TECES and the Ministry of Defence mark the 5th anniversary of the SiEnE partnership
TECES and the Ministry of Defence mark the 5th anniversary of the SiEnE partnership
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The Slovenian Energy and Environment Partnership in Defence (SiEnE) marked its 5th anniversary at the gathering of TECES members and partners. The event was also highlighted by a ceremonial presentation of acknowledgements to individuals whose expertise, vision and dedicated work have significantly shaped the development of the partnership. In addition to special acknowledgements presented to the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia (Si MoD) and two key representatives of the partnership, certificates of appreciation were also awarded to SiEnE experts and representatives from TECES and the Si MoD.
Established in 2020 by TECES and the Si MoD, the partnership today represents an effective model for connecting civil and defence stakeholders, frequently cited by several European countries as an example of good practice. It is also recognised as one of Slovenia’s key mechanisms for strategically integrating companies, research organisations and experts into international defence-innovation programmes and projects in the fields of energy and the environment.
State Secretary Pavlin highlights SiEnE as an effective platform for new industrial partnerships
The celebration of the SiEnE partnership’s 5th anniversary was opened with a speech by Boštjan Pavlin, State Secretary at the Si MoD. “Defence extends far beyond the military industry. It encompasses a wide range of technologies that must be resilient, adaptable, and suitable for use in both military and humanitarian, as well as other civil contexts. The cooperation model jointly established by TECES and the MoD has evolved into an effective platform that is also recognised internationally. The solutions emerging under the partnership hold great potential for strengthening national capabilities and simultaneously open pathways for new industrial partnerships,” Pavlin emphasised.
Special acknowledgement to the Si MoD for its strategic support
On this occasion, TECES presented a special acknowledgement to the Si MoD, whose founding, developmental and strategic support has enabled the SiEnE partnership to grow over five years into a recognised and influential European model of civil-defence cooperation. “Without the clear vision, trust and consistent support of the Si MoD, the SiEnE partnership could hardly have achieved the visibility it enjoys today, both in Slovenia and within the European defence-innovation landscape. From the very beginning, the Ministry played a key role in establishing the partnership and in realising its strategic objectives,” highlighted mag. Matej Gajzer, Director of TECES and President of the SiEnE partnership, when presenting the acknowledgement.
Personal acknowledgements to two key representatives for their exceptional contribution to the development of the SiEnE partnership
Two personal acknowledgements were also awarded at the event. The first was presented to Colonel Robert Šipec, Head of the Sector for Energy Efficiency and Green Transition at the Si MoD, whose dedication, vision and long-standing professional support helped to lay the foundations of the partnership. The second acknowledgement was awarded to Matej Gajzer, MSc, President of the SiEnE partnership and Director of TECES, in recognition of his strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement and pivotal role in establishing the partnership’s international visibility.
Recognition of leading Slovenian experts shaping the partnership’s development and innovation pathways
The SiEnE partnership is founded on strong professional expertise and multidisciplinary collaboration, which together represent one of the key factors behind its success. On the occasion of the anniversary, acknowledgements were therefore presented to several distinguished TECES | SiEnE experts who, through their respective fields, play a vital role in shaping the partnership’s development and innovation directions. The recognised experts include Andrej Kitanovski, PhD, a senior specialist in heating and cooling; Mojca Volk, PhD, a senior specialist in communications and cyber security; Gorazd Štumberger, PhD, a senior specialist in electrical engineering; Tomaž Katrašnik, PhD, a senior specialist in energy engineering; Blaž Peternel, PhD, a senior specialist in digital platforms; Friderik Knez, a senior specialist in sustainable construction; and mag. Devid Palčič, MSc a senior specialist in digital transformation.
Acknowledgements were also presented to representatives and professional staff from TECES and the MoD, whose support, dedication and expertise have significantly contributed to the success of projects and innovation priorities. The awardees included:
- Željko Kralj, MSc, Director-General of the Logistics Directorate, Ministry of Defence
- Ajda Vodlan, Head of the Military Technology, Research and Development Department, Ministry of Defence,
- Ines Osterc, Deputy Secretary for Research and Development, Ministry of Defence,
- Goran Potočnik Černe, Head of the International Project Innovation Office at TECES.
SiEnE as a driver of industrialisation and the global competitiveness of Slovenian solutions
The event reaffirmed the role of the SiEnE partnership as the central framework for cooperation between civil and defence stakeholders, as well as its importance in opening new opportunities for Slovenian companies, research organisations and experts within the international defence-innovation landscape.
With a strong focus on accelerated industrialisation, the SiEnE partnership will continue to support the development of advanced and globally competitive Slovenian solutions and their integration into global defence value chains. In doing so, it will significantly contribute to enhancing defence capabilities and strengthening the resilience of critical infrastructure in Slovenia and across the wider European community.
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Photo: Stanko KOZEL
