SLOVAK PRO HOUSE
@ SXSW 2025

Going BIG in Texas:

Slovak House Showcases Slovakia’s Business
and Investment Potential at SXSW

Austin, TX, March 9, 2025

This year’s SXSW received a serious boost of Slovak creativity with "Going BIG in Texas: Slovak House." The one-day event showcased our booming startup scene, cutting-edge tech innovations, and a welcoming approach to global investment. While the Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency (SARIO) played its part alongside partners like the Slovak Embassy in Washington, D.C., the Honorary Consulate of Slovakia in Texas, HR4U, and the law firm Chavez & Valko, the true engine on the ground was Slovak PRO. Locally led by passionate Andrea and Jozef Hrusovski, Slovak PRO boasts a strong presence across North America, uniting professionals from every industry committed to supporting Slovaks and Slovak entrepreneurs. With a highly engaged team of dedicated volunteers from various fields, Slovak PRO played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the Austin event. This achievement stands as a testament to the collective strength and dedication of the entire Slovak PRO network in North America.

Texas: A Global Launchpad

Texas is known around the globe for its vibrant economy and innovative spirit. If Texas were a standalone country, it would rank as the 8th largest economy in the world. Kicking off the event, Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson delivered an inspiring address, praising Slovakia’s achievements and encouraging our innovators to proudly share their success. “It’s not bragging when it’s true,” she said, setting the tone for the day.

Showcasing Slovak Talent

Fifteen Slovak SMEs took center stage to present their groundbreaking ideas. Among them were:

• ARPenviro – Environmental monitoring and data solutions

• AT Crystals – Advanced crystal technologies

• AVENIAS Tax – Tax consultancy for globalizing businesses

• BARANI DESIGN – Weather monitoring systems and sensors

• Barney Studio – Branding and design for global markets

• Ecocapsule – Sustainable micro-housing innovations

• e-Robot – Robotics and automation

• GAMO – Cloud and IT services

• Infoland – Software solutions for digital transformation

• insar.sk (AstraVigil) – InSAR solutions for monitoring infrastructure and terrain

• LeoTronics – Robotics and smart security systems

• SCR Design – Product design and engineering

• SCR Technologies – Software development and digital transformation

• T2 Europe – Technology and services for industrial solutions

• Touch4IT – Software, UX, and mobile innovation

Raising the Bar with Insightful Sessions

In the beginning of the event, speakers from SARIO, including Vladimír Lackovič and Nikola Kmecová, explained why Slovakia is such an attractive destination for investment. They highlighted our strong R&D environment, strategic location in Europe, skilled workforce, and business-friendly climate. Successful Slovak entrepreneurs also shared personal stories about how mentorship and support from startup accelerators in Austin have accelerated their growth. Then, local business leaders, accelerators, and investors offered practical advice on breaking into the Texan market. A standout moment was the TEDx Talk on Slovak success in the U.S. by Vlado Hruda (Product Manager at Miro) and Marian Stahovec (Director of Finance at DELL).

Rapid-fire pitch sessions gave each company a chance to deliver a concise, impactful presentation. Later, a panel moderated by Erin McKelvey of EACC of Texas featured legal experts Dave Quinn, John Sigety, and Martin Valko, who broke down key strategies for entering the American market.

Another session, “The Austin Ecosystem: Your Growth Partner,” featured insights from industry leaders including Marcos Cervantes (CEO of Q-Branch), Mortada Mohamed (President of World Affairs Council of Austin), Scott Smith (Director of Economic Development, City of Cedar Park), and David Steele (Director, Plug and Play Sportstech). Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson returned later in the day to reiterate Texas’s openness to innovation, followed by practical tips from Grant Mitterlehner (CEO of MittGroup) on succeeding in America.

The event wrapped up with a TEDx Talk by Niko Dubovsky (Co-founder of SuperCity AI) that showcased the impressive potential of Slovak AI innovations in the U.S. market. The impressive lineup of speakers and experts was made possible entirely through the strong local connections of Slovak PRO. Its dedicated network enabled the organizers to bring together top industry leaders and thought influencers, ensuring that the event delivered fresh insights and unparalleled expertise to the audience.

Evening Networking and Authentic Slovak Hospitality

As the day came to a close, a relaxed networking session allowed participants to cement new relationships over genuine conversations and a delicious spread of authentic Slovak delicacies. The evening buzz was proof that Texas offers an environment ripe for collaboration and big ideas.

Looking Ahead

“Going BIG in Texas: Slovak House” demonstrated that Slovak businesses are ready for global challenges. With the energy and vision of Slovak PRO, especially under the local Austin leadership of Andrea and Jozef Hrusovski, our entrepreneurs have taken a bold step toward building lasting partnerships in one of the world’s most dynamic economies.

About Slovak PRO

Slovak PRO is a collaborative platform connecting Slovak professionals, entrepreneurs, and innovators worldwide. By fostering a supportive community and promoting knowledge exchange, Slovak PRO shines a light on Slovak talent and drives partnerships that bolster our reputation for innovation and business excellence.