URBAN FUTURE 2026, Ljubljana

Urban Future is the largest European event dedicated to the development of sustainable and resilient cities, bringing together city leaders, decision-makers, innovators, public institutions and businesses who are co-creating the future development directions of European cities. According to the organizers, UF26 will host up to 3,000 international participants, more than 100 city delegations, top speakers and numerous side events and business networking formats.

The event attracts participants who directly influence investments, urban projects, infrastructure development, mobility, urban renewal, green solutions and digitalization. The conference connects experts from more than 30 fields - from mobility and energy to construction, data solutions, urban planning and green infrastructure. Networking is one of the key elements of the meeting.

More information is available on the official event website: https://urban-future.org/ .

Inclusion in the core activities of the Slovenian delegation includes:

• Participation in the international conference UF26 as part of the official partnership program SPIRIT Slovenia and UF26.
• Involving companies in networking, thematic discussions, and the official SPIRIT activity program.
• Opportunity to present companies within the Shark Tank format* - a core program where innovative companies receive feedback directly from decision-makers in urban development (SPIRIT is confirmed as a key partner of the format).
• Possibility to use the SPIRIT Lounge space or the exhibition space of MGTŠ and SPIRIT Slovenia for meetings and presentations at the central location of the international conference UF26
• Participation in the delegation includes multi-day presence at the event with full access to all UF26 activities, subject to advance registration via SPIRIT Slovenia.
• The exact scope of cooperation is coordinated according to the program activities.

*The Shark Tank format is a structured pitching format (3-5 minutes) where companies present their solution in a very short period of time to a selected group of decision-makers (not necessarily investors), who then publicly and directly provide questions, criticism, and feedback.

Application process

Interested companies are invited to apply via the application form no later than March 4, 2026.

We invite companies operating in the following areas to apply: sustainable solutions and circular economy, green and smart urban infrastructure, energy technologies, RES, energy management, sustainable mobility, logistics, e-mobility, digital solutions for smart cities (GIS, digital twins, sensors, big data, IoT Internet of Things), sustainable and low-carbon construction (especially wooden construction, massive wooden structures, prefabricated systems and bio-based construction), innovative construction technologies, materials and renovation, natural and green solutions for urban areas, and companies with innovative products or services relevant to the future of cities.

The application is short and focused on a basic presentation of the company and interest in cooperation.

After the completion of the application process, SPIRIT Slovenia will notify the selected companies about their inclusion and further steps.

Formation of the delegation

SPIRIT Slovenia will form the delegation based on content consistency, contribution to the goals of the Slovenian participation, readiness for active participation, ambitions for international growth and balanced composition of the delegation. In the event of a large number of suitable applications, the time of receipt of a complete application may be taken into account as an additional criterion.

When forming a delegation, particular consideration shall be given to:

• compliance of the company's activities with the thematic highlights of the event,
• the company's contribution to the content and objectives of the Slovenian presentation,
• willingness to actively participate in program and promotional activities,
• the company's ambition for international growth and openness to foreign markets,
• balanced and representative composition of the delegation.

In their application, candidates describe their openness to the international environment and opportunities outside the domestic market, including existing international experience, development plans, or interest in future international activities.