STRONGER TOGETHER
A consortium of 24 partners transforming Slovak cities
STICS is more than a project. It is a network of municipalities, companies, academics and individuals convinced that smart innovation can be done here in Slovakia, on the ground.
Together we want to build a vibrant innovation environment in Slovakia, make local authorities work more efficiently and break down the barriers between differing needs and perspectives. This creates space for new solutions and for entirely original offerings.
Consortium partner from the academic sector
Consortium partner from the private sector
Municipal partner
NGO partner
Technology transfer partner
INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM
Our growing network
STICS is building an open innovation ecosystem that turns ideas into results and strengthens Slovakia's prosperity and competitiveness. Local authority representatives join as STICS Followers, businesses, academia and non-profits as STICS Collaborators, and students and active citizens as STICS Explorers.
STICS is open to anyone who wants to move things forward. Participation is transparent and free of charge, and all it takes is the willingness to invest time and energy. In return you gain expert know-how, new partnerships and hands-on experience that can accelerate your ideas, your projects and your communities.
STICS Follower
STICS Explorer
STICS Follower
The STICS Follower role is designed primarily for local authorities and the organisations they set up or own. Cities, municipalities, self-governing regions, subsidised organisations and municipal companies seeking new solutions, inspiration and hands-on experience in innovation will find an environment where ideas become practice that actually works.
By joining, you gain access to proven methods, experts and partnerships that will support development in your area and help you make better decisions. Simply register your interest and the doors to the STICS innovation ecosystem are open.
Why join
Joining is transparent, with no small print and no fees. It sits alongside your existing activities and your membership of municipal associations rather than replacing them. You see innovation in real operation, stay informed and gain hands-on experience.
What you’ll gain by joining
- You can host thematic meetings or events on your territory — local stakeholders get involved, you gain new information and the option of further training.
- Guaranteed and free attendance at all events we organize or co-host.
- Inspiration and know-how for your own development — proven practices, peer sharing, contacts.
- International experience on site.
- Transparent contacts across municipal, academic, business and nonprofit sectors.
- Consulting and advisory support, including analyses and audits as needed.
- Access to open data and expert expertise from specialists and partners.
- Involvement in developing and testing solutions, or access to relevant platforms.
- Možnosť pilotného testovania a fungovania ako referenčné miesto na overovanie inovácií v reálnom prostredí
- Special offers on products and services from partners
- First-hand information and outputs without delay, including materials for decision-making.
- Marketing visibility as part of an innovation project.
STICS Collaborator
The STICS Collaborator role is intended for representatives of the business, academic and non-profit sectors. If you are looking for a space to apply your outputs, products or services, new opportunities for growth, or the chance to test in real conditions, this is where it happens.
Working with us gives you access to local authorities, experts and partnerships that can accelerate your innovations and extend their impact. Simply register your interest and you become an active part of the STICS innovation ecosystem.
Why join
You gain space to apply and expand your outputs, products or services. The partnership carries no obligations and access to the multi-sector innovation network is transparent. You will be among the first to hear about upcoming projects, calls and opportunities to get involved, with the potential to develop your field.
What you’ll gain by joining
- Guaranteed free participation in all events organised or co-organised by STICS
- Inspiration, experience and new knowledge for your own development
- Early information on calls, needs and upcoming funding programmes for municipalities
- The chance to join new consortia and projects
- Involvement in joint prototyping and testing, including of your own products and services
- Co-creating solutions directly with municipalities, gaining reference projects and real testing environments
- Transparent contacts and partnerships across sectors
- Favourable terms through joint procurement, shared laboratories and IT solutions
- Consultations, advice and shared experience
- Participation in themed events such as hackathons, matchmaking sessions and investor round tables
- Access to open data and expertise
- Mentoring and a better understanding of how individual sectors work and what they expect
- The chance to take part in trade missions
- Marketing visibility as part of an innovative project
STICS Explorer
The STICS Explorer role is intended for students and active citizens who follow public affairs and care about improving quality of life where they live. If you want to understand how innovation happens and take part in real projects, this is your opportunity.
You gain new knowledge, practical experience and the chance to test your own ideas alongside experts, local authorities and partners. Simply register your interest and you become an active part of an environment where ideas turn into reality.
Why join
You gain information, knowledge and the chance to experience innovation in live operation. Taking part carries no obligations; you simply gain new experience, up-to-date information and direct contact with innovation in practice. You will develop skills in design thinking, digital transformation, sustainable urbanism and change management, with access to mentors and insight into the specific dynamics of different sectors.
What you’ll gain by joining
- Guaranteed free participation in all events organised or co-organised by STICS
- Inspiration, experience and new knowledge for your own development
- The chance to gain international experience and inspiration on the ground
- Transparent contacts and connections
- Consultations and advice, including analyses and audits
- Involvement in developing and testing solutions, or access to relevant platforms
- The chance to pilot solutions or become a reference site
- Special offers on products and services
- First-hand information, outputs and experience without delay, including material to support decision-making
- Space to realise your own ideas and take part in practical competitions
- Invaluable hands-on experience and new contacts