Artificial intelligence and data
Data-driven decision-making, AI agents, decision intelligence and new forms of business efficiency.
21 October 2026 · Gospodarsko razstavišče, Ljubljana
THANK YOU! IMPULZ 2026 was a success!
Thank you to the more than 600 participants, speakers, partners, organisers and humanoid robots who together made it an unforgettable day. A few highlights from the conference:
21 October 2026 · GR Ljubljana Congress & Convention Centre
Data. Decisions. Competitiveness. Future.
A conference, technology expo and business meeting in one – with world-class speakers, humanoid robots and the most advanced solutions in AI, XR and Industry 4.0 and 5.0, with one goal: to turn technological breakthroughs into new business opportunities and tangible results.
Until the conference begins
–days
–hours
–minutes
IMPULZ 2026 is on now — see you at GR Ljubljana!
Why is IMPULZ different?
More than a conference. More than an expo.
IMPULZ brings together world-class speakers, technology demonstrations and business networking in a one-day forum where advanced technologies create concrete business opportunities, partnerships and competitive advantages.
Will you lead the change, or will your competition? Give data and technology the chance to upgrade your business.
Event format
What awaits you at IMPULZ?
01
Main stage VISION with leading speakers and strategic discussions.
02
LAB stage with best practices and advanced solutions.
03
Tech showcase with AI, XR, humanoid robots and future technologies live.
04
Networking and connecting companies, investors and decision-makers.
Exclusive at IMPULZ
The first global gathering of different humanoid species
For the first time in the world, humanoid robots of different generations, systems and purposes will gather in one place.
Ljubljana · 21 October 2026
Learn more →Key topics
Topics already reshaping business models.
Industry 5.0, humanoid robotics and virtual worlds
Physical intelligence, humanoid robots, digital twins, XR and new forms of collaboration between humans, machines and space.
Energy, e-mobility and circular transformation
New energy models, grid flexibility, e-mobility, circular business models and material flows.
Sustainable construction, materials and digitalization
Digital twins of buildings, material passports, low-carbon materials, timber construction and new building logics.
Future society, skills and innovation ecosystems
Ethics and AI, social innovation, smart cities and communities, jobs and the vision of the future.
Speakers
International and local speakers shaping the future
The list of speakers and guests is updated regularly.
Humanoid robots
The robots joining us at IMPULZ 2026, the business conference of the future
Programme
Detailed programme
GR Ljubljana Congress & Convention Centre · Wednesday, 21 October 2026
Kocka Hall A2
VISION main stage
Steklena Hall C
LAB stage
08:00–12:05 · Block 01
AI, data and decisions
- 08:00–09:00Registration
Registration & welcome
Registration, coffee and a visit to the exhibition area.
- 09:00–09:15Opening
Welcome to IMPULZ 2026
Ladeja Godina Košir (Circular Change) · Jože (humanoid robot)
Janneke Vrijland (Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands) · Tamara Zajec Balažič (SPIRIT Slovenia) · opening remarks
- 09:15–09:35Keynote
The Two-Tier Trap: Why Europe’s AI Window Is Closing – and How to Keep It Open
Sasha Rubel (Amazon Web Services)
- 09:35–10:20Round table
AI Ready Slovenia — how the state, business, science and the support ecosystem join forces
· Peter Wostner (UMAR)
· Boštjan Bandelj (NGEN/Belektron/SBC)
· Robert Dominko (National Institute of Chemistry)
· Ines Vodopivec (AI4LAM)
· Marko Štefančič (KCUI, GZS)moderator Aleš Pevc (Technology Park Ljubljana)
- 10:20–10:40Keynote
ALWAYS ONE STEP AHEAD: Circularity, AI and the Human Edge
Giulio Bonazzi (Aquafil Group)
- 10:40–11:00Business case
The Decision and Data Advantage: the companies of the future will win with better decisions
Fast or considered? Why not both? · Luka Vranješ (Valira AI)
Competitive advantage with AI agents · Borut Terpinc (Kalmia)
- 11:00–11:45Panel
Two intelligences, one future — the first global humanoid species summit
· Tonka – Unitree G1 EDU U2 (Vandri Robotics)
· Franci – Unitree G1 (Planet Robot)
· Lumen (Vandri Robotics)
· Valerie Wolf Gang (intermedia artist and researcher)
· Luka Slapnik (Vandri Robotics)a conversation between humans and humanoid robots, moderated by Tadej Slapnik (Vandri Robotics)
- 11:45–12:00Keynote
Beyond Industry 5.0 — when AI gets a body
Ernest Vlacic (FEFA Faculty)
- 12:00–12:05Address
Tine Novak
Directorate for Industry, Entrepreneurship and Internationalisation, Ministry of the Economy, Labour and Sport
08:00–12:05 · Block 01
SLAIF Business Lab
From AI experiment to organisational capability.
- 08:00–08:15Welcome
SLAIF and European sovereignty in artificial intelligence
Barbi Seme (Ljubljana Technology Park)
BUILD — AI & HPC in practice
How do you actually build and scale an AI solution, and how does SLAIF help companies do it?
- 08:15–08:40Presentation
AI Factory: from data to industrial implementation
Dr Domen Mongus (University of Maribor, FERI)
- 08:40–09:50Presentation and hands-on
How to access HPC projects and HPC resources in Slovenia
Marko Ferme (University of Maribor, FERI)
SCALE — AI-Ready Leadership
How do you turn individual experiments into a capability of the whole organisation?
- 09:50–10:10Talk
From AI pilots to an AI organisation: how to embed AI in leadership, processes and business
Dr Franc Bračun (NLB)
- 10:10–10:30Talk
AI in the process, not beside it: from using AI tools to automation and AI co-workers
Nikola Balaban (LynxCraft)
- 10:30–10:50Talk
AI competencies in the company: how to systematically build employee knowledge and readiness to work with AI
Nina Nia Šribar (Telekom Slovenije)
GOVERN — Responsible AI
How to govern AI safely, compliantly and responsibly?
- 11:00–11:20Talk
The AI Act and the regulatory sandbox for artificial intelligence
Lovro Bobnar (University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Law)
- 11:20–11:40Talk
Reliable AI from the first steps of adoption to standardisation
Greg Evseev (Prosecco 37 / Digitaliziran.si / n8n Ambassador for Slovenia)
RETHINK
How is artificial intelligence changing work, knowledge and decisions — and how will we share its benefits, risks and power?
- 11:40–12:05Talk
The future is here — time for a new social contract
Dr Polona Pičman Štefančič (Rea IT / UNESCO AI Ethics / EU AI Board)
12:05–13:00
🍽️ Networking lunchInteractive AI and XR demos, meetings and networking in the exhibition area.
13:00–15:00 · Block 02
Virtual worlds, robotics and Industry 5.0
- 13:00–13:20Keynote
Technology of the future: from Virtual Worlds to Industry 5.0
Marco Sacco (STIIMA-CNR)
- 13:20–13:40Presentation
Virtual Worlds at Scale: a new generation of spatial content and business models
· Connect with true feelings: Spatial computing and media – Ivan Varko (DeoVR)
· ARGO XR – digital twins – interactive platforms – Silvo Katalenić (Art Rebel 9) - 13:40–14:00Keynote
Europe's XR ecosystem
Michael Barngrover (XR4Europe)
- 14:00–14:45Panel
IMPULZ new realities — humanoid robots' view of technology, society and our shared future
· Tonka – Unitree G1 EDU U2 (Vandri Robotics)
· Franci – Unitree G1 (Planet Robot)
· Lumen (Vandri Robotics)A conversation among humanoid robots, moderated by Tadej Slapnik (Vandri Robotics)
- 14:45–15:00Presentation
Quantum technologies: the next big tech revolution and an opportunity for Slovenia
Erik Zupanič (AtomQL)
15:00–17:00 · Block 03
The System Shift: circularity, mobility and energy
- 15:00–15:15Opening provocation
THE SYSTEM SHIFT — Why transformation is a network game
Jacqueline Cramer (Utrecht University)
- 15:15–15:45Business crossfire
Light without owning the light & Money talks — what makes a circular company investable?
· Paolo Ceccherini (Signify)
· Eleni Lampropoulou (Sporos) - 15:45–16:15Interactive panel
4 voices. 3 ingredients each. 12 ingredients for the future.
