SAPIE Forum & SME Expo brought a day full of inspiration, keynote speeches, hands-on workshops, discussions, and networking with top business leaders. More than 450 participants from 13 countries gathered at the National Football Stadium to explore topics shaping modern business today.
◾ think globally and successfully scale businesses in international markets
◾ understand what a “space mindset” means for leaders in practice
◾ effectively implement AI in companies and public administration
◾ push the boundaries of innovation and build breakthrough projects such as AirCar
◾ scale businesses using AI
◾ identify talent and develop future-ready skills
◾ Central Europe can catch up in AI and actively shape its future
◾ AI fraud is revealing new vulnerabilities in cybersecurity
We discussed how to:
◾ think globally and successfully scale businesses in international markets
◾ understand what a “space mindset” means for leaders in practice
◾ effectively implement AI in companies and public administration
◾ push the boundaries of innovation and build breakthrough projects such as AirCar
◾ scale businesses using AI
◾ identify talent and develop future-ready skills
◾ Central Europe can catch up in AI and actively shape its future
◾ AI fraud is revealing new vulnerabilities in cybersecurity
This year, we placed special emphasis on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These businesses are currently facing dynamic changes—from the need to attract new talent to the development of future skills. The discussions also opened a broader perspective on how our region can actively participate in shaping the technological future.
SME Expo: Practical solutions in one place
A new feature of the 4th edition was SME Expo—a dedicated zone full of solutions, tools, and innovations for the SME segment. More than 30 partners showcased concrete digital solutions in AI, automation, cybersecurity, and financing. Participants were able to test them on-site and gain hands-on experience directly applicable to their own businesses.
Workshop Stage: Practical know-how
The Workshop Stage delivered case studies and immediately applicable know-how.
Participants learned:
◾ how intelligent automation in customer experience can turn routine tasks into a competitive advantage
◾ how HR digitalisation brings cost savings and reduces errors
◾ why performance marketing often reaches its limits when focused only on existing demand
Data also took centre stage as a key pillar of modern business management.
An intensive series of cybersecurity workshops offered participants the opportunity to simulate a cyberattack, better understand the security of modern applications, and explore the potential of AI agents—while also learning how to innovate quickly, yet safely.
Space for new ideas and connections
Networking was an essential part of the event, creating space for sharing experiences, exchanging ideas, and building new collaborations. Personal meetings brought energy and authentic value to the entire day. For networking, we also used the networking application developed by Slovak startup Conntea.
We would like to thank all speakers, partners, and participants who were part of SAPIE Forum 2026.
The event was held under the auspices of the European Commission Representation in Slovakia.
We would also like to thank our partners for their support: Brichta & Partners, Kariéra, Google, Meta, SmarTech Solutions, ESET, void SOC, Millennium, Fortinet, Humanet by HOUR, Zircon Tree.
We also thank our expo partners: Brichta & Partners, Akčné ženy, Centre of Scientific and Technical Information of the Slovak Republic, dabl., European Investment Bank, Enterprise Europe Network, ESET, Excalibur, Exclusive Networks, Eximbanka SR, Expandi 4.0, Fortinet, Humanet by HOUR, Inovia, STU University Technology Incubator, Kariéra, Koor, LEAF Academy, Millennium, National Horizon Office, SARIO, Slovak Business Agency, SelectUSA, SmarTech Solutions, Soitron, Stics, void SOC, Women4Cyber Slovakia, ZirconTree, Twin City Hub, Inventa, Daitable, Symetry.
We also thank our media partners for their support: TREND, StartitUp, TASR, TouchIT, NexTech, and Akčné ženy.
We look forward to seeing you at the next edition—SAPIE Forum 2027!
We were also pleased to welcome representatives of the Academy of Fine Arts and Design (VŠVU) with their unique futuristic car exhibits. On this occasion, we asked Mgr. Peter Baumann, ArtD., and Mgr. art. Žofia Babčanová, ArtD., how they perceive the connection between innovation, design, and engineering:
“Design emerges from the integration of technical and artistic processes. Their mutual cooperation creates not only higher quality, but also a new, highly innovative environment defined by a specific level of synergy.
We perceive the integration of engineering and design processes in an experimental mode, where research introduces new formal relationships—codes. What is important is the individual perspective working with visual language, where a new expressive form is created. This does not primarily bring new functions, but defines new thinking leading toward new functions.”
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