Slovenia’s startup ecosystem is set for another funding push after ecosystem leaders unveiled more than €10 million in fresh capital support, new accelerator programs and the upcoming P2 2026 grant scheme aimed at early-stage companies.
The measures were presented at Forum 100% Start:up 2025 in Ljubljana, the country’s main annual gathering for founders, investors, mentors and policy makers. Organizers said the event underscored that 2026 could become a year of stronger financing access, AI-driven growth and wider international expansion for Slovenian startups. (startup.si)
A central focus was the P2 2026 program from the Slovene Enterprise Fund, expected to launch in February. The scheme will offer grants of €72,000 for promising early-stage startups, continuing one of Slovenia’s best-known public support instruments for innovative young companies. Additional mentoring, vouchers and growth-stage financing tools were also outlined. (startup.si)
Officials also highlighted accelerator initiatives under the Razvojni Plus framework, including cross-border programs connected to the United States and United Arab Emirates, plus specialized tracks in artificial intelligence, health technology and investment readiness. The strategy suggests Slovenia wants to help founders scale internationally rather than remain focused only on the domestic market. (startup.si)
Another pillar of the package is support for intellectual property protection and commercialization. New advisory programs and tools were presented to help startups secure patents, trademarks and competitive advantages earlier in their lifecycle, an area increasingly important for venture-backed firms. (startup.si)
Artificial intelligence featured heavily at the forum, with speakers describing AI as a structural shift rather than an experimental trend. Founders shared examples of using AI in education technology, sales automation and enterprise software, reflecting how smaller European ecosystems are adapting to global technology changes. (startup.si)
For Slovenia’s economy, stronger startup financing matters beyond the tech sector. Successful scaleups can support higher-value jobs, attract foreign investment and diversify growth away from more traditional industries. Investors will now watch how much of the announced capital converts into funded companies during 2026.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice.
Sources
- Start:up Slovenia – €10 million for Slovenian startups, P2 2026, and new programs presented at Forum 100% Start:up 2025 (startup.si)
- Start:up Slovenia (Slovenian) – 10 milijonov za slovenske startupe, P2 2026 in novi programi (startup.si)
- Start:up Slovenia – Forum 100% Start:up 2025 event overview (startup.si)
