As part of the program for providing business support services within the project "Development of the Trnovlje South Economic and Business Zone," the Zlatorog Celje Business Club, which is responsible for delivering support services to companies, organized a professional excursion to Klagenfurt. Among other activities, company representatives visited the Lakeside Science & Technology Park.

The park is designed as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration among businesses, research institutes, and educational institutions, primarily in the field of information and communication technologies (ICT). Its main objective is to create an environment where innovation, research, and entrepreneurship come together, fostering the development of new technologies and solutions.

The park is particularly beneficial for technology-oriented companies, startups, and research and educational institutions seeking a knowledge-rich environment with opportunities for collaboration and networking. The close proximity to the University of Klagenfurt enables a strong connection between academia and industry, further promoting knowledge and technology transfer.

Today, the Lakeside Science & Technology Park is home to more than 70 companies and three research institutes, employing over 1,300 people. By 2030, this number is expected to grow to 2,500, highlighting the park’s continuous growth and significance in the region.

Visit to the Innovation Center for Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence KI4LIFE

Company representatives also visited KI4LIFE, the Innovation Center for Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence, established by Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Europe’s leading organization for applied research. The center in Klagenfurt is the newest business unit of Fraunhofer Austria.

The center focuses on applied research and supports Carinthian companies in tackling the challenges of digitalization.
KI4LIFE’s main projects include the development of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The goal is to enable an easy entry into innovation projects, explore the fundamentals, and develop a shared vision of opportunities in digitalization and artificial intelligence within each company.

Participation in the VIRIDI Conference

Later, company representatives attended the VIRIDI conference, which focused on the circular economy and sustainable practices, emphasizing cross-border cooperation between Slovenia and Austria. The event aimed to connect entrepreneurs, students, and experts who shared innovative projects and solutions for a more sustainable future.
B2B networking sessions were also held as part of the conference.

Visits to Additional Institutions

At the conclusion of the professional excursion, participants visited two more institutions. First, the Carinthia Test Center, which helps young people identify the most suitable career paths and educational directions for their future.
Finally, they visited MAKERSPACE Carinthia, a modern space where individuals and companies can bring their innovative ideas to life and develop prototypes. It is located in a renovated building that formerly served as a bus garage.