How do you design solutions that truly improve people’s lives? You start by listening. During the INSPIRE project meeting in Košice organised by PEDAL Consulting, partners combined strategic discussions with hands-on engagement to advance social inclusion and community-driven innovation. From the Roma community in the Luník IX borough to students with disabilities at the Technical University of Košice, the focus was clear: understand real challenges faced by vulnerable groups and turn them into practical solutions through Smart Village Labs. 
Košice becomes a hub for social inclusion and innovation
The international meeting of the INSPIRE project took place on 18 and 19 March 2026. We were proud to welcome project partners from across Europe to Eastern Slovakia and introduce them to the region, its communities, and its challenges. The meeting created space to review progress, align next steps, and strengthen collaboration.
The agenda focused on key project areas. These included Smart Village Labs, social inclusion, and innovative approaches to improving quality of life in rural and peri-urban areas. But this meeting was not only about strategy – it was more about people.
Stepping into reality: Visit to Luník IX
To better understand local challenges, partners visited the borough of Luník IX. This is one of the most socially excluded areas not only in the Košice region, and in Slovakia as a whole. The visit was guided by local expert Milan Kolcun, together with community representatives. Participants explored the history of the area, its current challenges, and ongoing efforts to improve living conditions.
The group was also welcomed by the Mayor of Luník IX. This created space for open and honest exchange. One of the most powerful moments came from Viktor Teru. A social innovator who grew up in a Roma settlement in Eastern Slovakia. Today, he is pursuing a PhD and actively supports his community through the RESDI initiative. His story is a powerful reminder that talent exists everywhere – when combined with the right support and strong personal motivation.
The visit also opened the door to future collaboration. The goal is to better support vulnerable groups across the region, including people with disabilities, Roma communities, and others facing social exclusion. 
From insight to solutions: Smart Village Lab at the Technical University in Košice
The programme continued at the Technical University of Košice (TUKE). This is where the Slovak Smart Village Lab is being developed. Our expert and university professor Radoslav Delina introduced the Košice Lab and its approach. Here, partners met directly with young people with disabilities, researchers, and innovators. Together, they explored practical solutions to everyday challenges.
Discussions focused on key priorities:
One message stood out clearly: motivation is not the problem – opportunity is.
Building solutions that matter
The INSPIRE Smart Village Lab in Košice aims to respond directly to these needs. It will connect communities, experts, and organisations to co-create practical solutions. The goal is simple: turn ideas into real opportunities. Opportunities for employment, inclusion, and for a better quality of life.
Building what matters next
The meeting in Košice confirmed one thing. Real change starts by listening and continues through collaboration. INSPIRE will keep working closely with local communities. To ensure that solutions are not only designed for people but co-created with them.