· Jacqueline Cramer (Utrecht University)
· Paolo Ceccherini (Signify)
· Andrei Geica (Sporos)
· Giulio Bonazzi (Aquafil Group)moderated by Ladeja Godina Košir (Circular Change)
- 16:15–16:30Human × Machine
Human × Machine reality check — humanoid robots challenge 12 human recommendations
· Jacqueline Cramer (Utrecht University)
· Paolo Ceccherini (Signify)
· Andrei Geica (Sporos)
· Giulio Bonazzi (Aquafil Group)
· Jože – Unitree G1 EDU U2 (Vandri Robotics) - 16:30–17:00Mobility dialogue
Mobility: the next system shift — connecting movement, data, infrastructure and people
· Rok Žnidaršič (City of Ljubljana)
· Kristijan Perčič (Pošta Slovenije)
· Marko Dvornik (State Secretary for Mobility and Transport, MZIE)
· Nena Dokuzov (Directorate for Industry, Entrepreneurship and Internationalisation)moderated by Andrej Brglez (Institute for Civilization and Culture)
the discussion is analysed and critically assessed by Jože – Unitree G1 EDU U2 (Vandri Robotics)
17:00–18:00 · Block 04
Vision of the future
- 17:00–17:45Action panel
365 impulses: what we must do in Slovenia over the next 365 days
· Jože Guna (NTF)
· Alwin Tan (SLX Holding)
· David Kvaternik (Tvornica Tech)
· Matej Golob (Corpohub)
· Sabina Gros (BPT)moderated by Aleš Pevc (Technology Park Ljubljana)
- 17:45–18:00Takeaway & close
The IMPULZ takeaway: what will you change on Monday?
13:00–16:00 · Block 02
Building the Future — Digital, Circular and Human-Centred
- 13:00–13:10Opening
Building the Future: Digital, Circular and Human-Centred
Gašper Juvančič (Technology Park Ljubljana) · moderator Tomaž W. Korelc (Innov8)
- 13:10–13:30Project
spotlightDECORATOR as a Danube Living Lab: From Vision to Tested Solutions
Roberto Sandrini (DECORATOR)
- 13:30–13:45Talk
Towards Regenerative Cities: Integrating Green and Blue-Green Infrastructure
Matjaž Hribar (University of Ljubljana, FGG)
- 13:45–14:00Talk
The DECORATOR Model: A Common Framework for Circular Construction
Charlotte Stegmayer (Bayern Innovativ, SO1 Coordinator)
- 14:00–14:40Pilots
From Pilots to Solutions: Testing the DECORATOR Model in Practice
Roman Zebitsch (coordinator, BIZ-UP) and pilot action leaders
- 14:40–14:55Talk
Beyond DECORATOR: New European Bauhaus and Circular Buildings in Practice – The BAUHALPS Experience
Majda Potokar (Technology Park Ljubljana)
- 14:55–15:25Art
Art, Circularity and New Visions of Buildings: DECORATOR Artistic Residencies
· Dujam Ivanišević (koFAKTOR)
· Claudio Beorchia (interdisciplinary artist) - 15:25–15:55Panel
From Project Results to Practice – What Should Remain After DECORATOR?
· Tamas Gyulai (MIENK)
· Hansmartin Jahn (TH Rosenheim)
· Renata Csabai (Pannon Business Network)
· Matjaž Hribar (UL FGG)
· Claudio Beorchia (interdisciplinary artist) - 15:55–16:00Closing
Closing Remarks
Technology Park Ljubljana · moderator Tomaž W. Korelc (Innov8)
16:00–18:00 · Block 03
Society 5.0 and the professions of the future
- 16:00–16:30Round table
Society 5.0, social innovation and a human-centric approach — when technology augments people's capabilities
· Jože Guna (NTF)
· Dejan Kovačič (Peruna)
· Ana Belac (Impact Hub)moderated by Lea Škrubej (MetaBees)
- 16:30–16:45Keynote
Building our Fantastic Futures Together
Ines Vodopivec (AI4LAM)
- 16:45–17:15Round table
Jobs of the Future: what competencies do we need before the future overtakes us?
