 on The Economist’s Top 100 Global Most Loved Workplaces list, reinforcing its customer-experience focus.

AI Supercomputing in Ljubljana: The University of Ljubljana launched Frida, an AI-focused supercomputing system on the Faculty rooftop, aiming to boost AI training performance and energy efficiency while complementing the existing Vega machine. Biotech in Ljubljana: Sandoz opened a €99m biosimilars development centre in Ljubljana, building a fully digital end-to-end hub with 200+ scientists for drug substance and product work. Obesity Research (Slovenian link): ENDO 2026 presentations from University Medical Centre Ljubljana report tirzepatide may activate brown fat in women with obesity, pointing beyond appetite effects. Energy & Storage (CEE): Wolf Theiss advised Eurus Energy on a Hungary hybrid solar-plus-battery project (Baracska PV + BESS), supporting grid stability and the energy transition. Cybersecurity Exercise: Slovenia joined a multinational Combined Adriatic Cyber Endeavor 2026 drill with U.S. National Guard partners, focusing on regional cyber defense coordination. Local Culture: MGLC appointed Colombian curator José Roca for the 37th Ljubljana Biennale of Graphic Arts in 2027, framing printmaking as a broader “condition of contact” beyond craft. Policy & Society: A UK plan to ban under-16s from major social media platforms is gaining momentum, adding to a growing European push for stricter child online protections.

AI Supercomputing in Ljubljana: The University of Ljubljana unveiled “Frida,” a new AI-focused HPC system on the Faculty of Computer and Information Science rooftop, aimed at AI training and scientific computing while complementing the existing “Vega” supercomputer. Obesity Research (Slovenia-linked): University Medical Centre Ljubljana researchers presented new clinical trial results showing tirzepatide may activate brown fat in women with obesity, using cold-stimulated PET/CT and MRI scans. Cybersecurity Exercise: Slovenia joined the multinational Combined Adriatic Cyber Endeavor 2026, alongside European partners and U.S. National Guard teams, in a regional push to strengthen cyber defense collaboration. Public Health & Research: A Western University study examined how hip and knee implants degrade over time, analyzing more than 240 retrieved components to link patient factors with corrosion and wear damage. EU Policy Watch: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said she will ask the European Commission for options toward an EU-wide ban on goods from illegal Israeli settlements, after pressure from member states including Slovenia. UK Child Safety Online: Britain announced a plan to ban under-16s from major social media platforms and restrict stranger-contact features on gaming/livestreaming services.

AI Supercomputing in Ljubljana: The University of Ljubljana has unveiled “Frida,” an AI-focused supercomputing facility on the Faculty of Computer and Information Science rooftop, designed to boost AI training performance and energy efficiency while complementing the existing Vega system. Obesity Research from Ljubljana: UMC Ljubljana researchers report that tirzepatide may activate brown fat in women with obesity, using cold-stimulated PET/CT and MRI results from the TABFAT trial presented at ENDO 2026. Cybersecurity Exercise: Slovenia joined the Adriatic Cyber Endeavor 2026 (CACE 2026), a multinational regional drill hosted by Croatia’s armed forces with U.S. National Guard partners. Public Health & Tech: A Western University study on retrieved hip and knee implants links higher body weight and longer implantation times to worse corrosion and wear outcomes. EU Policy & Work: A debate on EU free movement highlights how cross-border labor abuse and tax evasion can undermine fair competition and workers’ rights. EU Health Manufacturing: EIB Global backed technical assistance for Vacsera’s vaccine production expansion in Egypt, aligned with EU Global Gateway goals. Digital Safety Regulation: The UK plans to ban social media access for all teens under 16, with enforcement and age-verification details still to come.

EV & Energy Markets: Renault says EV demand in France and Germany jumped 50% since the Iran war began, as fuel-price pressure pushes buyers toward electric cars. Obesity Research: A University Medical Centre Ljubljana team reports tirzepatide may boost brown fat activity, not just reduce appetite, in a trial presented at ENDO 2026. Cybersecurity Training: Slovenia joined a large regional cyber drill, CACE 2026, with European partners and U.S. National Guard teams to strengthen defensive and offensive coordination. Medical Devices: A study on retrieved hip and knee implants examines how corrosion and wear evolve inside the body over time, using advanced microscopy and materials analysis. Slovenia Policy Shift: Slovenia’s new government removed several anti-Israeli measures introduced under the previous administration, including entry and arms-trade restrictions. Public Health Watch: Hong Kong health authorities say an H9N2 avian influenza case is low risk for a wider outbreak, while urging strict hygiene. Tech & Society: Britain announced a ban on social media for children under 16, joining a growing wave of child-access restrictions across countries. Local Culture: Ljubljana’s long-lost “Sower” statue has returned after a community-led reconstruction.

Regional Cybersecurity: Croatia hosted Combined Adriatic Cyber Endeavor (CACE) 2026 (June 1–11), bringing 100+ cyber professionals from seven European countries plus U.S. National Guard partners, including Slovenia, to train blue/white defensive teams and a red team in a multinational drill. Medical Materials Research: A new study in npj Materials Degradation analyzed 240+ retrieved hip and knee implants to explain how corrosion and wear evolve inside the body over time. Slovenia Tech & Policy: Slovenia’s new government under Janez Janša removed several anti-Israeli measures from the previous administration, including entry bans and lifted restrictions on imports from West Bank settlements and arms-trade limits—opening space for cooperation “in areas of common interest,” including innovation and digital. Digital Safety Regulation: Britain announced a ban on social media for children under 16, joining a growing wave of child-access restrictions across countries. EU Tech Governance: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas says she’ll ask the Commission to develop options for an EU-wide ban on goods from illegal Israeli settlements. Tech in Daily Life: iOS 27 is set to expand keyboard support with more languages and smarter multilingual typing features.

