AgroBioTech Research Centre Celebrates Its 10th Anniversary
13.11.2025
Symbolically marking the beginning of the Week of Science and Technology in Slovakia, the AgroBioTech Research Centre (ABT RC) of the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra celebrated its 10th anniversary on 10 November. Over the past decade, the centre has successfully implemented numerous projects and achieved remarkable results both nationally and internationally.
“In a relatively short time, we have managed to build a top-level research facility that has significantly advanced us in many areas of science, research, and innovation. It has also enhanced the visibility of our university on the national and international stage,” said Rector Klaudia Halászová in her address. She expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the establishment, construction, and development of the centre, emphasizing its cooperation with the university’s faculties in both research and education, as well as with industry partners.
“AgroBioTech also supported us in creating the Food Incubator, our first limited liability company of this kind. Its achievements contribute to the overall high evaluation of SUA,” the Rector added.
The story, achievements, and vision of the AgroBioTech Research Centre were presented by its Director, Dr. Adriana Kolesárová. She noted that the centre has carried out over 200 national and international projects, with more than 10 currently under evaluation.
“Among the most significant are projects supporting young start-ups, building strong food networks, and advancing modern food technologies that enable the education of young researchers and teachers, as well as cooperation with universities, research centres, and business partners,” said Dr. Kolesárová.
She highlighted ongoing projects such as the EIT Food Hub and its related programme Food Educators, focused on promoting sustainable and healthy eating.
The AgroBioTech Research Centre was established in October 2015 through a project co-funded by the European Union. Its research focuses on key topics in agrobiology, processing technologies of agricultural products, agri-food sciences, biotechnology, genetic technologies, agroecology, bioenergy, and bioeconomy.
The centre covers an area of 5,800 square metres and includes 32 laboratories. Its construction took more than two years, with a total investment of €26.3 million, of which €22.4 million came from EU funds, €2.6 million from the state budget, and €1.3 million was contributed by SUA and its partners – Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra and the Institute of Plant Genetics and Biotechnology of the Slovak Academy of Sciences.
Milestone years for the centre include 2024, when the vegan product facility was approved, and 2025, when the Food Incubator launched its first product on the market. The incubator now sells its innovative food products in the university buffet, through an online shop, and is authorized for mobile sales at events. The scientific team continues to develop and test new healthy products. Today, the AgroBioTech Research Centre is not only a space for research, development, and education – including thesis work, professional training, lectures, workshops, excursions, and summer schools – but has also diversified its activities. In addition to laboratory analyses, product development and innovation, consulting, and project services, the centre also offers a podcast studio, conference and seminar facilities, and a variety of specialized services.
