Slovakia Program

Project Title: Virtual Lifelong Learning Centre for Industrial Decarbonisation

Applicant: Technical University of Košice
Project Partners: Košice Self-Governing Region, MATSUKO s.r.o., City of Košice
Project Manager: Assoc. Prof. Ing. Bc. Martina Hrubovčáková, PhD.

Total eligible project costs: €1,303,155.07
Requested non-repayable financial contribution: €1,168,345.21

Application code: NFP401801B651
Call code: PSK-MIRRI-018-2024-DV-FST
Programme: 401000 - Slovakia Programme - SK - ERDF/CF/JTF/ESF+
Priority: 401801 - 8P1 Just Transition Fund
Specific objective: 401801J801 - JSO8.1 Enabling regions and people to address the social, economic, and environmental impacts of the transition

Project implementation location: Technical University of Košice, Park Komenského 14, 042 00 Košice.
Project implementation period: 07/2026 – 06/2028
Brief project description: The "Virtual Lifelong Learning Centre for Industrial Decarbonisation" project is a strategic initiative supporting the green transformation of industry in the Košice region and its transition to a low-carbon economy. It addresses the challenges faced by regions undergoing transformation (Košice and Banská Bystrica regions, Upper Nitra) and supports their sustainable development through innovative education. The initiative focuses on developing and implementing VR modules that integrate research, technology, and practical application in the field of decarbonization. Its goal is to enhance the technical readiness of the workforce and raise awareness regarding green technologies and environmental sustainability. The project comprises 14 key activities: adapting and technically preparing facilities for the VR center; researching and developing the methodology and module content; developing software and VR technologies; conducting pilot tests; evaluating outcomes; and carrying out dissemination activities. The collaboration between TUKE and the company MATSUKO enables the creation of unique VR content, supported by the Košice Self-Governing Region (KSK), the City of Košice, and local schools. Partnerships with primary and secondary schools, the Labour Office (ÚPSVaR), and corporate entities (e.g., U.S. Steel Košice, Volvo Cars Slovakia) further strengthen the project's regional impact.
Project funding: The project is co-financed by the European Union via the Just Transition Fund under the Slovakia Programme.

Project Title: Development and production of sustainable bio-fiber carbon anodes for high-performance lithium-ion batteries to support the decarbonization and energy independence of Košice and the Košice Region
Project Acronym: Fibre_Bat

Applicant: Technical University of Košice
Project Partners: Crystal Tech s.r.o. and the City of Košice
Principal Investigator: Assoc. Prof. Ing. Karel Saksl, DrSc.

Total eligible project costs: €1,262,339.13
Requested non-repayable financial contribution: €1,138,767.86

Application code: NFP401801B639
Call code: PSK-MIRRI-018-2024-DV-FST
Program: 401000 - Slovakia Programme - SK - ERDF/CF/JTF/ESF+
Priority: 401801 - 8P1 Just Transition Fund
Specific Objective: JSO8.1 Enabling regions and people to address social, economic, and environmental impacts

Project implementation location: Park Komenského 11, 042 00 Košice
Project implementation period: 07/2026 – 12/2029

Brief project description: The Fibre_Bat project focuses on the development of eco-friendly bio-fiber carbon anodes for lithium-ion batteries, produced from biological and textile waste. The new material is intended to serve as a sustainable alternative to conventional graphite anodes. The project aims to achieve an anode material capacity of at least 400 mAh/g, develop and validate a functional pouch-cell battery prototype, and reduce CO2 emissions by at least 20% compared to traditional manufacturing processes. The project will contribute to the development of the circular economy, reduce dependence on graphite imports, strengthen the region's research and innovation capacities, and support the decarbonization and energy independence of Košice and the Košice Region.

Project funding: The project is co-financed by the European Union through the Just Transition Fund under the Slovakia Programme.