Science and Technology Forum 2026: “Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing Companies. AI in Manufacturing Is Becoming a Reality.”

Novo mesto, 31 March 2026 – Today, Rudolfovo hosted the Science and Technology Forum 2026, dedicated to the topic of the use of artificial intelligence in manufacturing companies. The discussion focused on how to move from pilot projects to the broader adoption of artificial intelligence in industrial environments, and how companies can be supported in this process through research expertise, development approaches and practical case studies.

At the opening of the event, the participants were addressed by Prof. Janez Povh, PhD, Director of Rudolfovo – the Scientific and Technological Centre Novo mesto, Prof. Matjaž Mikoš, PhD, President of the Slovenian Academy of Engineering, and Tomaž Kordiš, Director of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Dolenjska and Bela krajina.

The forum’s main international highlight was an invited lecture by Gorka Unamuno from the European association ADRA (The AI Data Robotics Association) and the company Multiverse Computing, who presented the key challenges and opportunities in introducing artificial intelligence into manufacturing companies. The lecture focused on the transition from pilot projects to broader deployment of solutions, where companies are faced with fragmented data, cybersecurity and information security requirements, energy efficiency demands, regulatory issues, and integration with existing systems. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of approaches such as sovereign AI, local solutions, edge deployment and energy-efficient models, which are becoming increasingly important in today’s industrial environment.

The expert part of the programme featured several examples of the use of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies in industry, for example in managing internal knowledge bases, automated quality control in production, faster introduction of robots into manufacturing, and more efficient electricity management. In this way, the forum provided a valuable overview of the different paths through which artificial intelligence is already entering manufacturing companies.

An important part of the programme was also a round table discussion on the first steps in the use of artificial intelligence in manufacturing companies, featuring Tomaž Marovt (Marovt Group), David Zupančič (KRKA, d.d.), Boštjan Piletič (Adria Mobil) and Nika Brili (Rudolfovo). They discussed practical experience, what companies actually need when introducing artificial intelligence, the limitations they encounter, and where they see the greatest opportunities for further development.

Prof. Janez Povh, PhD, Director of Rudolfovo, emphasised:

“With the development of generative artificial intelligence, we began to ask ourselves intensively how this technology could be applied in an industrial environment. Over the past year, our ideas have started to take shape, and in large language models we have identified a tool that can help companies make much better use of the knowledge they have already accumulated. Building or adapting large language models for local deployment, capable of quickly and reliably offering solutions to development and production challenges, combined with augmented and mixed reality technologies, represents an opportunity for significantly more efficient operation of companies and other institutions. Rudolfovo can provide substantial support here through its expertise and equipment.”

Dr. Nika Brili, Head of the Centre for Advanced Technologies at Rudolfovo, highlighted:

“When introducing artificial intelligence into an industrial environment, it is crucial that solution development takes into account all known user constraints, such as infrastructure, level of digitalisation and data confidentiality. Only in this way can advanced models move beyond demonstrations and become genuinely useful tools in everyday practice.”

With today’s forum, Rudolfovo once again opened space for discussion on how modern technologies can support company development and strengthen competitiveness. At the same time, it demonstrated that the successful introduction of artificial intelligence depends on connecting the research environment, development partners and the economy.

Science and Technology Week Rudolfovo 2026 will continue on Wednesday with the Deeptech event Rudolfovo and Partnerships in Practice: Presentation of Laboratories, Services and Networking, followed by Thursday and Friday workshops for university students and primary school pupils.

Media contact: Rudolfovo, Public Relations, Katja Sinur, e-mail: katja.sinur@rudolfovo.eu, +386 41 560 200.