The 4th Edition of UpSteer enters its Final Stage
Nine startups are preparing for the Final Pitch, where they showcase their progress and share their plans for the future.
THIS IS
UPSTEER
It is a free six-month incubation programme for IT startups that connects technological innovation with real-world business experience. We help founders develop their ideas and explore ways to bring them to market.
UpSteer connects startups with the world of business. With 35 years of experience in the global IT market, we have built an extensive network of contacts and partnerships. Our programme opens doors for startups to potential customers, partners and investors.
By the end of the programme, you will gain the know-how to establish internal processes and develop business and technical strategies, significantly increasing your chances of turning your start-up into a competitive, viable business.
Investment opportunity.
Successfull competition of the programme creates the potential for investment in start-ups. While investment is not guaranteed, start-ups that demonstrate exceptional progress, have strong teams and a viable business model will have a great opportunity to attract investors from our portfolio of partners.
FOR WHOM IS THE
INCUBATOR
UpSteer is for early-stage technology startups from Slovakia and the Czech Republic
that are developing their own innovative products with growth potential.
The programme is suitable for startups at the prototype or MVP stage, as well as those that
have already acquired their first customers and aim to build a successful business.
We have been successfully operating in the IT market for more than 35 years,
and thanks to this, we can move forward startups that belong to the following areas:
Finance
ERP
Healthcare
Utilities and Industry 4.0
Public administration
Cloud solutions and infrastructure
SUCCESS
STORIES FROM UPSTEER
-
AI, zdravotníctvo aj priemysel: Deväť perspektívnych startupov zabojuje v Bratislave o priazeň investorov
Ako uľahčiť prácu lekárom, pomôcť deťom s učením či zefektívniť výrobu? Deväť startupov zo Slovenska a Česka predstaví svoje riešenia už 9. novembra v Bratislave na finále inkubátora UpSteer by Asseco. -
Keď zákazník povie „ozveme sa“ alebo v UpSteer o predaji trochu inak
Ako zaujať zákazníka už pri prvom oslovení? Startupy v inkubátore UpSteer by Asseco sa spolu s Jurajom Ferenčíkom z okoboro venovali obchodnej komunikácii, získavaniu zákazníkov a výzvam, ktoré prináša predaj technologických riešení. -
Spoznajte Miralis AI a ich Screep, ktorý stráži rozsah IT zákaziek
Koľko práce odvedú IT firmy bez toho, aby za ňu dostali zaplatené? Tím Miralis AI sa zameral na problém, ktorý podľa jeho prepočtov stojí európskych IT dodávateľov miliardy eur ročne. V inkubátore UpSteer rozvíja aplikáciu Screep, no cesta k
GET MENTORING
WHAT DO STARTUPS GAIN IN THE UPSTEER INCUBATOR?
The programme offers
- Regular mentoring from top experts at Asseco Central Europe.
- Practical education and workshops.
- Workspace in Bratislava or Brno during programme.
- Mentoring available in Bratislava, Prague, or Brno.
- Connections to the real business opportunities through Asseco's experience and network in the IT market in Central Europe.
- Potential investment opportunity.
Are you a partner or investor?
Interested in collaborating with UpSteer or exploring investment opportunities in technology startups? Contact us using the form below.
Do you have an IT startup?
Developing a technology product with the ambition to build a successful business? Interested in the next edition of UpSteer? Get in touch with us.
TIMELINE
UPSTEER INCUBATOR
November 2026
January 2027
Marec 2027
April 2027
May 2027
OUR TEAM
MENTORS
CEO ASSECO CENTRAL EUROPE
Jozef Klein
A strategic technology leader with a strong background in executive management.
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With extensive experience in the IT industry and leadership at Asseco Central Europe, he provides strategic guidance to startups on digital transformation, business models, and international expansion. He assists in defining a long-term vision and building sustainable business models. As the winner of the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2016 award, he brings hands-on experience in leading a multinational IT company and mentoring startups. Startups can leverage his valuable expertise, strategic support, and access to an extensive network of contacts for growth and scaling.
COUNTRY MANAGER FOR CZECH REPUBLIC
Vladimír Dzurilla
A leader with nearly 20 years of experience in IT and digital transformation, he helps startups drive innovation, accelerate digitalization, and optimize strategic management.
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As the Country Manager of Asseco CE for the Czech Republic and Chairman of the Board at Asseco CE Cloud, he brings deep expertise in IT modernization and public administration. He supports startups in scaling technology solutions, developing competitive products, and expanding into new markets. By leading strategic projects in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, he provides valuable insights to drive successful digital transformation.
CEO ASSECO SOLUTIONS
Renáta Rybanská
A leader in the field of ERP solutions with experience in senior management positions at IT companies both domestically and internationally.
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She mentors startups in product management, digital transformation, and strategic management. She provides guidance on product development, business model design, and market expansion. As CEO of Asseco Solutions, she shares practical expertise in leading technology projects and building sustainable businesses. She supports startups with her experience in IT architecture, scaling products, and securing investments for growth and innovation.
HEALTHCARE BUSINESS UNIT LEADER
Viktor Mikulášek
An IT and startup professional and innovator with over 20 years of experience in effectively managing teams and building small technology companies.
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Leading an IT team requires a combination of technical expertise, leadership skills, adaptability and the ability to encourage creative problem-solving. She emphasises leveraging team members‘ individual strengths and creating an environment that nurtures talent and encourages innovative thinking, thereby maximising potential. They provide mentorship in building innovative technology companies, validating business models and overcoming investment and fundraising challenges.
CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION BUSINESS UNIT LEADER
Rastislav Bajtoš
A leader with over 25 years of experience in telecommunications and IT, he helps startups effectively manage teams and projects with a focus on results and innovation.
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He has extensive experience in strategic management, process optimization, and leading high-performance teams. He advises startups to focus on clearly defined goals, management flexibility, and effective team communication. His expertise lies in building team dynamics, leveraging individual strengths, and establishing measurable success metrics. With his knowledge, he helps startups implement the right processes for scaling and long-term sustainability.
PUBLIC CZ BUSINESS UNIT LEADER
David Šindelář
As a leader in public sector digitalization, he helps startups enter the market for eGov solutions and public service modernization.
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As a member of the Board of Directors at Asseco Central Europe CZ and Business Unit Leader for Public, he provides strategic advice on IT projects and components for public administration. He supports startups in scaling solutions, building partnerships, and navigating legislative requirements. With more than 20 years of experience, he has led key projects for both the public and private sectors, helping startups effectively collaborate with the government.
FINANCE BUSINESS UNIT LEADER
Martin Chripko
An IT and digital transformation expert with over 20 years of experience. He is a member of the Board of Directors at Asseco CE and leads the Finance Business Unit for Banking and Insurance.
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Throughout his career, he has managed international projects, including the implementation of a financial management system for the Treasury in Serbia and the digital transformation of the banking sector in Vietnam. He has extensive experience in process optimization and business scaling. As a startup mentor, he helps founders grow strategically, streamline operations, and successfully expand into new markets. He focuses on innovative technology solutions and supporting the startup ecosystem.
CEO ASSECO CE CLOUD
Peter Fuska
An experienced leader in strategic projects and transformations, with 25 years of experience in IT and telecommunications both in Slovakia and internationally.
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He has led strategic initiatives in Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Poland, working with both small and multinational companies. As CEO of Asseco CE Cloud, he specializes in IT infrastructure strategies, cloud solutions development, process digitalization, and the implementation of new business models. He helps startups validate opportunities, set strategies, and build sustainable business models, as well as form strong teams.
He combines market analysis, concept testing, and an iterative approach with an emphasis on innovation and the effective use of team potential.
UTILITY BUSINESS UNIT LEADER
Vojtěch Kallab
A mentor with strong expertise in IT strategy, transformation, and product management, he helps startups create products that are not only functional but also marketable.
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He supports startups in establishing the right processes, defining the target audience, and setting effective pricing strategies. When implementing solutions, a clear vision, iterative development, and the ability to adapt to changing market conditions are key. If a startup hits a dead end, the mentor helps find new perspectives, analyze feedback, and optimize the strategy to enable continued growth. His added value lies in his ability to link technical development with business strategy and ensure that startups not only grow but also thrive.
PEOPLE BEHIND
TEAM UPSTEER
PROJECT MANAGER
Zuzana Fratričová
PR MANAGER
Michaela Lovásová
HR DIRECTOR
Lucia Resch
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQ
I have a business idea, why should I apply to UpSteer?
With the UpSteer Incubator powered by Asseco, you get the chance to take your business idea to the next level – UpSteer. The UpSteer programme is based on mentoring and expert workshops delivered by key Asseco leaders. The program includes using our office facilities that provide everything you need. Among other things, at the end of the 6-month cycle you may get the opportunity to receive investment for your business.
Is there an age limit to participate in UpSteer?
No, there is no age limit.
In which areas can I develop my business idea?
In the UpSteer Incubator programme you can develop your IT business concepts in the following six areas: Finance, ERP, Utility & Industry 4. 0, Healthcare, Public anad administration and Cloud solutions and infrastructure (or any other interesting IT ideas).
When is the deadline for applying?
The deadline for applying to the UpSteer Incubator programme is March 15, 2027.
How long does the UpSteer program last?
The whole UpSteer incubator programme lasts 6 months, from May to October.
Where does Upsteer Incubator powered by Asseco operate?
You can join UpSteer in Bratislava, Brno or Prague. However, the major workshops and programme is going to take place in Bratislava, Slovakia. Brno is focused on the Utility & Industry 4.0 area and Prague will be primarily dedicated to IT Solutions.
Do I need to have a team before applying my startup idea or does Asseco provide any human resources (e. g. technical specialist such as programmers) for developing my startup?
We strongly recommend to put your own team together before joining UpSteer incubator. This programme is not intended to share Asseco´s own human capacities, we want to support your startup with expertise workshops and experienced mentoring and consulting sessions of key Asseco leaders.
ABOUT US
ABOUT ASSECO
Asseco Central Europe
(Asseco CE) is one of the strongest software houses in Central and Eastern Europe. It is active in the Slovak Republic, Czech Republic, Hungary, Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Other IT oriented companies form a part of the Asseco Central Europe Group as well.
The company belongs
to the leading providers of comprehensive IT solutions and services. It implements demanding projects for the commercial sector (banking, insurance, healthcare, utility), as well as for the public sector and central and local governments. Asseco CE has a long term experience with extensive projects with strong emphasis on supporting the strategic goals of its customers.
The company´s history
goes back to 1990, when the ASSET company was established. In 1999, its software division was unbundled and a new enterprise ASSET Soft was founded. Later on, it entered into a strategic partnership with Comp Rzeszów and, thereby, the fundamentals of the future international group Asseco were laid. In October 2006, the company (already under the Asseco Slovakia brand) was listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, thus becoming the first Slovak company to be directly quoted on a foreign stock exchange.
In 2007,
the company entered the Czech market through the PVT acquisition. Two years later Asseco Czech Republic and Asseco Slovakia integrated and, thereby, Asseco CE group was established. The entire Asseco CE group currently employs more than 3,000 people.