With the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation in the Field of Dual-Use Technologies and Solutions, TECES and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia (GZS) have officially established the Dual-Use Alliance. The initiative represents an important step towards systematically connecting Slovenian industry, research institutions and the state in the field of dual-use and defence technologies.

For TECES, the memorandum marks a strengthening of cooperation at the national level, as the broad GZS membership base and engagement of numerous sectors will enable more effective stakeholder collaboration and the development of joint initiatives and projects. For the past five years, TECES has been strategically guiding and coordinating national and international efforts in the dual-use domain within the Slovenian Energy and Environment Partnership in Defence (SiEnE), which today stands as a European-recognised platform for effective cooperation between civil and defence stakeholders.

The Alliance will support Slovenian organisations in joining European programmes such as EDF, EDA, NATO, SAFE and Horizon Europe, and in developing competitive, high-value-added solutions.

At the same time, GZS has officially established a One-Stop Shop for Dual Use, which will provide companies and research organisations with support in project development, partner search, funding acquisition, certification and intellectual property protection.

An essential step towards strengthening national-level cooperation

“By signing the memorandum of cooperation with GZS, we are strengthening the activities launched by TECES and the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia in 2020 with the establishment of the SiEnE partnership, today a European-recognised platform for cooperation between civil and defence stakeholders. The memorandum represents an important step towards enhancing national-level cooperation, as the wide GZS membership and the involvement of numerous sectors will enable even more effective stakeholder engagement and the development of joint initiatives and projects in the field of dual-use and defence technologies,” emphasised TECES Director and SiEnE Partnership Chair, Mag. Matej Gajzer, at the signing.

The Alliance as the foundation for systemic support for companies and innovation

GZS General Director Vesna Nahtigal emphasised that the Slovenian industry urgently requires stable and predictable funding for development and innovation. “If we want to become a development- and innovation-oriented society, cohesion funding alone will not suffice – this is why funding for dual-use technologies and solutions is of key importance. With the establishment of the Alliance and the One-Stop Contact Point at GZS, together with TECES, we are laying the foundations for systemic support to companies and research organisations. This is an important step towards Slovenia being recognised as an innovative, confident and reliable partner in Europe,” she said.

Slovenian companies recognise opportunities in the dual-use field

The event also highlighted examples of good dual-use practices, confirming that Slovenia possesses the knowledge, experience and potential in this field. Miha Bobič,PhD Head of Building Controls at Danfoss Trata and Chair of the GZS Chamber of Electrical Industry, emphasised: “At Danfoss Trata, we have strategically focused on the dual-use field because it offers significant new development and market opportunities, especially internationally. Entering the defence industry requires a mindset shift and a different approach to designing products and solutions already at the early development stage. Cooperation with reputable international partners and innovative Slovenian organisations enables us to enter this demanding market more rapidly.”

Ministry of Defence expresses strong support for the TECES-GZS Alliance

Željko Kralj, MSc, Director General of the Logistics Directorate at the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia, highlighted the strategic importance of connecting the state, science and industry in developing advanced technologies and defence and energy solutions. “Slovenia achieves top results in the energy field and is among the best in Europe,” he said.

He cited the SENTINEL project as a key example, where TECES, as coordinator and with the support of the Ministry of Defence, ensures strategic guidance and coordination of 41 partners from 15 countries. TECES successfully integrated six Slovenian partners into the project. “The project is proof of successful synergy between science and industry and confirms that Slovenia is capable of connecting knowledge, innovation and tangible outcomes.”
With the establishment of the TECES–GZS alliance, he expects even more Slovenian companies to join joint projects in the coming years, strengthening domestic industry with their expertise and innovation, while contributing to energy efficiency, technological sovereignty and greater economic competitiveness. “The alliance between GZS and TECES has the full support of the Ministry of Defence and the National Armaments Directorate,” he added.

TECES strengthens its role as initiator and coordinator of national and international dual-use strategic projects

Founded in 2001 by Slovenian companies and faculties, TECES has for more than 25 years successfully connected industry, research institutions and the state in the development of advanced technologies and products. During this time, it has participated in over 110 development projects and secured more than €150 million in non-refundable funds for the development of innovative solutions.

To support the green transition, energy resilience and protection of critical infrastructure, TECES and the Ministry of Defence established the SiEnE partnership in 2020. TECES has since established itself as a reliable partner and coordinator of major international strategic defence projects, including EDF-2021-INDY (€14 million) and EDF-2024-SENTINEL (€57 million).

In 2025, TECES leads or participates in more than 15 dual-use projects, serving as the lead partner in four national projects supported by the Ministry of Defence and involving over 30 Slovenian partners. In addition, TECES manages the Slovenian Dual-Use Expert Base (SiTEB), comprising over 120 experts, which is being further developed into a national support system together with the Ministry of Defence.

With the signing of the memorandum, TECES and GZS are laying the groundwork for sustainable and strategic cooperation among industry, the research community, and the state in the field of dual-use technologies. The Alliance will strengthen Slovenia’s innovation potential, competitiveness and economic resilience, contributing to the country establishing itself as a recognised and reliable partner in the European landscape.