Slovenia Hosts Aquaculture Tech Talks: The European Aquaculture Society will hold its 2026 conference in Ljubljana (28 Sep–1 Oct) with plenary sessions spanning climate-resilient farming, how aquaculture stories reach the public, and energy-efficient EU production pathways. Kids’ Social Media Crackdown Spreads: The UK plans to ban social media for children under 16, following Australia’s lead and joining wider European moves toward tighter age rules and safer platform design. Cyber Defense in the Region: Croatia hosted CACE 2026, a multinational cyber exercise that included Slovenia and U.S. National Guard partners, focusing on coordinated blue-team and red-team training. Zero-Carbon Tech Hub Opens in Zasavje: Slovenia’s National Institute of Chemistry opened a €32M centre in Kisovec to develop carbon-free technologies, building on battery research and Just Transition Fund support. Slovenia–India Tech Business Push: A Ljubljana roadshow explored new collaboration with India and set up momentum for a Slovenia–India Business Council tied to the EU–India trade framework. EU Tech Policy Meets Politics: Slovenia’s new government removed several anti-Israeli measures from the previous administration, including bans affecting entry, imports, and arms trade.

Slovenian Politics: Janez Janša’s new government has rolled back anti-Israeli measures from the previous administration, lifting entry bans on Netanyahu and two ministers, ending bans on imports from West Bank settlements, and removing an arms-trade restriction. EU Integration: The EU has opened the first accession talks cluster for Ukraine and Moldova, a process that typically takes many years. Cybersecurity: Croatia hosted CACE 2026, a major regional cyber defense exercise with more than 100 professionals from Slovenia and other European partners plus U.S. National Guard teams. Green Tech in Slovenia: A €32M carbon-free technologies centre opened in Kisovec, aiming to scale battery, hydrogen, and other carbon-free innovations in a former coal region, backed largely by the EU Just Transition Fund. AI & Computing Skills: The EU’s HPCTRAIN launched an Europe-wide call for HPC traineeships through 2028, targeting hands-on experience across HPC, AI, and quantum-adjacent work. Digital Life & Safety: Canada proposed rules to restrict social media access for kids under 16, following similar moves in Australia and other countries. Tech Consumer Update: iOS 27 adds expanded keyboard support for more languages and improved multilingual typing features. Science & Food Heritage: Ancient DNA work on 2,000-year-old grape seeds in Tuscany traces long-lived grape lineages and links Roman-era viticulture to modern wine traditions.

Slovenia–Israel Policy Shift: Slovenia’s new Janša government has lifted several anti-Israeli measures from the Golob era, including bans on Israeli officials’ entry, restrictions on imports from West Bank settlements, and an arms-trade ban—framing the move as restoring “normal political dialogue” and enabling cooperation in areas like innovation and digital. EU Accession Momentum: The EU opened the first accession negotiations cluster for Ukraine and Moldova, a reminder that even “official” talks can take years—while Slovenia’s own past timeline shows how long the process can run. Carbon-Free Tech Investment: A new €32M Centre for Development, Demonstration and Training for Carbon-Free Technologies opened in Kisovec, aiming to scale battery, hydrogen and other carbon-free solutions and marking a major Just Transition Fund-backed shift for a former coal region. Regional Cyber Exercise: Slovenia joined a large Adriatic+ and U.S. National Guard-linked cyber drill in Croatia, bringing together multiple European partners to train and coordinate across defensive and offensive roles. Tech for Everyday Use: iOS 27 is expanding multilingual keyboard support and smarter typing features, including automatic punctuation for multilingual users—an accessibility win with practical impact.

EU Accession Talks: The EU has opened the first accession negotiations cluster for Ukraine and Moldova, a process that usually drags on for years—raising fresh questions for the region’s tech, governance, and investment outlook. Slovenia Politics: Janez Janša’s return to power is now official after parliament approved his centre-right government, with observers in Brussels and the Western Balkans watching for policy shifts that could ripple beyond Slovenia. Regional Cybersecurity: Slovenia joined a major Adriatic+ CACE 2026 cyber exercise in Croatia, bringing together cyber teams from multiple European countries and U.S. National Guard partners. Green Tech in Slovenia: A new €32m zero-carbon technologies centre opened in Kisovec, aiming to scale battery, hydrogen, and carbon-free solutions and accelerate the Zasavje region’s post-coal transition. Youth Online Safety: Canada proposed a ban on social media for kids under 16, adding momentum to a growing wave of child-protection regulation across countries.

New Slovenian Government: Janez Janša’s centre-right coalition was approved by parliament, ending Robert Golob’s term and reviving EU and Western Balkans concerns about democratic norms and media freedom. Regional Cybersecurity: Croatia hosted CACE 2026, with over 100 cyber professionals (including Slovenia) and U.S. National Guard partners running a major multinational exercise. Zero-Carbon Tech in Zasavje: A €32M Centre for Carbon-Free Technologies opened in Kisovec, aiming to scale battery, hydrogen and other carbon-free solutions with EU Just Transition Fund support. Slovenia–India Business Links: A Ljubljana roadshow explored tech and business collaboration, setting up momentum for a Slovenia–India Business Council. Border Checks Eased: Slovenia will lift temporary police checks on borders with Croatia and Hungary from 12 June to reduce summer congestion while shifting to targeted inland patrols. HPC Skills Boost: HPCTRAIN launched a Europe-wide call for HPC traineeships (3–6 months), including HPC plus AI and quantum intersections. Ancient Wine DNA: DNA from 2,000–3,000-year-old Tuscan grape seeds traced long-lived clonal lines and helped explain origins of modern wine varieties.