Slovak Startups Strengthen Their U.S. Market Readiness Through New York Accelerator ProgramTen Slovak technology companies participated in the SOSA Slovak Accelerator Program in New York — an initiative financed through a grant from the Slovak Business Agency (SBA) and implemented with local support from the Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency (SARIO), the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Washington, D.C., and the Consulate General of the Slovak Republic in New York.The program was delivered in cooperation with SOSA, a well-established innovation platform with strong connections across the New York technology and investment ecosystem. Through its network of investors, corporate partners, and technology leaders, SOSA provides international startups with structured access to the U.S. market.The selected Slovak startups participated in a focused, execution-driven program designed to strengthen their readiness for U.S. expansion and connect them directly with investors, corporate partners, and leaders of the New York innovation ecosystem. Participating startups: Elevon, Elv AI, Vizi, iTranSys, MeltFlex, Seerlinq, Straton Technologies, 3IPK, DAITABLE, InfantSimThe accelerator consisted of two phases: a preparatory online phase and an eight-day immersion program in New York. During the preparatory phase, founders refined their U.S. go-to-market strategy, strengthened investor presentations, and addressed key issues related to legal, tax, and commercial expansion in the American market. The New York immersion phase focused on practical engagement with the local ecosystem. Startups participated in targeted workshops, investor meetings, and discussions with leaders from the technology and investment community.Slovak Accelerator Pitch NightThe program culminated in the Slovak Accelerator Pitch Night in New York, attended by more than 80 investors, technology leaders, and ecosystem partners. Each startup delivered a three-minute pitch followed by structured feedback from a panel of judges. The format allowed founders to gain direct insight into how U.S. investors evaluate technology companies, growth potential, and market positioning. The level of innovation, technical sophistication, and preparedness of the Slovak founders was positively received by the New York investment community. Several companies initiated follow-up discussions with investors and corporate partners as a direct result of the event.SARIO’s SupportThe program was supported and co-developed with the active involvement of Vladimír Lackovič, SARIO’s Special Representative for Trade and Investment in the United States, who contributed to the preparation of the New York engagement phase and helped shape the program’s connection to the local innovation ecosystem. During the New York immersion, he participated in selected parts of the program and organized additional meetings and introductions to expand the startups’ access to the U.S. market. He actively supported participating companies by connecting them with investors, corporate partners, members of the local business community, and the Slovak professional diaspora in New York. Through his local presence and network, Slovak founders were able to engage directly with key stakeholders across the New York technology and investment ecosystem, ensuring that the program delivered practical market exposure and meaningful relationship-building beyond the formal accelerator activities.Programs such as the SOSA Slovak Accelerator strengthen Slovakia’s visibility within global innovation ecosystems and support the international growth of Slovak technology companies. By helping startups connect with investors, corporate partners, and global markets, such initiatives contribute to the development of Slovakia’s innovation economy and strengthen economic ties between Slovakia and the United States. SARIO remains committed to supporting Slovak companies in accessing international markets and building partnerships with leading global innovation ecosystems.
