SiENE - TECES and SiEnE with a strong line-up of members at the highly attended international defence fair SIDEC

More than 10,000 visitors attended the first international defence fair SIDEC, held in Celje from 22 to 24 October 2025, which proved to be a key meeting point for stakeholders of the European defence industry.

TECES and the Slovenian Energy and Environment Partnership in Defence (SiEnE) presented numerous national and international projects implemented under the partnership. Together with a strong and diverse line-up of members, they showcased innovative dual-use solutions aimed at enhancing the energy resilience of both the defence and civil sectors.

At the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia (Si MoD) exhibition area, live demonstrations of the TECES projects MODEL+ and HibroM drew significant attention from visitors and international delegations.

Representatives of the SiEnE partnership also actively participated in the conference programme, contributing to a panel on Energy Efficiency and Resilience. They highlighted how the Slovenian industry, supported by the MORS through the SiEnE partnership, has established an effective model of national and international cooperation between civil and defence stakeholders.

Opportunity for direct engagement with end-users and insight into market trends

According to mag. Matej Gajzer, Director of TECES and President of SiEnE, the four-day event, organised by the Slovenian Defence Industry Cluster (GOIS) and Si MoD, offered an exceptional opportunity for direct contact with end customers and users, as well as valuable insight into current needs and market trends.

“We consider our joint presentation at SIDEC to have been a great success. Together with our partners, we were excellently positioned among the world’s leading providers of defence and dual-use technology solutions. SIDEC offered a unique platform to explore global trends, strengthen cooperation with clients and end-users , and deepen partnerships. In addition, it provided us with a clear overview of projects implemented under Si MoD and other strategic initiatives, enabling us to understand future development opportunities better,” emphasized mag. Matej Gajzer.

A wide range of dual-use solutions presented at the SiEnE exhibition area

At the joint exhibition area of TECES and SiEnE, members of the partnership showcased a broad range of innovative dual-use technologies and solutions. TECES participated as the coordinator of national and international strategic projects, and as a key facilitator of civil defence cooperation, connecting industry, research institutions, government, and end-users in joint R&D initiatives. Kolektor Sisteh presented advanced drinking water purification systems, while Robotina showcased monitoring and off-grid power supply systems tailored to military applications. REM demonstrated modular, climate-resilient living units designed for challenging environments, and Smartis introduced cutting-edge technologies in cybersecurity, information technology, and IoT systems. At the SiEnE exhibition area, Smartis also premiered its new brand TESSERA, designed to improve the resilience and adaptability of tactical systems. Stubelj presented generators, containers, and other field equipment for demanding operational conditions, while IOS displayed wastewater treatment and sensor solutions. Internet Institute showcased tactical 5G and IoT communication systems for critical operations, and the presentation was complemented by Cyber Systems, which demonstrated advanced technologies for detecting and preventing cyber threats.

SiEnE members highlight the value and success of joint participation

The success of the joint appearance by SiEnE and Slovenian industry members at SIDEC 2025 was further confirmed by the positive feedback from participating companies. For them, the event represented a valuable opportunity to strengthen their presence in the dual-use technology sector, build new business partnerships, and showcase Slovenian expertise on an international stage.

Dr. David Močnik, Head of Projects and Development at REM, emphasised:

“Participating at SIDEC has been an exceptional opportunity for us to enter the field of dual-use technologies and the defence industry, where we have so far had limited presence. The event allows us to gain new knowledge, connect with companies from other sectors, and exchange experiences with defence stakeholders. Such gatherings are invaluable for understanding current market trends and needs and for developing innovative solutions for the future through collaboration and joint development.”

Mojca Pokeržnik and Luka Popović from IOS added:

“SIDEC is an excellent concept, providing direct contact with relevant target groups and potential partners. It provided a high-quality platform for presenting technological demonstrators and new solutions, while fostering knowledge exchange and networking with stakeholders from both the defence and industrial sectors. The joint appearance under the SiEnE partnership added even greater value, enabling closer cooperation and the exchange of experiences among exhibitors.”

Janez Sterle, Director of Internet Institute, noted:

“Participating in the international SIDEC fair was an outstanding opportunity to present our MobileONE 5G platform to defence ministry representatives from across the region. It is a unique autonomous communication solution that enables critical field communication independent of civilian infrastructure. We are proud to demonstrate, within the SiEnE partnership, how Slovenian technology can contribute to greater operational autonomy and security of defence forces.”

Zdravka Zalar, Co-owner of Smartis, added:

“SIDEC brought together the majority of key players in the market and enabled direct contact with potential partners. We were pleasantly surprised by the high quality of organisation and the level of international participation.

Strong presence of SiEnE in the conference programme

In addition to the exhibition area, SiEnE had a strong presence in the professional conference programme. At the MORS exhibition space, live demonstrations of the MODEL+ and HibroM projects illustrated the practical applications of dual-use technologies, attracting significant attention from experts and international delegations. During the panel on energy efficiency and resilience, representatives from SiEnE also participated in the discussions. Matej Gajzer, Director of TECES and President of SiEnE, presented how Slovenian industry, with the support of MORS, has established an effective model of national and international cooperation between defence and civil stakeholders. Colonel Robert Šipec, Head of the Department for Energy Efficiency and Green Transition at Si MoD, outlined the ministry’s activities in sustainable capability development, resilience, and energy efficiency.

Strengthening visibility and looking ahead

Participation in SIDEC 2025 once again confirmed the significant role of TECES and the SiEnE partnership in enhancing the visibility of Slovenian innovation in dual-use technologies. The joint appearance demonstrated how collaboration between industry, research organisations, and government can deliver tangible results and strengthen the international standing of Slovenian stakeholders.

With newly established connections and reinforced partnerships, TECES and SiEnE already look forward to participating in the next SIDEC, which will take place from 10 to 12 November 2026, where they will once again showcase innovative, resilient, and sustainable solutions for both defence and civil applications.