EU funding for the development of critical technologies in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals

21. 7. 2026

• Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development

The Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the GIGA Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (GIGA NMR) project. The project will establish a state-of-the-art research infrastructure to develop critical technologies and strengthen research and innovation in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. The European Regional Development Fund contribution stands at €27.5 million.

The project involves the establishment and upgrading of a state-of-the-art, nationally strategic research infrastructure for nuclear magnetic resonance technology using very high magnetic fields. It will be designed to support research, development, and production of critical technologies in the fields of biotechnology and the pharmaceutical industry. As part of the project, advanced research equipment will be purchased and installed. The project also covers the adaptation of facilities and the establishment of organisational and operational conditions for the infrastructure's operation, thereby providing research organisations and industrial users with open access to world-class research capabilities.

The project aims to reduce the strategic dependence of Slovenia and the European Union in the field of critical technology development. The new research infrastructure will support the development and production of technologies important to biotechnology companies and the pharmaceutical industry and will contribute to strengthening European research capabilities. By joining the European research consortium CERIC-ERIC, the project will strengthen international cooperation, knowledge transfer, and the competitiveness of the Slovenian research community.

The main objective of the project is to upgrade the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Centre - the research infrastructure of the National Institute of Chemistry dedicated to nuclear magnetic resonance - with state-of-the-art equipment for the development of critical technologies and the training of highly qualified personnel. The project is based on collaboration between the National Institute of Chemistry as the lead partner and the University of Maribor, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, as a consortium partner. The partners will combine their cutting-edge research expertise, research infrastructure, and many years of experience, thereby making a significant contribution to the development of new technologies and their transfer to the economy.

The project, with a total value of €27.5 million, will be fully funded by the European Regional Development Fund. The beneficiaries of the funds are the National Institute of Chemistry and the University of Maribor, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering.