Purpose and added value
The aim of the STEP platform and the activities of NKT STEP Slovenia are to strengthen the EU’s strategic autonomy in key technologies and to enable Slovenian companies, research organizations and innovators to access incentives, funding, knowledge and support services. This increases the competitiveness of the domestic economy, creates new value chains and positions Slovenia as an important player in the development of advanced technological solutions.
Areas of strategic technologies
The STEP platform supports projects that contribute to a sustainable, digital and competitive future for Europe. The core technology areas include:
- clean, low-carbon and resource-efficient technologies,
- digital and deep-tech innovations,
- biotechnologies and other strategic industrial technologies.
Role of NKT STEP Slovenia
The National Contact Point STEP Slovenia at the Slovenian Entrepreneurship Fund acts as a central point of contact for Slovenian stakeholders who:
- informs and advises companies, researchers and public institutions about the STEP platform and possible opportunities;
- builds an ecosystem of strategic technologies in Slovenia through cross-sectoral networking and support for innovation;
- coordinates activities between ministries, industry and European structures and monitors the development of the platform at EU level.
Objective of the national contact point
NKT STEP Slovenia has the role of encouraging, guiding and empowering Slovenian innovators, companies and other stakeholders in their active involvement in the development, production and introduction of strategic and breakthrough technologies at the level of the European Union. As a national contact point, it provides support in accessing information, funding and partnerships, and contributes to greater recognition and competitiveness of Slovenian technological solutions in the European area.