Slovakia Invests €12M in AI Competence Centers at STU and TUKE

The Ministry of Education will support the creation of two AI competence centers at the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava (STU) and the Technical University of Košice (TUKE). The €12 million investment expands access to advanced technologies, strengthens research capacity, and connects universities with industry.

STU and TUKE will serve as national platforms for artificial intelligence development. The Commission under the Monitoring Committee for the Slovakia Programme 2021–2027 approved both projects under the objective “A More Competitive and Smarter Europe.”

Equal Access to AI Across Slovakia

The two centers will ensure equal access to AI across all regions of Slovakia. Universities will gain access to modern technologies, infrastructure, and expertise regardless of location. The centers will accelerate the use of AI in education, research, and university management.

“AI competence centers will act as educational and innovation hubs that connect academia with real-world needs. They will help prepare graduates who can implement advanced technologies in businesses and strengthen regional innovation ecosystems,” said Minister of Education Tomáš Drucker.

Connecting Education, Research, and Practice

The centers will integrate education, research, and practical application. They will operate as a national methodological, knowledge, and coordination platform. Their activities will focus on developing skills in artificial intelligence, data analytics, machine learning, and digital transformation. They will also modernize study programs and support systematic training for both students and academic staff.

“A key part of their mission will include promoting the safe, ethical, and responsible use of artificial intelligence in line with transparency, academic integrity, and intellectual property protection,” said State Secretary for Higher Education and Academic Research Róbert Zsembera.

Universities Strengthen Innovation Potential

Universities welcome the initiative and see it as an opportunity to strengthen their role within the innovation ecosystem.

“These centers give our universities both an opportunity and a responsibility to actively shape Slovakia’s economy toward higher added value through innovative technologies,” said STU Rector Maximilián Strémy.

“The establishment of AI competence centers marks an important step in strengthening the link between education, research, and practice. The Technical University of Košice stands ready to actively contribute to innovation and the responsible use of artificial intelligence in Slovakia,” added TUKE Rector Peter Mésároš.

Investment from the Slovakia Programme

The Ministry will fund the projects through the Slovakia Programme under the specific objective of developing skills for smart specialization, industrial transformation, and entrepreneurship. This investment will increase Slovakia’s competitiveness and support the development of a knowledge-based economy built on innovation and modern technologies.

The initiative forms part of the Plan for the Responsible Use of AI in Education, which the Ministry has been implementing since September 2025.