The Slovak University of Agriculture (SPU) in Nitra was the first official partner of the major startup festival Fifteen Seconds in the field of economics, innovation and creative industries. At the event from June 15 to 17 in Graz, Austria, it impressed with new technologies.

It was presented with a special kiosk with the function of obtaining unconscious feedback through facial biometrics. SPU experts presented to festival visitors a special research vest SAMO (Simple Automatic Merchandising Operator), which allows for a comprehensive assessment of consumer behavior in real conditions. It records information about the movement of respondents, visual attention, emotions and environmental factors. In this way, it is possible to identify the real impact of marketing stimuli on human perception. They also presented a smart aromatization device that allows for intelligent, effective and efficient regulation of the aromatization of a defined space based on real data. "We are glad that we were able to participate in this top-notch event, the aim of which is to exchange opinions, experiences and knowledge on the way to a more sustainable future," said Jakub Berčík, the originator of both research technologies and director of the Consumer Studies Laboratory at the Faculty of Economics and Management of SPU.

Fourteen members of the winning teams of the Design Thinking Incubation Program, implemented by the Creative Center (C) of SPU, also participated in the festival. Our students, led by Master Matej Dudáš from CCU, had the opportunity to watch presentations by experts in the field of artificial intelligence research, design, human resources, sustainability, new technologies, mental health and marketing. Presentations were also given by large companies such as YouTube, Mercedes-Benz, Austrian Airlines, Netflix, Google, Red Bull and MasterCard. Festival participants were able to participate in panel discussions and workshops. SPU students and experts agreed that events of this nature move them forward and they returned home more experienced, full of motivation, energy and further plans.

The Fifteen Seconds festival also included interesting side events in the areas of networking, music and gastronomy. For example, each participant had the opportunity to have dinner with another randomly selected festival participant at a restaurant in the center of Graz, based on registration.