The Slovak innovation program, initially designed to support biotechnology and robotics with €119 million in subsidies, has been significantly curtailed by the government. Out of the 57 projects that were originally approved, only 33 firms will actually receive funding, a decision influenced by internal political disputes within the coalition government. Notably, 24 applications were rejected, including many from small firms that were considered to be of less developmental significance. The situation highlights ongoing tensions within the ruling Hlas party regarding the allocation of these funds, which they had previously defended amidst criticism.

Education Minister Tomáš Drucker, who also serves as the Deputy Prime Minister, announced this significant cut in funding in an effort to stabilize the situation. He indicated that final contracts had been secured with the selected companies, affirming that the government aimed to streamline the distribution of the remaining funds. Critics have pointed out that this represents a shift away from the original purpose of the innovation initiative, which was intended to bolster Slovakia's tech sector and transform the economy toward a knowledge-based model.

As the government reallocates the majority of these funds, it raises questions about future support for innovation and the growth of small businesses in critical sectors like biotechnology and robotics. The decision to withhold large portions of the budget from these initiatives may hinder Slovakia's competitiveness in these industries, particularly as other countries ramp up their investments in technology and innovation. Stakeholders will now be watching closely to see how the government plans to utilize the unallocated funds and what implications it will have for the future of innovation in the country.