Slovakia Invests €20 Million in AI and Strategic Technologies Education at Universities

The Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic is investing more than €20 million to strengthen higher education in artificial intelligence, digital, and other strategic technologies. Through two new calls under the STEP platform, the ministry aims to prepare experts for the future economy and boost Slovakia’s competitiveness.

The ministry actively supports education in critical and strategic technologies that form the backbone of an innovative and competitive economy. As part of this effort, it has launched two calls to create new university study programs aligned with the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP), with a total allocation of €20,032,399.

Public and state universities can submit applications under the Slovakia Programme until 29 May 2026.

“This represents a key investment in Slovakia’s future. These funds will allow universities to build study programs that reflect global innovation and technology trends. We will prioritize fields that students currently cannot study in Slovakia,” said Minister of Education Tomáš Drucker.

The initiative focuses on strengthening the country’s competitiveness by developing high-quality human capital capable of responding to technological change, delivering innovative solutions, and supporting a high value-added economy.

Critical Technologies and Nuclear Energy

The first call supports the development of new study programs focused on critical technologies. Priority areas include digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced semiconductor solutions.

It also covers renewable energy technologies including solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal energy, as well as carbon capture and storage. Universities can also develop programs in biotechnology, bioinformatics, nanobiotechnology, defense technologies, and cybersecurity.

The second call targets study programs in nuclear energy and quantum technologies. This step builds on the national action plan for education, research, and workforce development in the nuclear sector. The ministry responds directly to the growing demand for qualified experts needed for new nuclear projects, existing power plants, and related institutions.

International Programs and Cooperation

Universities will design programs that match labor market needs and European priorities while strengthening international cooperation. The calls encourage institutions to involve international experts and invest in modern technological equipment that helps students develop advanced practical skills.

Each program must also include an English-language version, increasing international attractiveness and supporting knowledge and talent exchange.

“By launching these calls, we reaffirm our commitment to modern, open, and high-quality higher education. We are creating conditions for the development of cutting-edge technologies, sustainable solutions, and innovative approaches in education,” said State Secretary for Higher Education and Academic Research Róbert Zsembera.

Modern education in strategic technologies will make Slovak universities more attractive to talented students and experts from Slovakia and abroad. This initiative will help position Slovakia as an active player in the European innovation ecosystem.

Under the STEP calls, public and state universities can receive €500,000 per study program. Partnerships between at least two Slovak universities can secure up to €600,000, while cooperation with foreign universities can reach up to €700,000. Each university may submit up to five new study programs per call. For every Slovak-language program, universities must also prepare an English version.

Part of a European Union Initiative

The Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) represents a European Union initiative that supports critical technologies through investments in innovation, businesses, and skills development.

It focuses on areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, nanotechnology, biotechnology, robotics, and renewable energy. The ministry co-finances the calls through EU funds under the Slovakia Programme.