ASEF Podcast (SLO): Startup Incubators and the Slovenian Entrepreneurial Ecosystem [Episode #42]

In this episode of the ASEF Podcast, hosted by ASEF Fellow Frenk Dragar, we dive into the world of startup incubators and the broader support environment for entrepreneurs in Slovenia. Joining us are Nives Justin, head of the entrepreneurial incubator Kovačnica in Kranj, and Sonja Majcen, who leads the Savinjska Region Incubator in Celje. Both guests have years of experience supporting young entrepreneurs in their first steps, helping them secure funding, develop ideas, and connect with the business sector.

Tune in for a discussion on:

• What exactly is a startup incubator, and how does it differ from other support institutions?
• What kinds of programs, mentorship, and infrastructure do incubators offer?
• How are incubators funded, and who are their key partners at the local level?
• What is the current state of entrepreneurship in Slovenia – from entrepreneurial culture to the challenges faced by young founders?
• How do Slovenian incubators think beyond borders – from Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs and Interreg to visits to U.S. entrepreneurial hubs?
• Which skills are most lacking among Slovenian startups, and how can we more effectively build entrepreneurial communities?

Guest Descriptions:

Nives Justin is the head of Kovačnica, a startup incubator in Kranj, where she leads the development and delivery of programs designed to support early-stage entrepreneurs. In collaboration with local and national partners, she helps individuals and teams move from idea to first sale through mentorship, coworking spaces, and programs such as PONI, LIFT, and Digi trojček. She has extensive experience in strengthening the entrepreneurial community in the Gorenjska region and actively promotes collaboration among entrepreneurs, educational institutions, and public organizations.

Sonja Majcen leads the Savinjska Region Incubator in Celje, where she is responsible for building and coordinating programs that support startups and creative individuals. She is actively involved in initiatives such as Korak naprej, MAG-NET, and KULPOD, which connect entrepreneurship with urban development, education, and culture. Sonja also has experience with international projects, including Erasmus, Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs, and cross-border cooperation programs, contributing to broader integration of Slovenian entrepreneurship within the European space.