· Jana Rožanc (Employment Service of Slovenia)
· Andreja Glavač (Karierni Plac – Karierni center za mlade+)
· Brigita Gorjup (Ljudska univerza Velenje)
· Borut Čampelj (Ministry of Education, Science and Youth)
· Tina Kastelic (Kompetenca.si)moderator Irena Ivanuš (ZRS Bistra Ptuj)
- 17:15–17:30Future skills
From robot to colleague – how to bring a robot into a real business environment
Tjaša Šašić Marciuš (Pro-bit)
- 17:30–18:00Round table
Vision 2030 – where are we heading and what will we do in the age of AI and humanoid robots?
· Dr Tea Golob (University of Novo mesto, FIŠ)
· Kaja Kovič (Zavod AI-D)
· Bor Briščik (AI Agencija)
· Žiga Sajovic (Polydera XLAB)moderated by Barbi Seme (Technology Park Ljubljana)
18:00
Close of the IMPULZ conference
12:05–13:00
🍽️ Networking lunchInteractive AI and XR demos, meetings and networking in the exhibition area.
18:00
Close of the IMPULZ conference
Choose. Structure. Decide. Enter the data game!
* The event languages are Slovenian and English; translation will be provided with the help of AI tools.
Participants
Who is IMPULZ for?
For everyone who decides, invests or develops.
IMPULZ welcomes:
- companies, startups and scaleups developing or adopting advanced technologies and data and digital solutions;
- industrial, energy, mobility and infrastructure companies seeking new development and business opportunities;
- investors, development institutions, universities, the research community and systemic connectors;
- the public sector, cities and organizations co-creating future development directions;
- organizations with concrete projects, solutions and best-practice examples.
Official Event Hotel
Stay at Hotel Exe Lev
Hotel Exe Lev is the official hotel of IMPULZ 2026. A limited number of rooms is available to conference participants at special event rates, subject to availability.
Special IMPULZ 2026 rates:
- Single room: €150 per night
- Double room: €170 per night
To book your stay, please contact Anja Jelenko at events@exelev.com and quote IMPULZ when making your reservation.
We recommend booking early, as the number of rooms available at these rates is limited.
IMPULZ in numbers
What to expect at the event.
600+attendees
>80 %decision-makers and senior profiles
2,856 m²of programme, exhibition and networking space
16 hoursof conference and content programme
Parallel event
Technology Arena
The largest technology event for young people in Slovenia. It inspires future generations for science, technology, innovation and the professions of the future.
Partners
Become an IMPULZ 2026 partner.
Strategic partner
For leading companies that want to be among the key co-creators of the technological, industrial and sustainable transition.
More →Innovation partner
For companies with advanced solutions that want to raise their visibility and connect with the decision-makers of the future.
More →Data partner
For companies that want to link their brand with data, digitalization and business networking.
More →Network partner
For companies building new partnerships and following the key development trends of the future.
More →Registration
Secure your spot at IMPULZ.
Registration for the IMPULZ conference
€319 + VAT
Additional group benefits for companies and organisationsFrom €191 + VAT onwardsBuy 2 tickets and get a 20% discount, buy 3 or more tickets and get a 40% discount off the currently valid ticket price.
The registration includes
- access to the VISION and LAB halls
- tech showcases and demo content
- networking with decision-makers and entrepreneurs
- morning coffee, lunch and refreshments
Startups
€90 + VAT
Special price for startups and young companies.
The registration includes
- access to the VISION and LAB halls
- tech showcases and demo content
- networking with decision-makers and entrepreneurs
- morning coffee, lunch and refreshments
Students
€45 + VAT
Special price for students with valid student status.
The registration includes
- access to the VISION and LAB halls
- tech showcases and demo content
- networking with decision-makers and entrepreneurs
- morning coffee, lunch and refreshments
Media accreditation
Are you a journalist or media representative? To report on IMPULZ 2026, submit a request for media accreditation.
Organizers
IMPULZ is co-created by.
Event partners
Media partners
Ecosystem partners
Contact
Will you lead the change, or will your competition?
For any further questions about taking part in IMPULZ, contact us at any time.
Enter the data game and give technology the chance to upgrade your business.