Slovakia already knows the winners of the SISA 2026 awards
A prestigious event that honors the best startups, scientists and innovators in Slovakia.
About the event
How we get nominations
Individual nominations are proposed by the professional community, specialized and relevant organizations, but the general public can also get involved and send us a nomination. We want to know about everyone who deserves an award for their work. We are organizing the event under the auspices of VAIA - the Research and Innovation Authority and the Association of Regions SK8.
SISA 2027 nominationA word from the chairman
An event that brings the best innovations from Slovakia to the Košice region
SISA is a prestigious event that allows innovators and startups to express their gratitude for their long and hard work.
Slovakia needs an event like the Slovakia Innovation and Startup Awards. This is a significant opportunity to present our innovative ideas, ambitious startups and talented entrepreneurs to the world. I am proud that the Košice region can host such a prestigious event. It is an honor for us to welcome participants, investors and experts who will contribute to the development of the local startup ecosystem. I believe that this event will bring positive impulses, thanks to which other success stories and innovative projects will be created in our region.
Why SISA
The evolution that is changing Slovakia's startup and innovation ecosystem
Slovakia needs an event like the Slovakia Innovation and Startup Awards because it represents a unique opportunity to highlight and support talented innovators and startups on an international level. Such an award allows creating new opportunities for growth, attracting investors, connecting the business ecosystem and significantly strengthening Slovakia's competitiveness on a global scale.
SISA is not an accelerator. It gives space and recognition to quality projects that change Slovakia and move it forward.
Results
SISA in numbers
SISA 2026
SISA 2026 winners
Regional startup
FACEREHAB
Facerehab is a healthcare startup focused on facial rehabilitation using modern technology. It uses artificial intelligence and mobile applications to help patients exercise facial muscles, for example after injuries or paralysis. The goal is to improve treatment, speed up recovery, and allow patients to rehabilitate from home.
Startup
SCHOCHMAN AVIATION
Schochman Aviation is a Slovak startup that brings AI solutions to aviation that simplify complex processes and significantly assist pilots in decision-making, preparation and operations. In an industry where seconds, precision and safety are crucial, their technology has real potential to increase efficiency, reduce workload and make flying smarter and safer.
Businessman
Ing. Mária Zimová, A LITTLE DIFFERENT
Entrepreneur Mária Zimová is the author of a visual learning technique called TROCHA INAK. It is an innovative project that uses a multisensory educational method to change the standard approach to teaching the alphabet in pre-primary and primary education.
TUKE scientific team
Scientific team of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics
The scientific team of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science TUKE, represented by Ing. Eugen Šlapak, PhD., Ing. Marcel Vološin, PhD. and Bc. Jakub Gerec, is dedicated to the development of AI solutions for the digital transformation of communication, specifically the implementation of conversational artificial intelligence for student support services.
UPJŠ scientific team
Scientific team of the Department of Physical Chemistry
The scientific team of the Department of Physical Chemistry of the Faculty of Science, UPJŠ, represented by RNDr. Ivana Šišoláková, PhD., univ. doc., is involved in several research projects focused on the practical use of research results and the creation of intellectual property in the areas of electromobility, electrosensors and digitalization.
Scientific personality of UVLF
Mgr. Matúš Várady, PhD.
Mgr. Matúš Várady, PhD. from the Department of Hygiene, Technology and Food Safety at the Faculty of Food Science and Technology, is a specialist in the field of hygiene and food technology, with a focus on research into plant products. He is currently focusing primarily on the quality, safety and fermentation methods of coffee processing.
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SISA 2025
SISA 2025 winners
Tech startup
AT CRYSTALS
AT Crystals is a startup that uses revolutionary crystal growth technology to create high-performance crystals for lasers, defense optics, and advanced applications that push the boundaries of next-generation technologies.
Early-stage startup
OWASMOOTH
OWASmooth is an innovative solution for IoT applications that improves data quality with low power consumption and is tailored to the needs of specific industries.
Most Innovative Entrepreneur
SEC TECHNOLOGIES
SEC Technologies is a world leader in technologies that see beyond the obvious. They develop systems that protect and at the same time move Slovakia to the center of the technological map.
The most socially responsible entrepreneur
EMBRACO SLOVAKIA
EMBRACO Slovakia shows how you can innovate while also thinking about the climate, people, and the future, because business only makes sense when it has a conscience.
