The Austria–Slovenia Business Forum: Connected for the Future took place on 23 October 2025 at the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ) in Vienna. Organised by SPIRIT Slovenia in cooperation with Advantage Austria, the event strengthened bilateral collaboration by showcasing areas where innovation, culture, economy and diplomacy come together to shape a sustainable future.
The forum was officially opened by Matjaž Han, Minister of the Economy, Tourism and Sport of the Republic of Slovenia, and Bettina Dorfer-Pauschenwein, Vice President of Advantage Austria. Following the introductory remarks, the programme featured keynote speeches, two thematic panels and networking opportunities, bringing together Slovenian and Austrian industry representatives, innovators, and policymakers.
Hydrogen and energy at the forefront
One of the key thematic areas of the forum was energy and hydrogen technologies, with a dedicated panel moderated by Peter Frankl, Director and Editor-in-Chief of Finance journal. The discussion featured leading voices from the North Adriatic hydrogen ecosystem and beyond:
- Aleksander Gerbec, Director, ECUBES Technologies
- Jerneja Sedlar, NAHV Project Manager, Holding Slovenske elektrarne
- Uroš Kerin, Director, Elektroinštitut Milan Vidmar
- Bernhard Stöckl, Director of Product and Business Development, AVL List
- Andreas Indinger, Cluster Manager, Hydrogen Partnership Austria
The panel focused on the opportunities and challenges of developing hydrogen value chains across borders, highlighting the role of the North Adriatic Hydrogen Valley and Austria’s hydrogen cluster in advancing Europe’s energy transition.
AI and technology in medicine
The second panel addressed the use of artificial intelligence and technology in medicine, featuring experts from Slovenia and Austria, including representatives of Cosylab, National Institute of Chemistry, Cogvis Software und Consulting and AIT Austrian Institute of Technology.
Networking and cultural programme
The business forum also included B2B meetings between companies from both countries, offering a platform to build new partnerships and foster cooperation. The event concluded with a special cultural segment — a presentation of The [Uncertain] Four Seasons project and the musical Peace Child at the Vienna Konzerthaus.
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