Following cooperation agreements with the University of Žilina and the Technical University of Košice, the car manufacturer has also signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava (STU). As part of this cooperation, Kia has so far donated six robots to three universities, with STU receiving three of them. The car manufacturer has also supported five students with scholarships worth EUR 3,000, while another five students have the opportunity to receive up to EUR 4,000 during the current academic year. In addition, the company has supported students in the preparation of 24 final theses. Currently, Kia Slovakia provides scholarships and professional internships to a total of 15 students from three different universities.
“Cooperation between universities and modern companies builds a bridge between theory and practice, enabling the education of future professionals. Young people contribute new ideas, innovations and creative solutions, shaping an ever‑changing work and social environment. Through this mutual dialogue, we find the strength that drives our industry forward, and joint initiatives allow us to shape the future together – modern, dynamic and adaptable,” said Branislav Imre, Vice President responsible for leading the Administration Division.
To ensure continuity and the ongoing development of activities, the memorandum establishes regular semi‑annual evaluation meetings between Kia Slovakia and STU, during which progress achieved under the memorandum will be assessed and the results of joint activities shared.
“I believe that cooperation between the Slovak University of Technology and one of the key representatives of the automotive sector in Slovakia will be mutually beneficial. We expect it to enhance the attractiveness of studies, expand opportunities for applied research, and increase motivation to study technologies that are the driving force and a prerequisite for the development of the economy and society,” added Oliver Moravčík, Rector of STU.
An inspiration for cooperation with STU may be a pilot project involving 20 fifth‑year students from the Vehicles and Engines programme at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of the University of Žilina. The content of their course Testing of Internal Combustion Engines fully corresponds with engine production operations at Kia Slovakia. As part of the course, students tested engine performance in a specially designated laboratory and learned to operate modern measuring equipment in a 3D measurement laboratory, enabling them to ideally combine theoretical knowledge with hands‑on experience using the latest technologies.
*“This year, colleagues from the Education Department welcomed and guided more than 550 university students through the production facilities as part of cooperation with universities. We are also currently finalising the process of donating five engines and a Kia Ceed SW plug‑in hybrid vehicle for study purposes to the Department of Transport and Handling Technology in the Vehicles and Engines programme at the *Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of the University of Žilina,” concluded Tomáš Potoček, Spokesperson for Kia Slovakia.
