Defence SiEnE, established in 2020 by the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia (Si MoD) and TECES.

The event once again offered a valuable opportunity for networking, knowledge exchange and strengthening collaboration among representatives from industry, experts from research organisations and other key stakeholders. The excellent attendance, including several senior representatives of the Ministry of Defence, reaffirmed the importance of the gathering as a central annual meeting point for partners who, through their work, contribute to the shared achievements of TECES and its partnership networks.

Established in 2020 by TECES and the Si MoD, the partnership today represents an effective model for connecting civil and defence stakeholders, frequently cited by several European countries as an example of good practice. It is also recognised as one of Slovenia’s key mechanisms for strategically integrating companies, research organisations and experts into international defence-innovation programmes and projects in the fields of energy and the environment.

State Secretary Pavlin highlights SiEnE as an effective platform for new industrial partnerships

The celebration of the SiEnE partnership’s 5th anniversary was opened opened with a speech by Boštjan Pavlin, State Secretary at the Si MoD. “Defence extends far beyond the military industry. It encompasses a wide range of technologies that must be resilient, adaptable and suitable for use in both military as well as humanitarian and other civil contexts. The cooperation model jointly established by TECES and the MoD has evolved into an effective platform that is also recognised internationally. The solutions emerging under the partnership hold great potential for strengthening national capabilities and simultaneously open pathways for new industrial partnerships,” Pavlin emphasised.

Special acknowledgement to the Si MoD for its strategic support

On this occasion, TECES presented a special acknowledgement to the Si MoD, whose founding, developmental and strategic support has enabled the SiEnE partnership to grow over five years into a recognised and influential European model of civil-defence cooperation. “Without the clear vision, trust and consistent support of the Si MoD, the SiEnE partnership could hardly have achieved the visibility it enjoys today, both in Slovenia and within the European defence-innovation landscape. From the very beginning, the Ministry played a key role in establishing the partnership and in realising its strategic objectives,” highlighted mag. Matej Gajzer, Director of TECES and President of the SiEnE partnership, when presenting the acknowledgement.

Personal acknowledgements to two key representatives for their exceptional contribution to the development of the SiEnE partnership

Two personal acknowledgements were also awarded at the event. The first was presented to Colonel Robert Šipec, Head of the Sector for Energy Efficiency and Green Transition at the Si MoD, whose dedication, vision and long-standing professional support helped to lay the foundations of the partnership. The second acknowledgement was awarded to mag. Matej Gajzer, President of the SiEnE partnership and Director of TECES, in recognition of his strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement and pivotal role in establishing the partnership’s international visibility.

Recognition of leading Slovenian experts shaping the partnership’s development and innovation pathways

The SiEnE partnership is founded on strong professional expertise and multidisciplinary collaboration, which together represent one of the key factors behind its success. On the occasion of the anniversary, acknowledgements were therefore presented to several distinguished TECES | SiEnE experts who, through their respective fields, play a vital role in shaping the partnership’s development and innovation directions. The recognised experts include Andrej Kitanovski, PhD, a senior specialist in heating and cooling; Mojca Volk, PhD, a senior specialist in communications and cyber security; Gorazd Štumberger, PhD, a senior specialist in electrical engineering; Tomaž Katrašnik, PhD, a senior specialist in energy engineering; Blaž Peternel, PhD, a senior specialist in digital platforms; Friderik Knez, a senior specialist in sustainable construction; and mag. Devid Palčič, MSc a senior specialist in digital transformation.

Acknowledgements were also presented to representatives and professional staff from TECES and the MoD, whose support, dedication and expertise have significantly contributed to the success of projects and innovation priorities. The awardees included:

• Željko Kralj, MSc, Director-General of the Logistics Directorate, Ministry of Defence
• Ajda Vodlan, Head of the Military Technology, Research and Development Department, Ministry of Defence,
• Ines Osterc, Deputy Secretary for Research and Development, Ministry of Defence,
• Goran Potočnik Černe, Head of the International Project Innovation Office at TECES.

Collaboration as a Key Driver of New Development Opportunities and Industrial Partnerships

The pre-holiday gathering once again reaffirmed the core mission of TECES – to create an environment that encourages collaboration and effective networking among companies, research organisations, public institutions and other strategic stakeholders.

By accelerating the development and industrialisation of advanced technologies, TECES, together with the SiEnE partnership, supports the emergence of globally competitive Slovenian solutions and their integration into international defence value chains. In doing so, it makes an essential contribution to technological progress, enhanced resilience and the visibility of Slovenian expertise at both the European and global levels.