Shaping Innovation Together Across Borders

On February 20, 2025, the Science Center Aurelium in Bratislava hosted the official launch of the Twin City Future Innovation Manufacturing Hub (2C FIMH) project—a forward-looking milestone for cross-border innovation cooperation between Slovakia and Austria.

A Project With Vision

The kick-off event brought together 47 participants from business, politics, science, and civil society, representing 20 organizations from both countries. The goal: to promote the establishment of a joint innovation space for the manufacturing industry in the SK-AT region. The project is co-financed by the Interreg SK-AT program and will run until June 2027.

What Is 2C FIMH All About?

The project is based on five thematic work packages that together shape a sustainable, future-proof innovation ecosystem for industry:

X-Border Future Innovation Strategy

Development of a strategic handbook & political commitments (MoU)

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Future Incubation

Support for startups through toolkits, roadshows, and prototyping sprints

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Future Workforce

Educational research, exchange and training programs for young talent

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Future Corporations

Co-creation between industry and startups in areas such as AI, IoT, and robotics

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Future Community

Establishing a vibrant culture of innovation with the participation of all relevant stakeholders

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Impressions

Contents & Highlights of the Kick-Off

High-profile project partners presented initial concepts and objectives:

Prof. Maroš Finka and Dr. Dominik Karner presented the strategic foundation
Julia Bauer and Peter Cuninka outlined initial incubation activities
Markus Kleinfercher and Milan Husár discussed future qualification opportunities
Sandra Stromberger and Michal Číž showed ways to cooperation between industry and start-ups
Roland Sommer and Milan Husár once again emphasized the role of a shared culture of innovation.

The event concluded with an open Q&A session, inspiring networking, and a joint lunch – a successful start to a strong partnership.

The Way Forward

The kick-off was not just a presentation, but a starting signal for implementation. Targeted working group meetings, pilot projects, roadshows, and co-creation formats will follow in the coming months.
Mission: Recommendations for action for a manufacturing innovation strategy
Vision: Strengthen cross-border cooperation, promote competitiveness

Shaping the Future Together

The kick-off not only celebrated the formal start of the project – it also reactivated a strong network and laid the foundation for genuine collaboration. Together with our strategic partners, we want to boldly rethink innovation in the industry.