(Slovenske Konjice, 17 April 2025) At the foot of the Konjice hills, where centuries of tradition are intertwined with a vision of the future, today we witnessed the revival of a significant building which, with a new owner, will become a landmark hub for the development of a human-friendly, sustainable, and resilient industry of the future.
Where stories once grew from the vine, ideas are now ripening, taking the world into a new industrial age where technology will not replace people but give them back their time, dignity, and meaning.
The start of construction was not just symbolic; it was historic. This is not only for Slovenske Konjice but also for the whole region. The town, renowned for its soul, culture, and wine, has officially put itself on the map of places shaping the global industrial future.
The project has also been recognized at the national level.
“Today we are living in a time of extremely rapid technological development – a time of artificial intelligence, of supercomputers.
That’s why Industry 5.0 is so important, because it brings balance.
It is a new paradigm where technology does not displace people, but works with them, where technology does not replace people, but helps them to be even more creative, more efficient, more human.
At the Ministry, we are developing national projects, such as the supercomputer with an AI factory, which will be the heart of digital development in Slovenia.
But today we are here because of a story that is growing right here in Slovenske Konjice – the Institute of Technology, which is putting this vision of Industry 5.0 into practice, right here at home.
As a local, I am truly proud that this future is being built right here, in an environment that possesses the knowledge, heart, and courage to think ahead.
I believe that Slovenske Konjice will be able to use this opportunity to create something that will reach far beyond our borders – and serve the people.”, says Minister for Digital Transformation, Mag. Ksenija Klampfer.
The project is being built by Hiproject, which, together with the Institute for Industry 5.0, is already bringing together companies, experts, and visionaries from Slovenia and the region.
Urban Pevnik, CEO of Hiproject and co-founder of the Institute for Industry 5.0, emphasised the importance of the acquisition at the opening ceremony: “Our goal is nothing less than the transformation of industry – by the people and for the people.
Industry 5.0 is not just a technological advance – it is a return to people.
In Slovenske Konjice, we are creating a space where smart systems and human creativity collaborate to achieve a sustainable, inclusive, and better future.
The new building is more than an investment in infrastructure – it is a symbol of development, where technology becomes an ally of human potential. The story of Industry 5.0 is being written in Konjice.”
When you walk through the doors of this building, you feel the spirit of a time when Slovenske Konjice dreamt boldly, Pevnik added.
“This block was built for the mind, knowledge and the future.
It was built for the people who would innovate, change the industry, and pave new paths for science. Although the dream of the Konus Institute never fully came true, this building remains a monument to a vision that was ahead of its time.
For me, this place is not just a building made of concrete – it is a symbol of the courage, ambition and potential that are still alive in this city. I am delighted to give this building a new chance and, together with Slovenske Konjice, to write a new chapter that is respectful of the past but with a clear view of the future.”
The event, attended by several representatives from business, local communities and the technology sector, presented the vision of the new institute: an open space for collaboration, research, networking, breakthroughs, and concrete solutions that will build bridges between man, machine and nature.
The event was marked by optimism, enthusiasm and courage.
“Today, we are not just building walls – we are building a story. Slovenske Konjice will be a place where Industry 5.0 will not only learn, but also live. The focus will be on people, their needs and their cooperation with machines as partners, not as substitutes. It is a symbiosis that also increases productivity and employee satisfaction”, said Tadej Slapnik, CEO of Hashnet and co-founder of the Institute for Industry 5.0, at the opening ceremony.
Industry 5.0 is not just a technology trend. It is the answer to today’s challenges – climate, social, and economic.
The new facility will house the headquarters of Hiproject, the Institute for Industry 5.0, and other progressive companies, while offering the opportunity to rent or buy space for companies seeking to co-create new paths of industrial development.
The future is no longer in big cities. It is where we dare to create it. In Slovenske Konjice.
