Bratislava to boast massive IT development hub

The IT Security Provider ESET wants to create a Silicon Valley in the Slovak capital

Back in 2017, the IT security provider ESET won out on a bid for the premises of the old Bratislava military hospital. The nine-hectare plot is shaping up to become a massive research and innovation campus aimed at fostering local talent and paving the way forward towards the future. ESET is currently in search of an architect to design the campus, which comes with a 100-million-euro price tag.

According to ESET, the goal of the research and innovation hub is to establish a direct link between IT and tech firms and technical universities. The campus will provide housing for students to further help the integration of learning establishments into the cooperative system. Furthermore, the location will also provide apartments and public premises to be rented and used by local employees. The campus will have everything its residents need to lead their day-to-day lives – food courts, cafes, shops, a pharmacy, schools, gyms, bicycle rental centres and of course tons of green spaces.

Currently ESET has shortlisted 10 potential candidates, 3 of which will be asked to present their vision for the company’s new studio in the tech hub. From there ESET will work on the campus for the next 10-15 years. This first vital step is expected to be completed by 2026, with construction of the studio starting in 2024.