The InQb, Technology Incubator of the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, has been helping young promising entrepreneurs develop their business ideas for 20 years. During this period, it has helped launch 92 startups, 57 of which still keep operating. On the occasion of the anniversary, STU Management representatives met with successful former and current startups supported by the Incubator. Maximilián Strémy, the STU Vice-Rector, announced significant steps towards building an innovation ecosystem.
The InQb - STU Technology Incubator helps STU students and graduates develop their business concepts within the START and UP incubation programs by organizing educational events and building a community.
“We consider motivating young entrepreneurs and supporting their business ideas and innovations in start-ups to be very important for the future of Slovakia. Many implemented innovative ideas can significantly raise the technological level and GDP of countries,” stated Maximilián Strémy, the STU Vice-Rector for Strategic Projects, Development, Innovation and Practice, while referring to the example of Israel with the most startups per capita in the world.
“The STU is therefore building an innovation ecosystem to support and accelerate the ideas of the STU students and employees. We are currently taking a significant step towards creating an investment fund at STU with the participation of private capital and the Limerock Company. Simultaneously, we are finalizing preparation of the cooperation with the American university of Georgia Tech (Georgia Institute of Technology) in order to attract and support innovation of the Slovak high school and STU students and talents,” added Maximilián Strémy.
Since starting operation in 2005, the InQb has launched 92 startups; out of them, 57 keep successfully operating today. The startups currently being developed in the STU InQb have yet asserted themselves, e.g. the STU FIIT student Roman Osadský with his Rewardly project became the absolute winner of the Student Entrepreneurial Award 2024 competition, while Matúš Koleják, Roman’s fellow-student with his MeltFlex startup ranked among the five finalists.
Within the START program, the InQb assists mainly the STU students and graduates to comprehensively assess their business idea, set up a business model and conduct market research. Fastening on it, the UP program guides startup participants to establish a company and cooperate more closely with industry. Both programs approach the Incubator projects individually, while emphasising mentoring, marketing strategy, and visibility.
During the academic year, the InQb organizes also events for students and public, focused on educating potential entrepreneurs, providing them with useful advice and tips in the areas of business, marketing and soft skills. The lecturers are recognized Slovak experts in their fields.
At the event of celebrating 20th anniversary of the InQb, Peter Cuninka, the director of the STU Centre for European Projects, Cooperation with Practice, Innovation and Technology Transfer, presented the balance sheet as well as future plans for the Incubator, and new prospects for cooperation. His input was followed by a discussion on building an innovation ecosystem.
