Slovenia’s top-notch expertise in the field of energy and hydrogen technology, advanced technologies, robotics, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals and logistics supports innovation across various industries.

Due to its excellent geostrategic position, Slovenia offers seamless access to the European Single Market, connecting businesses with approximately 450 million European Union consumers. The Port of Koper stands as a vital gateway to Europe, serving as one of the region’s and most important transport and logistics hubs, while Ljubljana Airport has become the leading logistics center for pharmaceutical products in the region. Slovenia also ranks among the fastest-growing economies in CEE region. Foreign direct investments have doubled over the past decade, reflecting Slovenia’s growing appeal to international investors. Companies such Luka Koper, Fraport and Cargo Partner (by Nippon Express) have a long relations with Japanese companies in the field of logistics, port services and passenger transport.

There are several examples of Slovenian companies in the field of advanced technologies like Cosylab, Fotona, ReCatalyst, AciesBio, Aerosol Magee, SIJ Acroni Scientific and others, many of which a spin-offs of Slovenian research institutions (Jožef Stefan Institut, National Institute of Chemistry) and active across several complex sectors worldwide: biotechnology, nanotechnology, radiation oncology, medical lasers, fusion energy, semiconductors, quantum technologies, and accelerators. Several of them are partnering with Japanese companies (Hitachi, Toshiba, Itochu, Mitsubishi Heavy and others) and institutions. The presence of Japanese advanced technologies companies in Slovenia such as Yaskawa, Daihen Varstroj and Fanuc Adria is also a result of excellent support system Slovenia has to offer as a research & development, not only distribution hub. We are also proud of the fact that the Japanese company Yaskawa, has constructed a new distribution center and an additional production hall for robotic systems directly next to its existing factory on the outskirts of Kočevje, Slovenia this year. The center will serve as the central logistics hub for receiving and fulfilling robot orders from the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region.

The biotechnology sector along with the pharmaceuticals contributes more than 6% of Slovenian GDP and directly and indirectly employes more than 50.000 people. The Slovenia Biotech Hills initiative serves as a dynamic business accelerator in the field of biotechnology, placing Slovenia on the global map of biotechnological innovation. Recently, Biotech Hills has presented the first national strategic guidelines for the development of biotechnology and pharmaceuticals in Slovenia through 2035. There are also Japanese investments in Slovenian biotech and chemical sectors (such as Kansai Paint’s acquisition of Helios).

Slovenia’s active role in global hydrogen innovation and crossborder projects of common interest, is reflected in the creation of a strong national hydrogen consortiums, consisting of companies, organizations, and municipalities – which is a key to building a domestic hydrogen ecosystem. This initiative also strengthens cooperation with Japan, a global leader in hydrogen technology. Hydrogen technologies support innovation across the entire hydrogen value chain - from production to end-use - contributing to sustainable development in sectors like mobility, transport, and industry. Slovenian industry is actively aligning with European and global hydrogen trends through participation in major global and EU projects, such as IPCEI, UNIDO and the North Adriatic Hydrogen Valley, as well as the Slovenian hydrogen consortium, boosting the visibility and impact of Slovenian innovation. In this regard, we are pleased an important agreements in the field of energy, regarding Hydrogen between Slovenia and Japan, was signed in Tokio, on 10th of September 2026 between the Slovenian Ministry of the Infrastructure and Energy (MZIE) and Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). As a part of this occasion, also members of the Hydrogen consortium (Eles and Plinovodi) and the Japanese corporation Yokogawa signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on a joint project. These agreements will open up further opportunities for cooperation with Japan in the energy sector and beyond.

To discuss new opportunities that are emerging across energy, advanced robotics, transport, biotechnology and industry we are kindly inviting you to SAVE THE DATE, 26th of November 2026 from 10 a.m. till 1.30 p.m. in Ljubljana to participate at the Business forum Slovenia- Japan: Synergy for the Future. The forum aims to showcase technological solutions and innovations in the fields of energy, robotics, pharma, logistics and other key industries which are paving the way to a shared future through the use of advanced digital technologies.

The business conference is being organized by SPIRIT Slovenia – Business Development Agency for the Promotion of Entrepreneurship, Internationalisation and Foreign Investment with the support of the Ministry of the Economy, Labour and Spor of the Republic of Slovenia; Slovenia-Japan Business Council and the Embassy of Japan in Slovenia.

More information about the event: Lana Švab, e-mail:  lana.svab@spiritslovenia.si, t: 003861 5309 823.

SPIRIT Slovenia Business Development Agency provides support to Slovenian exporters, foreign companies looking for Slovenian business partners and potential foreign investors interested in investment opportunities in Slovenia. For more information contact us.