Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship · Maribor

Facing a challenge? We shape the project and find the funding

Tell us what is holding you back or what you want to develop. We prepare a project concept, check co-financing at local, regional, national and EU level and prepare the application with the help of AI.

Tell us your challenge

ZIP is your living lab and technology partner

For consortia we offer a pilot environment and solution development; for municipalities and local organisations, a way into projects. We connect providers, farms, cooperatives and communities in north-eastern Slovenia.

Become a partner

Tourism, agri-food and digital + AI – in one team

A fresh mix of skills you rarely find under one roof: more than 30 years of tourism and rural development and more than 100 European projects, combined with 30 years of digital solutions and artificial intelligence.

Meet the team

  • Mountain biker on a wooden bridge in the forest

    Sustainable Tourism

    Destinations, cycling and spa offers and local providers developed together – with long-term benefits for the region.

    Explore sustainable tourism

  • Close-up of a curious cow in a pasture

    Rural Development & Agrifood

    Smart villages and farms, local food supply chains and rural products with a brand and a market.

    Explore rural development

  • Sunflower in front of solar panels

    EU Projects & Consortium Building

    From the idea to the application, the partnership and the management of the project – Interreg, UIA, LEADER and more.

    Explore EU projects & consortia

All our service areas

Our track record

  • 30+ years

    of experience of our experts in projects of public and private entities, support institutions and authorities.

  • 23 countries

    Partners and clients from Slovenia, Austria, other EU countries and beyond.

    See our references

  • 22 projects

    documented on this website, from 2009 to today.

    Browse all projects

  • Interreg · UIA · LEADER

    EU programmes we have worked with as lead partner, partner or contractor.

Projects

  • BIKE & SPA

    A cross-border partner network of cycling and wellness providers in Podravje, Pomurje and the Thermen- & Vulkanland region.

    2024–2027

    Interreg Slovenia – Austria

  • Urban Soil 4 Food

    Soil from construction sites as a resource for urban gardens: more local food and a smaller carbon footprint.

    2017–2020

    UIA – Urban Innovative Actions

  • Flagship Products

    New knowledge, experiences and joint marketing for the flagship tourism products of the Slovenia – Austria border region.

    2016–2019

    Interreg V-A Slovenia – Austria 2014-2020

  • Regio Vitalis

    New approaches to health tourism and cross-border employment in Eastern Styria, Podravje and Pomurje.

    2010–2014

    European Territorial Cooperation – OP Slovenia – Austria 2007-2013

All projects

What challenge are you facing?

Describe the problem or opportunity. We prepare a project proposal and check the funding available at local, regional, national and EU level.

Tell us about your challenge Partnerships in EU projects