Economic AI and HPC Forum (STEP-AI)

Artificial (Anorganic) Intelligence (AI) is no longer a question of the future – it is already transforming the way companies operate, make decisions, and gain competitive advantage. The key question is no longer whether to use AI, but how to implement it effectively, scalably, and profitably. This question is addressed by the Economic AI and HPC Forum (STEP-AI), taking place as part of the MIPRO 2026, which will be held from May 25 to 29, 2026, in Opatija.
The Forum brings together leading experts from academia and industry, technology leaders, and decision-makers, with the aim of exchanging knowledge and sharing real-world experiences in implementing AI solutions in business.

This is not just another forum about trends. It is a platform where technology becomes strategy, and ideas turn into tangible business results. The Forum connects European initiatives and regulatory frameworks with advanced infrastructure (AI and HPC) and their real-world industrial applications.

The focus is on practical solutions:
 

• how to integrate AI into existing processes
• how to effectively use data for decision-making
• how to turn technology into measurable business outcomes

Special emphasis is placed on case studies, regulatory frameworks, funding opportunities, and real challenges faced by companies.


What to expect in Opatija – Speaker highlights

Opening presentation – The concept of Anorganic Intelligence

Zorislav Šojat and Karolj Skala
Ruđer Bošković Institute

The Forum opens with a presentation introducing Anorganic Intelligence as a new paradigm—autonomous, infrastructure-integrated AI systems that go beyond traditional software models.

Andrea Čović Vidović (European Commission)

On the role of the EU in AI development, with a focus on regulation, strategic autonomy, and economic digital transformation.

Anders Dam Jensen (EuroHPC)

On the development of European supercomputing infrastructure and the opportunities HPC systems bring to research and industry.

Dominic Gorecky (Swiss Smart Factory)

On how agent-based AI systems, industrial software, and physical AI are transforming automation and enabling flexible, scalable enterprise solutions.

Slavko Vidović (InfoDom)

On how organizations can strategically develop and implement AI to enhance business performance.

Nina Begićević Ređep and Neven Vrček (FOI)

On tools, methodologies, and business models in the AI economy, with a focus on bridging academia and industry.

Damir Prusac (Infobip)

On applying AI in industry and scaling solutions in real business systems.

Damir Kopljar (AI CROZ)

On solving complex problems using large datasets and machine learning.

Aleks Buvač (Own Solutions)

On tools, platforms, and methods for developing AI products and services.

European AI & HPC Ecosystems and Cross-Border Value Chains

Oral and poster presentation: AI Factory and AI Antennas

Pantheon – Giant AI Hyperscale Tier IV Data Center

The Pantheon AI Data Center project represents one of the largest investments in the history of Croatia and the wider region. It is a planned large-scale AI and hyperscale data center in Topusko, valued at more than €50 billion, and is expected to position Croatia as a key European hub for digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence.

At the Economic AI and HPC Forum, the Pantheon hyperscale Tier IV AI data center will be presented as a flagship initiative symbolizing a new phase of Europe’s digital transformation in shaping the AI ecosystem.
 

Call for participation

We invite you to:
 

• participate as an active forum attendee
• present your projects, solutions, and initiatives at the poster exhibition
• contribute to building the AI/HPC ecosystem

Join the network shaping the future of the economy.

The time for experimentation is over. The time for implementation has begun.