New incubator cycle for IT startups is now open.
Join us for six months of expert mentorship, free courses and workshops.
THIS IS
UPSTEER
The UpSteer incubator, under the Asseco brand, can help move your project forward and support you in all key areas of business.
Our strength lies in our connection to practice. With 35 years of experience in the global IT market, we have built an extensive network of contacts and partnerships. Our program opens doors for startups to potential customers, partners, and investors.
At the end of the program, you will gain the know-how to set up internal processes as well as business and technical strategies, significantly increasing your chances of transforming your startup into a competitive, functioning company.
Investment Opportunity. Successfully completing the program creates space for a potential investment for startups. While investment is not automatically guaranteed, startups with exceptional progress, strong teams, and a viable business model have a great opportunity to attract investors from our portfolio of partners.
FOR WHOM IS THE
INCUBATOR
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
-
Výnimočný ročník UpSteer vyvrcholil finálovým dňom
Final Pitch 2025 ukázal, ako sa startupy dokážu posunúť od nápadu k funkčnému riešeniu. Tímy prezentovali svoje výsledky po mesiacoch mentoringu, workshopov a odborných konzultácií v inkubátore UpSteer. Program podporuje začínajúcich podnikateľov na ich ceste, ponúka im vedenie, know-how aj -
Ako predať to, čo robíte za 30 sekúnd?
Predaj sa dá naučiť. Nie ako technika, ale ako spôsob, ako hovoriť o svojej práci tak, aby jej druhí rozumeli. Na workshope v inkubátore pre IT startupy UpSteer ukázal Peter Strcula startupom, že úspech často závisí od jednej krátkej, -
Arcetix chce pomôcť firmám testovať rýchlejšie a lacnejšie vďaka AI
Startup Arcetix z inkubátora UpSteer by Asseco Central Europe využíva umelú inteligenciu na automatizáciu testovania softvéru. Ich riešenie znižuje náklady, šetrí čas a robí testovanie dostupné aj pre netechnické tímy. Arcetix patrí medzi deväť startupov, ktoré v programe UpSteer rozvíjajú svoje produkty,
GET MENTORING
WHAT DO STARTUPS GAIN IN THE UPSTEER INCUBATOR?
UpSteer is an incubator under the Asseco brand, designed for emerging IT startups from Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Building on the success of previous editions, in 2026, we are launching the fourth edition of our intensive 6-month program for IT startups, bringing support, know-how, and real market experience.
The program offers
- Regular mentoring from top experts at Asseco Central Europe.
- Practical education and workshops.
- Workspace inBratislava 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.
Ready for the next cycle?
The six-month programme runs from May to October 2026. Places are limited so we can give each startup dedicated, hands-on support.
Apply now and tell us why your startup is a strong fit for UpSteer.
Interested in partnering with UpSteer or exploring investment opportunities?
Please contact us via the form below.
TIMELINE
UPSTEER INCUBATOR
January 2026
15 March 2026
April 2026
May 2026
June 2026
October 2026
OUR TEAM
MENTORS
CEO ASSECO CENTRAL EUROPE
Jozef Klein
A leader in the IT sector with experience at the highest levels.
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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 IT teams requires a combination of technical expertise, leadership, adaptability, and the ability to foster creativity in problem-solving. He emphasizes leveraging team members‘ individual strengths and creating an environment that nurtures talent and encourages innovative thinking to maximize potential. She provides mentorship in building innovative technology companies, validating business models, and addressing 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
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 more than 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
Vojtech 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
MARKETING & PR DIRECTOR
Simona Vaculová
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 program 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 can 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 program you can develop your IT business concepts in the following five areas: Utility & Industry 4. 0, Healthcare, Banking, Insurance and Dedicated IT Solutions (or any other interesting IT ideas).
When is the deadline for applying?
The deadline for applying to the UpSteer Incubator program is March 15, 2026.
How long does the UpSteer program last?
The whole UpSteer incubator program lasts 6 months, from May 2026 to October 2026.
Where does Upsteer Incubator powered by Asseco operate?
You can join UpSteer in Bratislava, Brno or Prague. However, the major workshops and program 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 people such as programmers) for developing my startup?
We strongly recommend to put your own team together before joining UpSteer incubator. This program 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.