Maribor has today become a hub of knowledge, innovation, and artificial intelligence! At Alma Mater Europaea University, AI Week Maribor 2026 has begun, a four-day event that will, until 22 October, connect researchers, students, companies, and the wider public, and demonstrate how artificial intelligence is already transforming various areas of our lives today.
The first day focused on entrepreneurship and innovation
The opening day was marked by the lecture “Startup Thinking – The Enterprising Have the Advantage”, in which Matej Rus from Tovarna podjemov presented the key challenges of establishing and developing startup companies.
He emphasized that entrepreneurship is not merely about searching for good ideas, but above all about recognizing opportunities, solving real problems, and building a team capable of developing an idea into a successful solution.
He particularly highlighted the importance of transferring research knowledge into practice:
“Knowledge must circulate, it must also be strengthened in practice, and it must demonstrate practical value in everyday practice,” emphasized Matej Rus.
At the same time, he pointed out that developing a successful company requires time, persistence, and the cooperation of experts with different areas of knowledge. As an example, he presented the development of innovative temperature labels, where several years of development are needed from the initial research idea to market application.
He also highlighted opportunities for the creation of new companies based on university research, as well as the importance of a supportive environment that helps researchers and entrepreneurs realize their ideas.
AI Week connects knowledge and practice
AI Week Maribor 2026, organized by Alma Mater Europaea University through the Department of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies, opens topics over four days ranging from supercomputing, entrepreneurship, and education to digital twins, European development projects, and doctoral research.
The main emphasis is on connecting the research and educational environment with the economy and on seeking concrete possibilities for the use of new technologies.
The event continues until Thursday, 22 October, at several locations in Maribor. Participation is free of charge.
