SiENE - A successful presentation of strategic projects under the auspices of SiEnE at one of the most important European events in the field of defence innovation

From 14 to 16 May 2025, TECES and the Slovenian Energy and Environment Partnership in Defence (SiEnE) participated in one of the most important European events in defence innovation: the European Defence Innovation Days (EDID) in Krakow, organised by the European Defence Agency (EDA).

Under the slogan “Slovenian Approach towards Strengthening Energy Resilience – Enhancing Defence Capabilities”, we showcased SiEnE’s strategic approach to developing energy-resilient and technologically advanced defence solutions at the exhibition stand. Through innovative solutions developed within national and international projects, we presented the tangible contributions of TECES and SiEnE to strengthening European defence capabilities.

The event confirmed that the combined competences of TECES and SiEnE in strategic coordination of partners and project management are vital for success in the international defence arena. European stakeholders were particularly impressed by the close cooperation between the Slovenian Ministry of Defence (SiMoD) and TECES, under the umbrella of the SiEnE partnership, which enables effective alignment of project objectives with actual defence operational needs.

Unique Slovenian Approach Attracts Strong Interest

TECES and the SiEnE partnership opted for a unique presentation concept, involving key SiEnE experts acting as leads and coordinators of individual strategic projects.
Among the professionals who contributed to a strong expert presence at the exhibition space with their attendance were:

Mojca Volk, Ph.D., TECES | SiEnE Expert Communications and Cybersecurity, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana
Blaž Peternel, Ph.D., TECES | SiEnE Expert Digital Platforms, Smartis
Andrej Kitanovski, Ph.D., TECES | SiEnE Expert Heating and Cooling, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ljubljana.
Friderik Knez TECES | SiEnE Expert Sustainable Buildings, ZAG Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute)
Devid Palčič, M.Sc.E.E., TECES | SiEnE Expert Digital Transformation, Robotina
Matej Gajzer, M.Sc.E.E. TECES | SiEnE Expert Slovenia’s International Cooperation: EDF, EDA
Aleksander Majerič, EDA Category B Projects, European Defence Fund

We showcased national and international projects to strengthen defence capabilities, implemented under TECES and SiEnE in close cooperation with Slovenian and European partners.

A particular highlight was the SENTINEL project, recently approved for funding under the 2024 European Defence Fund (EDF), with a total value of €57 million. Slovenia plays a key role in this project – TECES coordinates the work of 41 partners from 15 countries, while the MoD oversees activities involving 12 national defence ministries. This project demonstrates how a small country like Slovenia can coordinate in a complex multinational defence project, contributing to the strategic development of European defence infrastructure.

SiEnE Partnership Recognised as a Successful Model of Strategic Collaboration

The event once again confirmed that the combined competences of TECES and the SiEnE partnership in strategically aligning partners and coordinating projects are indispensable for successfully implementing international defence initiatives. Many European stakeholders were particularly impressed by the close cooperation between the Slovenian Ministry of Defence (MoD) and TECES, which, within the framework of the SiEnE partnership, has been recognised as a significant strategic advantage. Such collaboration effectively aligns project goals with operational needs in the defence sector and ensures that real on-the-ground requirements drive development activities.

The importance of this cooperation was further underlined by the active participation of SiMoD representatives at the event, including Dr Liliana Brožič, Head of the Military Technology Department at the SiMoD, and Ajda Vodlan, the national CapTech Coordinator.

Increased Visibility of Slovenia within the European Defence Innovation Ecosystem

The visit of high-level representatives, including the Executive Director of the European Defence Agency (EDA), André Denk, who highlighted Slovenia’s excellent and active involvement in EDA projects and activities, further confirmed that Slovenia is gaining a meaningful role within the European innovation landscape through this approach.

Other European stakeholders also recognised the SiEnE partnership between the SiMoD and TECES as a best-practice example of strategic collaboration between research, development, and defence actors. This recognition allows Slovenia to achieve even greater visibility and influence within the European defence innovation ecosystem.