Not words, but deeds. Meet the finalists of the INOVATO AWARDS - Innovator of the Year 2025

The INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR 2025 award recognises those who come up with new ideas and change things for the better – in business, technology, science and society. They are not just innovators “on paper”. They are people who choose to do more every day, even when it is not comfortable. Which of them will receive your support?

The winner will be announced at the innovation festival INOFEST on 23–24 September in Trnava.

Here are four nominees who prove that innovation takes many forms: 

Artur Gevorkyan (Gevorkyan a.s.):

From Military Engineer to Leader in Metallurgy 

Artur came to Slovakia from Armenia, started literally from scratch and now leads one of Europe's strongest companies in powder metallurgy. He puts it clearly: “Behind success are hard work and people who do their jobs with enthusiasm.” Gevorkyan now has 11% revenue growth, high profitability and nine new defence industry projects. But these are not about weapons – they are developing protective systems and training technologies. The key to their success is the courage to try new things, extensive digitalisation and the practical use of AI. They even have robots in the office now. According to Artur, innovation is a matter of survival. And what he looks for in people is not degrees, but curiosity, a willingness to work and logical thinking. 

Lenka Sluková (TECHNODAT):

When Technology Serves People 

Lenka connects the world of digital tools with real-world industry. She helps companies streamline product development through PLM systems and digital twins. Not as buzzwords, but as tools that save resources and give people more room for creative decision-making. However, she points out that high-quality data is essential. “Many companies have disorganised files and make decisions based on intuition. That is unsustainable today.” In her view, artificial intelligence is not a threat, but a helper. And if we use it legally, we will take industry to a higher level. Lenka also champions an inclusive environment that is accessible to young people – because it is the younger generation that will determine how technology shapes the future. 

Peter Tkáč (Spinbotics):

Robotics for Everyone, Not Just the Big Players 

Peter and his team have developed the modular Spinbot robot, which companies can “assemble” like LEGO. This approach reduces costs and opens up automation to smaller companies that could not afford conventional robots. “Robotics should be practical and accessible. It is not a luxury, but a tool,” says Peter. Their system handles physically demanding and monotonous tasks, while moving people to where they are needed more. This is also why their robots do not take jobs away, but change them for the better. 

Pavel Hrica (Cesta von):

The Fight Against Poverty Begins Not in Government Offices, but in Children's Rooms 

The organisation Cesta von and its OMAMA programme are changing the lives of children from Roma communities by giving them a chance for a better start in life. No technology, but the most fundamental innovation – trust, human contact and support from birth. “Generational poverty is not a problem for Roma people alone, but for all of us,” says Pavel. He shows that if we give children security, attention and opportunities to develop, we will change their future. And with it, the future of society as a whole. 

The INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR 2025 award is part of the INOFEST festival – on 23 and 24 September 
2025 in Trnava at MTF STU. Tickets and the programme can be found at inofest.sk.