Private 5G networks and European digital technologies at Demo Day

Kranj-based Kontron presented concrete use cases of private 5G networks, sovereign cloud platforms, critical communications solutions, artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation at this year’s Demo Day. The event was structured into two thematic sections across two days – the first day was intended for representatives of the public sector, critical infrastructure, and defence, while the second day focused on industry, technology partners, and business users.

Participants observed live demonstrations of advanced solutions in real-world scenarios, ranging from managing robotic systems over private 5G networks and edge infrastructure to sovereign cloud environments, automated application management, and secure, reliable critical communications.

“Our aim was to show that private 5G networks, sovereign cloud, and advanced communication technologies are already delivering efficiency, reliability, security, and innovation. These technologies now offer cost savings and flexibility for organizations undergoing operational transformation. Demo Day proved that these solutions are mature, reliable, and accessible across industries,” emphasized Janez Öri, Executive Director of the Communications Solutions Business Unit at Kontron.

Special emphasis was also placed on Europe’s digital sovereignty and the development of advanced European technological solutions within the framework of the GDCE-CI and IPCEI CIS project.

“The IPCEI CIS project represents an extremely important development framework for Kontron that goes beyond a single project and positions us within the broader European technological space. Through the project, we are developing open, secure, and reliable architectures that contribute to Europe’s digital sovereignty and reduce dependence on non-European technology providers. Special emphasis was also placed on Europe’s digital sovereignty and the development of advanced European technological solutions within the GDCE-CI IPCEI CIS project, co-financed by the European Union and the Republic of Slovenia under the Recovery and Resilience Facility. The solutions developed are already being directly transferred into concrete products and demonstration systems – from sovereign cloud to advanced 5G networks and artificial intelligence solutions,” said Dr. Roman Kužnar, Strategic Development and Research Advisor at Kontron.

According to Marko Luštrek, Head of Sales for Mobile Private Networks in the Communications Solutions Business Unit, private 5G networks are no longer a development concept but a reality in production environments.

“Companies today are no longer looking only for faster connectivity. They are looking for ways to manage increasingly complex processes with fewer people, increase production flexibility, and reduce operational costs. Mobility and reliable connectivity are key to future automation, robotics, and efficient management of modern industrial environments,” Luštrek added.

Urban Zaletel, Director of Development in the Communications Solutions Business Unit, also highlighted the importance of developing domestic know-how and integrating artificial intelligence into modern communication systems.

“In Slovenia, we are developing advanced communication and cloud solutions that combine security, reliability, automation, and artificial intelligence. The development trend is moving toward intelligent, adaptive, and energy-efficient systems that enable faster decision-making, better responsiveness, and a higher level of cybersecurity in industrial and critical environments,” said Zaletel.

Partners HiProject, RESEVO, Siemens Slovenija, Mugler, and Telekom Slovenije also participated in the Demo Day, further presenting the potential use of private 5G networks, edge infrastructure, and digital platforms in real business and critical environments.

At Kontron, they emphasize that this year’s Demo Day – following the first edition held last October – confirms that technologies such as private 5G networks, sovereign cloud, artificial intelligence, and advanced critical communications are already ready for practical use and represent an important foundation for Europe’s future digital infrastructure.