Ambassador Sterling delivered opening remarks at a discussion on “Education and Entrepreneurship” on December 1 during Slovakia’s annual Startup Awards event. The discussion, which was organized by the EuroPolicy NGO with funding from the Embassy, brought together representatives from government, academia and the private sector to examine the nexus between higher education and business in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Speakers included former Education Minister Juraj Draxler, representatives from business incubators in Austria and Germany, and a venture capitalist from Israel. The Ambassador commented on the Embassy’s strong support for entrepreneurship in Slovakia as a means to diversify its economy and create 21st century jobs for young Slovaks, while also noting our interest in promoting critical thinking and problem solving in Slovakia’s education system. The Startup Awards is the largest event of its kind in Slovakia, bringing together individuals from all segments of society to recognize and celebrate this country’s startup culture and its most promising young entrepreneurs.
