In Slovenia, a quiet digital awakening is underway. While only 11% of enterprises have adopted AI technologies and just 36% are using cloud computing services, forward-looking startups aren’t waiting for mainstream adoption to catch up. Driven by necessity and a culture of innovation, these ventures are rewriting the playbook, using artificial intelligence to unlock insights and cloud services to scale rapidly and stay agile.
In this article, we spoke with three Slovenian startups to understand how they’re using AI and cloud technologies to shape their growth, mindset and future.
Lemon Squeeze: Excited for the Future of Cloud and AI
Lemon Squeeze is a young tech startup developing cutting-edge solutions in the field of computer vision. Their applications span a range of industries, from monitoring and security to manufacturing, agriculture, sports, and medicine. The team also engages in web development projects.
For Lemon Squeeze, AI serves primarily as a practical “helper” used for early-stage idea validation and content creation. But could it be more than that? Or is AI’s status as the hero of the business world just hype?
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“The term ‘AI’ is broad and can mean many things to different people. We believe it’s often used to spice up otherwise mundane descriptions of various solutions,” says Marko Novak, Co-founder of Lemon Squeeze.
While not every AI initiative lives up to its name, Novak believes real intelligence is on the horizon. |
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“Right now, so-called AI tools are mostly advanced pattern recognition and prediction systems. But serious investment and research are underway to bring us closer to what the term ‘Artificial Intelligence’ truly implies.”
Cloud computing, Novak notes, plays a critical role in enabling this progress. It simplifies AI deployment and makes it more effective, while AI itself enhances cloud services, bringing smarter management, improved security, and optimised costs.
“We use cloud tools across our business, from e-mail to project management and internal communication. We're already seeing the impact AI has on these platforms, and how one technology enriches the other. We’re excited to see what the future holds.”
PRIOT: AI and Cloud Are Not Luxuries; They’re Essential
What may sound like a cliché is the daily reality for many startups: AI is transforming how they operate, build, and grow. For Blaz Jakopin, CEO of Maribor-based PRIOT, a company building intelligent digital systems, AI is a strategic cornerstone.
“AI is no longer optional. It’s a strategic layer across every aspect of product development and operations,” says Jakopin.
PRIOT helps clients transform through custom software, real-time IT solutions, and AI-driven technologies. According to Jakopin, AI enables the team to scale output and quality without proportionally scaling costs, making it essential to both profitability and client success.
“We use AI across several verticals - development acceleration, document intelligence, sales, customer support, prototyping, and consulting. It’s a force multiplier that helps us build smarter products, reduce development costs, and streamline internal processes.”
He sees cloud and AI as inseparable:
“AI and the cloud are inseparable enablers. The cloud gives AI the wings to scale, integrate, and operate efficiently in production.”
However, Jakopin cautions that barriers to adoption still exist in Slovenia. While some businesses view these technologies as luxuries, others overestimate their short-term ROI.
“At PRIOT, our role as a partner is to educate clients and demystify AI through practical, industry-specific use cases. We always recommend starting small: focus on high-impact pilot projects that generate measurable ROI.”
Lime Booking: AI as a Productivity Booster for Startups
Lime Booking is a technology company offering an advanced scheduling and customer communication platform for service-based businesses like salons, wellness centers, and gyms. Their feature-rich solution covers everything from intuitive appointment management to real-time analytics.
For Marko Zemljarič, CPO and Co-founder of Lime Booking, AI is all about boosting productivity.
Photo: J. Bauman
“I see AI primarily as a productivity booster. Tasks that once took days can now be completed in half the time, or less, with AI assistance. It also helps identify patterns, optimize workflows, and reduce human error,” Zemljarič says. “For startups, this means we can move faster, test more efficiently, and deliver more value with smaller, focused teams.”
Lime Booking plans to implement AI across three core areas: predictive scheduling, customer engagement, and analytics.
“These are areas where AI can have real impact. Take customer engagement, for instance. AI enables personalised communication, reminders, and promotions, making interactions more relevant and effective.”
A Tech Frontier Still Being Defined
Slovenia’s startup ecosystem is quietly laying the groundwork for a more AI and cloud-driven economy. While broader adoption may still be limited, these early adopters show how powerful the synergy between AI and cloud can be. Whether boosting productivity, accelerating development, or enhancing scalability, these technologies are not just tools, they’re enablers of the future.
