Tea with Reason Conference: Shaping Slovenia's Technological Future

Main Partner

Panel Partners

Biotechnology, Cybersecurity, and Space

Slovenia is making strides in key technological sectors, including biotechnology, cybersecurity, and space exploration. This conference will explore how initiatives like the Biotech Hills project can enhance Slovenia’s appeal as a hub for research, innovation, and investment. Discussions will also address approaches to strengthening cybersecurity frameworks, protecting digital ecosystems, and countering the spread of misinformation that undermines public trust and stability. Additionally, we will examine how Slovenia’s European Space Agency membership creates opportunities for the Slovenian economy and businesses operating in these fields. Together, we aim to uncover insights that support growth and collaboration across these industries.

Attendance at the event is free of charge; however, advance registration via this link is required. Cancellations are free of charge up to 24 hours before the event. If you are unable to attend and fail to notify us by the deadline at info@bscc.si or events@bscc.si, a no-show fee of EUR 50 + VAT will apply.

Program:

9:00 AM – 9:05 AM | Opening Remarks 

9:05 AM – 9:20 AM | Leaders’ Top Talk 

• In conversation with Dr Igor Papič, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation

9:20 AM – 10:00 AM | Panel 1: Biotech and Beyond – Advancing Slovenia’s Life Sciences Sector 

This panel will explore how Slovenia’s biotech and pharmaceutical industries are driving innovation and creating opportunities for sustainable growth. With its strategic position at the heart of Europe and renowned safety, Slovenia provides an ideal environment for fostering advancements in the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors. Featuring insights into the Biotech Hills initiative and showcasing key contributions from industry leaders, academia, and government, the discussion will highlight Slovenia’s potential as a hub for cutting-edge research and development.

• Boštjan Čeh, President of the Biotech Hills Institute and Business Development Manager of Labena

• Jernej Salecl, Director General of the Industry, Entrepreneurship and Internationalisation Directorate, Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport

• Prof Dr Robert Zorec, Professor of Pathophysiology at the Faculty of Medicine UL

Moderator: Mateja Čotar, Partner at CHR Partners

10:00 AM – 10:10 AM | Audience Q&A 

10:10 AM – 10:40 | Coffee Break 

10:40 AM – 11:20 AM | Panel 2: Cybersecurity and Combating Misinformation in the Digital Age 

In today’s interconnected world, cybersecurity and the fight against misinformation have become indispensable priorities. While businesses face critical challenges in safeguarding sensitive data, protecting intellectual property, and ensuring the integrity of digital communications, misinformation affects everyone—from corporations to everyday individuals. This panel examines strategies for bolstering cybersecurity frameworks in businesses, addressing vulnerabilities in supply chains, and developing tools to combat misinformation that can erode public trust and distort perceptions. By addressing these issues comprehensively, we can enhance resilience for both organizations and communities.

• Vanja Lombar, Senior Residential and Enterprise Customer Director at A1 Slovenia

• Tine Pust, Member of the Management Board at Zavarovalnica Vita

• Dr Jacob Phillipps, Central Europe Cyber Lead at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

• Stella Litou, Managing Director of Pro Plus and CEO of CME Adria

• Dr Uroš Svete, Director of the Government Information Security Office and Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Social Sciences UL

Moderator: Jure Tepina, Head of Digital Content at CME Adria and Editor in Chief of Digital Assets at Pro Plus

11:20 AM – 11:30 AM | Audience Q&A 

11:30 AM – 12:10 PM | Panel 3: Slovenia in Space – Reaching New Frontiers 

Slovenia’s recent full membership in the European Space Agency (ESA) marks a milestone in the nation’s journey toward technological excellence and economic growth. This achievement boosts Slovenia’s global competitiveness in the space industry, with over 40 companies, research institutes, and universities driving innovation in areas like Earth observation and robotics. The economic impact is significant, as ESA membership allows Slovenia to recover up to 45% of its membership fee through targeted support programs, while fostering opportunities for new partnerships, investments, and workforce development. This panel will explore how Slovenia can leverage these benefits to advance its space industry, strengthen its economy, foster international partnerships, and develop technologies that impact both space exploration and everyday life.

• MSc Suzana Papež Skubic, Secretary at the Slovenian Space Office and Delegate of the Republic of Slovenia to the International Relations Committee of the European Space Agency

• Tamara Zajec Balažič, Acting Director of SPIRIT Slovenia

• Maja Brelih Lotrič, CEO of LOTRIČ Meroslovje

Moderator: Dr Jernej Pintar, CEO of Technology Park Ljubljana

Panel Partners: SPIRIT Slovenia & Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport

12:10 PM – 12:15 PM | Audience Q&A 

12:15 PM – 12:30 PM | Executive Wrap Up

• Adel Abusara, Director, Cybersecurity & Privacy, PwC Serbia

Moderator: Žiga Fišer, Country Trade Director, British Embassy Ljubljana

Additional speakers will be announced soon.