Scientific Personality, SAS Award
MVDr. Andrea Lauková, CSc.
The awarded scientist is a researcher from the Institute of Animal Genetics and Biotechnology and an expert in veterinary medicine and biomedical sciences.
Scientific personality of Košice universities, TUKE Award
Prof. Ing. Peter Drotár, PhD.
The award-winning scientist is an expert in the field of engineering sciences and materials research.
Scientific personality of Košice universities, UPJŠ Award
Mgr. Lucia Bakošová, PhD.
The awarded scientist is a researcher at the Institute of International Law and European Law.
Scientific personality of Košice universities, UVLF Award
Prof. MVDr. Dagmar Mudroňová, PhD.
The award-winning scientist is an outstanding scientist in the field of veterinary medicine.
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Innovation Awards 2024
Winners of the Košice Region Innovation Awards 2024
The best startup
SUDOLABS
Sudolabs is a technology startup focused on developing digital products, AI solutions, software applications, and data engineering for startups and large companies around the world.
The best businessman
Jana Kuriláková, KURA COLLECTION
Jana Kuriláková is a Slovak fashion designer and founder of the KURA Collection brand, which specializes in designing and producing original women's fashion, accessories and lifestyle products with an emphasis on timeless design and quality workmanship.
Best scientific team
TUKE scientific team
The participation of the TUKE scientific team consisting of Assoc. Ing. Ján Jadlovský, CSc. and Assoc. Ing. Anna Jadlovská, PhD. from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics TUKE, Ing. Slávka Jadlovská, PhD. from the Faculty of Manufacturing Technologies TUKE, Ing. Tomáš Tkáčik, Ing. Milan Tkáčik, PhD. and other members in the ALICE experiment at CERN was appreciated.
Best scientific team
UPJŠ scientific team
The UPJŠ scientific team for research into Atherosclerosis (EXTASY) was awarded, consisting of Prof. MUDr. Ružena Tkáčová, DrSc., Prof. MUDr. Ivan Tkáč, PhD., Prof. RNDr. Ján Šalagovič, PhD., MUDr. Pavol Joppa, PhD. and MUDr. Martin Javorský, PhD.
Best scientific team
UVLF scientific team
The scientific team of the Laboratory of Biomedical Microbiology and Immunology of the Faculty of Medicine, consisting of Prof. Mangesh R. Bhide, PhD., MVDr. Jana Jozefiaková, PhD. and other team members was awarded.
An organization supporting innovation
SLOVAKIATECH
Award for supporting innovation in the Košice region.
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Innovation Awards 2023
Winners of the Košice Region Innovation Awards 2023
The best startup
SPINOBOTICS
Spinbotics is a Košice-based startup focused on developing modular industrial robots designed to automate manufacturing processes. The Spinbot solution allows companies to automate repetitive tasks such as operating CNC machines, material handling, assembly, and quality control.
The best businessman
Dalibor Cicman, GYMBEAM
GymBeam focuses on the development, production and sale of sports nutrition, nutritional supplements, healthy foods, fitness clothing and sports accessories. A significant part of the offer consists of own-brand products.
The best scientific team TUKE
FOSFOC Team
The award-winning TUKE Fractional-Order Systems and Fractional-Order Controllers scientific team, led by Prof. Igor Podlubný, investigates non-integer-order calculus, including mathematical modeling of systems and design of special controllers.
The best scientific team of UPJŠ
Center for Interdisciplinary Biosciences TIP UPJŠ
The award-winning team is a scientific research and technology workplace focused on interdisciplinary research at the interface of biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and computer science. It connects basic research with applied outputs in biomedicine, the environment and industrial technologies.
Best scientist at UVLF
MVDr. Noema Gajdoš Kmecová, PhD.
The award-winning scientist works as a researcher at the Small Animal Clinic of the University Veterinary Hospital and is a professional guarantor of the Cat Care Club.
Best Social Innovation Initiative
KIDCham
Kids Chamber of Crafts and Commerce is a Košice-based non-profit organization dedicated to the development of children through experiential education and connecting academic education with financial literacy, entrepreneurship, creativity, and practical skills.
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Do you have questions?
Contact SISA
Questions about the event, nominations, and partnership. Write directly to Katarína.
