SARIO Bussines Day 2026 — Košice

Discover new opportunities for developing your business in Eastern Slovakia at the SARIO Business Day in the Regions event. Join us on May 28, 2026, alongside leaders from government, the region, academia, and industry, and gain exclusive insights into regional opportunities, proven tools, new contacts, and inspiration for growing your business and its commercial potential.

In addition to first-hand practical solutions for development and financing, you will explore new pathways to internationalization and innovation, and have the opportunity to discuss future cooperation with relevant partners.

The matchmaking event is organized by SARIO under the auspices of the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic an in cooperation with Innovation Centre of the Košice Region, project Support for the internationalization of SMEs 2 co-financed by EU via Program Slovensko. 

EVENT PROGRAM

8.00—9.00 Registration

9.00—9.10 Opening Remarks

• Egon Zorád, CEO, SARIO

   

9.15—10.05 Regional Economic Growth — Synergy of Government, Region, and Innovation

Why the cooperation between the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic, the Košice Self-Governing Region, international investors, and SARIO is strategic for increasing regional competitiveness.

Moderator: Peter Rusiňák, AmCham Slovakia

Speakers:

• Vladimír Šimoňák, State Secretary, Ministry of Economy of the SR
• Rastislav Trnka, chairman, Košice Self-Governing Region 
• Egon Zorád, CEO, SARIO 
• Peter Mészáros, Rector, Technical University of Košice 
• Marc Gombeer, Plant Director, Volvo Car Košice 

10.10—10.55 Industrial Transformation and Trends

Robotics and AI as Drivers of Regional Manufacturing

Integration of intelligent technologies and Smart Industry

• Moderator: Ján Jaš, AmCham Slovakia

  Speakers: 

• Lenka Sluková, Technodat
• Peter Ištoňa, Magna International

The Region in the Era of Supply Chain Transformation: Where to Find Added Value?

The discussion will focus on strategic changes in the automotive industry under the influence of new EU regulation, which conditions state support to a high share of European components (70%) in electric vehicles. This legislative framework opens up unique opportunities for the Košice region and eastern Slovakia. Opportunities and challenges in the automotive industry for SMEs and startups. Opportunities and challenges in the automotive industry for SMEs and startups.

• Moderator: Viliam Ostatník, Adapt Institute
• Speakers: 
• Juraj Girman, IT Valley
• Karol Grülling, Ness Digital Engineering
• Ľubor, Žatko, Deutsche Telekom IT Solutions Slovakia

11.00—12.15 Tools for Growth and Expansion

Pro-export Tools in Practice – A Local Company’s Success Story

• Daniel Ondruš, SARIO
• Štefan Szöke, Rokosan 

Export Financing – How to Mitigate Risks and Grow in Foreign Markets

• Koloman Buzgó, ČSOB

Investment Aid in Practice – Company Modernization and Expansion

• Peter Mikula, SARIO
• Hynek Weiss, Kuenz

Supporting SME Internationalization – Growth Tools

• Juraj Čorba, SARIO

Business Košice: A New Economic Story of the City

Innovation Centre of the Košice Region — From Idea to Global Business

The Innovation Centre of the Košice Region will present its support ecosystem for startups and technology companies. In a joint discussion with representatives of successful local startups, the session will explore real pathways to investment, mentoring, and business scaling in a region that is becoming a new innovation hub.

• Moderator: Peter Breyl, ICKK
• Speakers: 
• Miroslav Hennel, Owasmooth
• Lukáš Řezanina, Nordics

Bridging Science and Business: Horizon Europe

Space – A Matrix of Infinite Opportunities

• Kristián Ondáč, Slovak Space Office (SARIO)
• Marek Kožarík, GEODETICCA
• Marek Košuda, Východoslovenský vesmírny klaster, ESA BIC Slovakia

Reconstruction of Ukraine – Opportunities and Schemes for Slovak Companies

• Maroš Paulini, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic

   

13.30 Lunch Break

14.00—17.00 B2B Meetings and Expert Consultations

Pre-scheduled bilateral meetings based on individual selection and timing, networking, and meetings with the event’s expert partners.

REGISTRATION

Secure your place in advance. Registration is open until May 18, 2026, or until capacity is reached.