Kranj, April 14, 2025 – In the inspiring environment of the Kovačnica coworking space, the second edition of the event “Research and Entrepreneurship – Your Opportunity for a Breakthrough!” took place. The event, funded by the Inno2mare project under the Horizon Europe programme, aimed to encourage collaboration between researchers and entrepreneurs and demonstrate how academic knowledge can come to life in a business environment.
The event brought together numerous researchers, entrepreneurs, innovators, and representatives of the support ecosystem. The central theme of the meeting was finding concrete ways to successfully transfer academic ideas and technologies to the market and develop them into practical solutions. The key emphasis was on cooperation and connection, which is also the fundamental goal of the Inno2mare project – strengthening the innovation potential in Slovenia and Croatia by promoting links between science, business, and the local environment.
The keynote speaker was Dr. Rok Stritar, a renowned business consultant, mentor, and educator, who impressed participants with his energy, approachability, and practical experience. His lectures and workshops were highly interactive – participants engaged in discussions, tackled challenges, and developed ideas in groups.
In the morning session, he presented the lean philosophy as a theoretical foundation for developing new business opportunities, followed by a practical demonstration of the Lean Start-up concept. Special emphasis was placed on rapid testing of business models and the development of innovations based on actual user needs. Participants received concrete tools they can use to develop their ideas, whether coming from a scientific or business background.
After lunch and informal networking, the final but crucial part of the event followed – exploring synergies between universities, start-ups, and industry. Group work led participants to concrete project and partnership ideas. The discussions were marked by a strong desire for collaboration and clear visions of how to combine research excellence with entrepreneurial agility.
The event concluded on a positive note, with a promise of continued cooperation and the shared understanding that such gatherings are key to a more innovative and connected future. Participants noted that they left with renewed motivation, numerous new contacts, and most importantly, the feeling of being part of a greater story about transforming regions through knowledge and collaboration.
The event was organized by the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, and the Regional Development Agency of Gorenjska, BSC Kranj.
